Category: David

The mild climate on Devon’s south coast means a few violets start flowering in the first half of February.

Most years we visit the Exe estuary in February, to see the overwintering birds before they head off for their summer quarters, and to see spring flowers like violets and daffodils beginning to bloom when they are just throwing out their first leaves in the midands.

Much of the Exe estuary downstream of Exeter is now bordered by a string of RSPB reserves, culminating in the NNR at Dawlish Warren where the river empties into the sea.

These pictures of the Exe and its tidal tributary the Clyst were taken from shorelines near the their confluence at Topsham.

Horses hoof fungus growing on a fallen tree trunk in a wooded area by the River Severn at Bridgnorth.

Carrion crow on the branch of a tree, cocking its head to one side as it watches for any danger.

Pochard on West Park lake, making bow waves as it swam more or less in my direction.

Row of black headed gulls standing on the fence by the old bridge at Bridgnorth.