Three birds you can spot on the Exe Estuary
By Will Goddard
29th Jul 2021 | Local News
Birdwatching, or simply spotting a few on the estuary now and then while out for a walk, can be a great and relaxing pastime.
On the estuary there are over 20,000 species of 'wading birds', that is, birds that feed on the mudflats when the tide goes out.
In fact, it is considered a site of international importance because of this, as well as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).
To get you started, we've identified three common wading birds that can easily be seen at low tide on most days.
Three wading birds of the Exe Estuary
Avocet
The first of our trio is the avocet. Namesake of the GWR railway line to Exmouth, the avocet has long legs, an upcurved bill, and pied feathers (eg. black and white).
Curlew
Curlews are larger birds, with downcurved bills and mottled feathers.
Oystercatchers
Oystercatchers have distinctive large orange bills, which they use to open molluscs such as oysters (hence the name).
Their feathers are usually either all-black or black with a white underbelly.
Great birdwatching spots
Dawlish Warren and the Bowling Green Marsh are both excellent spots to see them, as well as the estuary itself at low tide.
Why not grab a pair of binoculars and see if you can see these three on the estuary?
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