Birdwatching Trip Report – 28th July 2024

The first evening Birdwatching Tram Trip of the year coincided with what was probably the warmest, stillest and sunniest evening of the year so far. The conditions ensured it was a memorable evening in the Axe Valley, even without taking into account the number and variety of birds seen during the trip.

Although we are still very much in summer, the selection of wading birds seen proved that ‘autumn’ or ‘post-breeding’ migration is now underway. Several tail-bobbing Common Sandpipers were seen along the route, with Greenshank, two Whimbrel, eight Dunlin, 11 Lapwing and 30+ Black-tailed Godwits also recorded.

Winter is usually the best time of year for wildfowl on the Estuary, however two Shoveler and a surprise Pintail seen from the tram proved that unusual ducks can appear even during these summer trips. They were also a good reminder that you really do not know what you are going to see during a birdwatching tram trip.

Gulls were feasting in large numbers overhead thanks to a mass irruption of flying ants, including an adult Mediterranean Gull swirling around in the melee high above Seaton Station. Swallows, House Martins and a wonderful flock of over 40 screaming Common Swifts were also making the most of this food source. A thorough look through the gulls resting on the Estuary revealed a nice example of a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, amongst the usual Black-backed, Herring and Black-headed Gulls.

A Kingfisher was seen briefly by just a few on the tram, and heard on another occasion, with other heard-only birds including a brief Water Rail, young Reed Warblers and a calling Cetti’s Warbler. The showiest bird of the trip was without doubt a juvenile Kestrel which the tram was virtually underneath of when it finally decided to fly from the tram pole it was perched on.

In total 51 species of birds were recorded during the two-hour trip, with a nice bonus in the form of lovely viewsof an adult and cub Fox.

Steve Waite

Species List - 28/07/2024

Mute Swan

Mediterranean Gull

Canada Goose

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Shelduck

Herring Gull

Teal

Yellow-legged Gull

Mallard

Great Black-backed Gull

Pintail

Stock Dove

Shoveler

Woodpigeon

Pheasant

Swift

Cormorant

Kingfisher

Little Egret J

ackdaw

Grey Heron

Rook

Little Grebe

Carrion Crow

Buzzard

Swallow

Kestrel

House Martin

Water Rail (heard only)

Cetti's Warbler (heard only)

Moorhen

Reed Warbler (heard only)

Oystercatcher Wren (heard only)

Lapwing

Starling

Dunlin

Blackbird

Black-tailed Godwit

Robin

Whimbrel

Stonechat

Curlew

House Sparrow

Common Sandpiper

Pied Wagtail

Greenshank

Goldfinch

Redshank

Linnet

Black-headed Gull