Powderham to Turf Lock, 11th January 2025
A large group of over 30 people, including 2 enthusiastic young lads, met at Powderham Church on an overcast morning for the birdwatching walk up to Turf Lock, led by Richards S and D.
The day began well with a sighting of a Goldcrest in the Church grounds and the weather gradually improved as we walked up the river. The tide was very low so initially most waders were only visible with a scope, and fortunately there were quite a few people with scopes who were prepared to share them so that everyone could view the birds.
As we continued upriver, the birds became closer and were easily viewed through binoculars. We had good views of many waders, including Avocets, Oystercatchers, Curlew, Black-Tailed Godwits, Dunlin and a large flock of Golden Plover. We also encountered flocks of Brent Geese, a good selection of hedgerow birds, plus Buzzards and a Kestrel. As we walked along, we were greeted by a Kingfisher flying by and perching for a while on a nearby boat, enabling everyone to see it. After a break for refreshments at the Turf Hotel, we retraced our steps towards Powderham.
The walk formally ended at the flyover bridge where people thanked the leaders for the enjoyable and productive morning’s walk. Later on, some of us were treated to the sight of a very active Firecrest feeding around the trees and bushes of the car park, a good way to round off the successful morning when 56 species were seen.
Claire Savaryn
56 species identified:
Pheasant, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Pintail, Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Wood Pigeon, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Buzzard, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chiffchaff, Firecrest, Goldcrest, Wren, Nuthatch, Blackbird, Redwing, Song Thrush, Robin, Stonechat, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Chaffinch, Bullfinch.
