Birdwatching Trip Report – 27th July 2025

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Steve Waite

Other than a brief rain shower within the first ten minutes of the trip, this bird-watching special was blessed with perfect weather conditions. Decent cloud cover for the first 90 minutes of the trip ensured excellent light for viewing in all directions; there was no wind, and to top it off, for the return journey back to Seaton Station, the sun came out so everyone could enjoy sun-soaked views of the Axe Valley, glowing gold in the evening light. A real pleasure to be out.

A Hobby was an early surprise on the trip; however, its appearance was all too brief as it zipped through low, heading for some feeding House Martins that it was presumably hunting for. The other raptor seen during the trip, a Kestrel, was thankfully much more obliging, landing on a trackside telegraph pole.

At least three Kingfishers were recorded during the two hours. Although all were only seen in flight, the final sighting was of a bird that flew up from right below the tram, offering a prolonged flight view as it flew towards the main Estuary.

Wading birds were well recorded as is expected at this time of year, when many of these species are undertaking their post-breeding migration. Three Green Sandpipers, two Greenshank and singles of Snipe and Whimbrel were most notable, although a flock of six summer-plumaged Dunlin were also much appreciated as they showed especially well feeding on Black Hole Marsh. A colour-ringed Curlew added a surprise splash of colour, presumably a bird from the recent ‘headstarting’ project led by the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust.

Grey Heron, although a species always expected on a bird watching tram trip, was unusually numerous with at least eight seen, including several young birds.

In total 49 species of birds were recorded during the two-hour trip.

Steve Waite

Mute Swan

Great Black-backed Gull

Canada Goose

Stock Dove

Shelduck

Woodpigeon

Mallard

Kingfisher

Pheasant

Green Woodpecker

Cormorant