The Exe Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with Ramsar designation, owing to its rich biodiversity which is found on the vast mudflats at low tide. During winter, this internationally significant site attracts hundreds of thousands of migratory birds from the likes of Greenland, Iceland and Arctic Sibera, making their treacherous journey to exploit some of the richest feeding grounds in the world.
The River Exe not only provides a vital food source, it also provides shelter and calm-assured waters, making it the perfect breeding ground for many visiting species.
The Exe Estuary welcomes a diverse range of waders every winter, with numbers generally rising year on year and the area has become particularly well-known among birders for its significant number of Avocets, which attract birders and nature enthusiasts from far and wide. Other frequent sightings include Oyster Catchers, Golden Plover, Red Breasted Mergansers, Shelduck, Dunlin, Sanderling, Godwit,
Kingfishers, Marsh Harriers and Herons. Other species of great interest include
Goldeneye and Great Northern Divers but passengers aboard Stuart Line Cruises’ Pride of Exmouth were thrilled and shocked in equal measure to be joined by a Lesser Crested Tern, during one of their Guided Bird Watching Cruises yesterday.
Passenger Grahame Madge said: “I heard a tern calling and decided to try to get a record shot, as terns are highly unusual in the UK in winter. The bird came close to the boat but was only in view for a few seconds. It was only moments later when I reviewed my shots that I realised the enormity of what I had photographed. I quickly issued the photograph to local birders from the boat who were then able to spread the news. It is great that people other than me are able to appreciate this bird, and I am delighted that fellow passengers were able to get good views of the bird on the return leg down the estuary. In my spare time I volunteer as a seabird surveyor with the MARINE life charity. I see a lot of seabirds, but this is the rarest by far that I have found. Bizarrely I also work in climate communications for the Met Office, where one of the areas I cover is the marine heatwave affecting the world’s oceans including around the UK. I cannot say it is connected but warmer waters will certainly help a bird off the UK in winter which should be in the tropics.”
Jake Stuart, Skipper of the vessel, added: “I am thrilled that my passengers were able to observe this rare species. My family have worked tirelessly over the years to promote the significance of the River Exe for its wildlife in winter and it is truly wonderful to see such excitement among the national bird watching community.” Stuart Line Cruises is a family-run passenger boat company which has been operating award-winning boat trips from Exmouth, since 1968. Between October and March, the company welcomes thousands of passengers aboard their perfectly clean, warm and modern vessels for their highly-regarded Guided Bird Watching Cruises. With detailed guidance from expert local Ornithologists, these experiences offer passengers the unique opportunity to observe the estuary’s bird life from within their natural habitat, facilitating views which simply cannot be rivalled. The experience is made even better by the accompaniment of award-winning local Devon pasties, which are served hot, alongside mugs of soup and other refreshments.
You can find out more about the cruises here
https://www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk/guided-bird-watching-cruise/
Cruises are extremely popular; advanced booking is essential and can be done online using the above link or by calling the Booking Office during office hours (09:00 – 17:00) on 01395 222144.