Blog

03 October 2026

Seaton Marshes

Went to Seaton today aware that most of the visitors had gone such as the Ospreys but its a great place to walk around and the other humans are always friendly here!

As expected not a lot to see from the Island hide with Lapwing, Redshank, Greenshank, Godwit, Shelduck, Mallard, Teal and Widgeon with the odd Moorhen running around on the mud.

Because it was high tide very little from the Tower hide that overlooks the River Axe except a lone Curlew, Mute Swans, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret and all the usual Gulls.

Most of the action was around the bushes and trees with Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, flock of House Sparrows, Blackcap, Cettis Warbler, Stonechat, Blackbird, Robin, Great, Blue, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Goldcrest, Dunnock, Wren, Reed Bunting, Woodpigeon, Rook, Carrion Crow, Magpie and a fly over of Canada Geese.

Nice to meet so many nice humans too!

02 October 2026

Newts and Dragons

Due to the lack of rain this summer all the usual wet spots I visit have dried up and not seen a single newt all year.

In the past Haytor Quarry has been a good spot to see them, it was beautiful when I visited, the water clear and the water plants such as Lilly's where in flower but very little to see, just about to leave when a single Palmate Newt rose to the surface for some air and disappeared straight away.

Checking other streams and wet areas around Dartmoor and the water continued to be crystal clear, some fish, healthy plants and several Common Darters around which are always good to see, the Dragon season will soon be over!

01 October 2026

Exminster Marshes

Went today to the marshes to park up at the RSPB car park and do a circular walk stopping at Turf at the turning of the tide for a cuppa and piece of cake.

It was though very quiet all the way around.

Around the bushes all the usual stuff with Cettis, Chiffchaff, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits, Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Linnet, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Stonechat, Magpie, Raven and the only Waders seen where 2x Godwits.

At turf only 4 waders seen, 2 Curlew and 2x Oystercatchers, also Little Egret, Black and Mute Swans with all the usual Gulls. On the canal there was a family of Mute Swans, Moorhen and a Cormorant.

Several Butterflies with Spotted Wood, Clouded Yellow and a White Sp.

The only really interesting thing was a small flock of Geese, there was Canada Gees and 2x White farm Geese but another group flew in.

At first I thought they where Greylags but looked different as some had white faces above the beak.

After putting up my thoughts up on the rare birds app apparently they were all Goose x Swan, I have seen this before so its not new to me but Iam not convinced that they all are but the experts have spoken?

© Simon Thurgood 2026
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