Yesterday 580 avocets were counted at Topsham and 203 black-tailed godwits at Bolling Green Marsh. The number of avocets is good and suggests that few, if any, have moved away from the estuary however the number of godwits is less than a quarter of the expected total, (counts provided by Sally Mills RSPB). Today it was cold and bleak on the Exminster marshes but there were almost 2.000 wigeon, 7 pintail and 4 black-tailed godwits.
There have been recent reports of 2 bitterns on the pools between the Double Locks and the ring road and further sightings on the Exminster marshes. Are these the same birds? There is speculation that there may be at least 5 bitterns between Exeter and the Turf. I am considering attempting to collate records to see if there is overlap or a pattern of distribution emerging. Please if you have seen a bittern in this area (Exeter to Turf) since November 2010 would you send the record to me, ideally with the date, time and location. My email is john.waldon@eclipse.co.uk or give me a call on 01392 833310.