Birdwatching Trip Report - 16th August 2024

It was a beautiful Friday evening, sunny and warm, with House Martins greeting us almost as soon as we left the station behind at Seaton. The tide was on its way out, so freshly-uncovered mud on the estuary was eagerly being sought out by gulls and waders. We had some excellent views of Curlew and Oystercatcher, with a single Common Sandpiper by the Seaton Marshes hide showing off its distinctive flight and bobbing tail. Two Greenshanks flew up the estuary and landed opposite the tram, initially picked up on their 'tew-tew-tew' flight call.

The evening's prize bird was a juvenile Osprey. To begin with it was somewhat north of our position, but our driver Simon soon had us much closer, and we all enjoyed super views of the youngster as it quartered the estuary for a meal. The Axe is home to a healthy population of Mullet, and almost invariably these are what visiting Ospreys catch when fishing here. Despite at least one attempt, unfortunately our bird failed to catch anything, probably due to youthful inexperience! Eventually it drifted away downstream and out of view.

Black Hole Marsh held a good number of Black-tailed Godwits, plus Redshanks and at least ten Dunlin. As we travelled on to Colyford Common, the ditch alongside us produced an all-too-brief Water Rail, a species generally heard more than it is seen. Talking of 'all-too-brief', Kingfisher fell into that category on this trip, with just one bird giving a blink-and-you-missed it kind of view! It certainly is a good time of year to catch up with this species on the Axe Estuary, but they are rarely easy!

Finally, three Barn Owls in a tree together across the far side of the estuary was a very special sighting, and indicate a successful breeding season for our local birds. A wonderful way to round off another terrific evening on the Seaton Birdwatching Tram.

The final tally was 51 species seen and/or heard, all listed below...