The Exe estuary is one of the top spots in Europe as a winter destination for migratory birds. many of them feed on the flora and fauna of the rich river mud at low tide, and retreat to the marshes and reed beds of the floodplains of the river and its tidal tributaries at high tide.
Much of the wetland area downstream of Exeter’s (fast expanding) built-up area is now a series of RSPB reserves. One of the longest established is Bowling Green Marsh in Topsham.
High tide in winter is when the reserve becomes a birding magnet, pullulating with many species of waterfowl. But there’s a chance of something of interest at any season. Little egrets, like the one preening in the foreground here, are now year-long residents on the estuary. The spoonbill pair here, this time, were resolutely keeping their distinctive beaks completely hidden.