A successful field visit took place on 18th September. A little low cloud gave rather hazy views of Knot and eight Avocet from the Goat Walk but there were lovely sightings of numerous black tailed godwit and a variety of gulls on the mud flats of the Exe.
Viewing from the platform was challenging as long grass obscured sights through the telescopes of birds up the River Clyst. Eventually we had sightings of four Curlew Sandpiper and a distant Ruff mixed with Redshank and Dunlin.
After eating lunch supplemented with plenty of blackberries we made our way to the brand new RSPB hide. Mandy soon spotted a juvenile Ruff close to the hide, where it continued to give us beautiful views for the rest of our visit. As the tide rose, more Godwits flew in and four Greenshank, many Redshank and two Spotted Redshank joined them in a far corner of the water.
Eventually over 40 different species of bird were seen and also Doug pointed out several Red Admiral butterflies and some Speckled Wood also showed well.
Lesley Goonesekera
