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Egret fishing River Clyst, upstream from Bridge Weir

Egret fishing River Clyst, upstream from Bridge Weir

The Bridge at Topsham carries a fast-rotating selection of local real ales, served from barrels at the back of the bar. Opening times are limited to those imposed in the wartime restrictions just over a century ago.

The beer garden overlooks the River Clyst, a tidal tributary of the River Exe, where a weir often disappears underwater at high tides. Downstream from the pub to its confluence with the Exe there’s a series of RSPB reserves, with others nearby.

My first glimpse of the river on the morning this picture was taken came when I passed it on the bus. There had then been a heron and a lesser egret, quite close together, fishing at the weir.

By the time I had walked (slowly) back from the bus stop the heron had disappeared. The egret had moved upriver, and could just be seen, close to the bank, by a distant bend.

Views did get better later (to be continued …)

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Shade

Shade

Summer finally arriving in early September after a cool and damp July and August. Darts Farm, by the road from Exeter to Exmouth, is a very elaborate, rather upmarket farm shop. The sheep and pig were grabbing every inch of shade in their pens, less than happy at the unaccustomed heat.

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Topsham twilight

Topsham twighlight

A few days’ break by the Exe estuary earlier this month. I’m still walking around with the aid of a pair of crutches, which makes photography awkward.

These pictures taken on a mobile. The Exe estuary at Topsham, shortly after sunset.

Topsham twighlight

Lots of exposed mud. The river’s tidal there, and the tide was low. The views are looking down from the wall of the churchyard, high above the river.

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Raven, Bantock Park

Raven, Bantock Park

Record shot: a distant view of a raven at the top of a conifer in Bantock Park. Just after these pictures were taken, the bird took off, flying almost overhead so the wedge-shaped tail could be seen clearly enough for a firm ID. A second bird also appeared, flying in parallel with it.

Raven, Bantock Park