Avocets

Although todays weather forecast was for strong winds, rain and cloud it didn't seem quite that bad.  We were out on a bird guided cruise along the river Exe from Exmouth to Topsham.  We were all wearing multiple layers of clothing, waterproof over trousers and warm hats so managed to stay pretty warm although there was a heated lower deck to warm up in. 

The cruise started by going around Exmouth and Dawlish Warren and then upstream along the small channel surrounded by mudflats that are very popular feeding locations with birds.  At this time of the year a number of birds have arrived from colder climates to feed here.  This included the Avocets shown in todays blip.   They have a lovely shape and were present in several groups.  We saw many birds including Mute Swan, Black Swan, Brent Goose, Wigeon, Merganser, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Black headed Gull, Herring Gull, Black backed Gull, Cormorant, Shag, Grey Heron, Little Egret and a Kingfisher spotted by a few.  At the beginning of the estuary we came across a female seal and her pup that were resting on a fishing rig in the middle of the water.  I took lots of photos with the best ones being of the largest animals ie the seals but have blipped the Avocets since they were a delight to see.