Black Swans, Topsham

Black swans are native to Australia. A group were established in Dawlish, south Devon.

Sometimes they range as far as the Teign estuary and the Exe estuary.

These two were on the Exe at Topsham, feeding on the mud exposed at low tide. They were definitely a pair.

Marsh marigolds opening

Marsh marigolds opening

Small clump of marsh marigolds beginning to flower. The final picture was taken two days later that the ones where the flower buds were still just starting opening.

Wide open spaces, mouth of River Exe

Wide open spaces, mouth of River Exe

Wide open spaces,the Exe estuary looking toward the river mouth and the sea. Exmouth stretches along the seashore to the left, with Dawlish Warren on the other shore.

Wigeon, RSPB Bowling Green, Topsham

Wigeon, RSPB Bowling Green, Topsham

Wigeon were the species present in the greatest numbers at the RSPB Bowling Green, Topsham, Reserve in the final days of storm Gareth. Three days later the winds had dropped, and only a few stragglers were still holding back from heading to their summer breeding grounds. These had been right below the hide before the great departure.Wigeon, RSPB Bowling Green, Topsham
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Wigeon were the species present in the greatest numbers at the RSPB Bowling Green, Topsham, Reserve in the final days of storm Gareth. Three days later the winds had dropped, and only a few stragglers were still holding back from heading to their summer breeding grounds. These had been right below the hide before the great departure.