EXETER AND DISTRICT LOCAL GROUP
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EXETER AND DISTRICT
LOCAL GROUP
Editorial
Hello everyone, I hope this finds you well. Once again, we have a packed newsletter for you with lots
of interesting reports, as well as details of an exciting programme of indoor and outdoor events for the
months ahead. This very dry summer is worrying, as it confirms our climate is under threat, let’s hope
for a rainy autumn, so that at least for now our wildlife and countryside can return to something like
normal. With very best wishes
Liz Saunders
Please send copy for the next issue by 31st October to me by email to: els.bullfinch@mypostoffice.co.uk
or by post to: 20 Crockwells Close, Exminster, EX6 8DL
From the Group Leader
As I write this article, it is high summer, but we are looking forward to the autumn and the new season
of our local group activities. I am particularly looking forward to the talk by Mike Mockler on 13th
September entitled “Kenya Revisited”. Mike is an excellent speaker, and we had been anticipating a
visit from him in April 2020 until it had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. I am hoping for a good
turn-out at what should be an excellent talk to open the new season.
The full programme for the next year is shown in our annual programme card, which is being
distributed along with this newsletter after an enforced break due to covid-19. It is a handy summary
of our events for members, and a good way of publicising our group more widely. As in previous
years, we are posting the cards to all members, but we would be interested to know if members who
receive their newsletter by email would also be happy to receive the card by email in future.
I would like to welcome on board Paul Bray, who we co-opted onto the committee in June. At present,
he has not taken on a specific committee role, but is helping out in various ways, including leading
some of our birdwatching walks. As noted in the summer newsletter, we are looking for new
volunteers to help run the group, specifically as website editor and fayres organiser. We also need
someone to organise the raffle at the indoor meetings (and fayres). If you can help, please do let me
know. Although you don’t necessarily need to be on the committee to help in any of these roles,
please let me know if you would be interested in joining the committee too. Our AGM is coming up in
October, and it would be a good opportunity to stand for election,
Finally, I am afraid that I have some very sad news to pass on. I expect many of you will have heard
by now that two of our longstanding members, Val Palmer and Chrissie Edginton have passed away
in the past few months. We are indebted to both for their support for the local group, and their other
volunteering work for the RSPB.
Richard Swinbank
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654
Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 2 of 16
NEWS AND INFORMATION
New local group website
Most of you will have received the email message that we sent out in May to announce our new
website, https://group.rspb.org.uk/exeter/ This brings a new look to our Exeter & district local group
website, and an ability to function well on mobile devices as well as desktop computers. The new site
also offers a lot more flexibility, for instance allowing us to include more photos. Since it was
launched, we have added some more features and content – so please take another look if you
haven’t looked at the site recently.
The layout of the new site should be intuitive, but some sections of the website have changed and
may not be familiar. So here are some quick tips for using the new site. The main information on the
website can be accessed via ‘News & Blogs’.
• The ‘News’ section includes news items, announcements, our newsletters and (until a special
‘Events’ section is developed) future events.
• The ‘Blogs’ section is used for reports about group activities, including trip reports, and write-
ups of indoor meetings and Zoom talks. We have also included a few posts containing useful
links to other websites.
On both the ‘News’ page and the ‘Blogs’ page, there are buttons that you can use to select a specific
category of posts (e.g., ‘Birdwatching walks’ or ‘Talk Reports’).
The home page highlights two upcoming events, for example, the next walk and next talk. There is
also a button to go to the news items advertising all our events. The new ‘Get involved’ section
includes an invitation for people to attend our events and join the group, along with a copy of the
‘featured events’ block.
A volunteering opportunity
Jenny, our current website editor, is standing down soon and we are looking for someone a to take
the lead on developing this website in the future. Previous experience with WordPress (or similar
weblog software) would be helpful, but by no means necessary. We can assure you that it is quite
straightforward to add & edit content for the new website. If you can help, please contact Richard
(richard.swinbank@mac.com).
Richard Swinbank and Jenny Ingram
RSPB Christmas Sales 2022
Although it’s still summer, this is advance notice that RSPB cards, calendars and diaries will be
available to buy at our forthcoming indoor meetings and at the Autumn Fayre. Obviously, there is a
limit to what I can have in stock, so if you see any items in the catalogue (actual or online) which you
would like me to order, I will be pleased to do that for you (and you will save on the postage and
packing!).
Should you wish to place an order, let me know:
Face-to-face at an indoor meeting
email: mancsteel@btinternet.com
Phone: 01392 258786
Post: 12 St Loyes Rd Exeter EX2 5HL
Marilyn Steel (sales organiser)
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654
Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 3 of 16
RSPB Autumn Fayre – 19 November 2022
Following the successful return of our Spring Fayre in May, we are delighted to confirm that our
Autumn Fayre will take place at our usual venue (Topsham St Margaret’s Church Social Area)
Please put the above date in your diaries, we look forward to seeing you there. As we do not at
present have an organiser for this Fayre, Marilyn Steel has kindly offered to step into the breach for
this occasion. As always, donations of items for sale are needed, books, bric-a-brac, toys, CDs and
so on would be gratefully received. We would also be delighted to receive items for the raffle prizes.
And, as always, if you are able to volunteer to help out on the day, that would be great.
Please contact Marilyn for further information: 01392 258786 or email: mancsteel@btinternet.com
WhatsApp Group
The Exeter & District Local Group is always looking for more ways to reach out to existing members
and to encourage new ones to join, so we thought we would see if you would be interested in a
WhatsApp group.
For those who have not heard about ‘WhatsApp’, here is a summary. It is a free messenger app that
can be used on smartphones or a desktop / laptop. It is generally free to use (but please check your
own mobile ‘phone plan). A WhatsApp group is a great way of sending a message instantly to a
number of people at once.
Not only can details or reminders about Group trips, events or talks be shared but perhaps sightings
of wildlife in our area too. The WhatsApp group could also be used for help with ID of species as
photos can easily be posted.
If you are a member of the Group and want to sign up, you will need to download and install
WhatsApp from Google PlayStore (Android devices) or Apple App Store (Apple devices) and then
send your name and mobile ‘phone number to me at thesetter@icloud.com .
If you think you might be interested but have questions, please email me and I’ll do my best to answer
them (but please note I’m not a techie!).
Paul Bray
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Outdoor meetings programme for September to December 2022
We are looking forward to a new season of outdoor meetings in 2022/3. A summary of the year’s
programme is shown on our programme card, and below we give full details of our planned
birdwatching walks up to December. We also include information about a couple of events in the new
year that will need to be booked in advance – a birdwatching boat trip on the Exe Estuary on 19th
January 2023, and a long weekend in Cornwall on 3rd - 6th March.
We are hoping that these events will proceed as planned, but please bear in mind that covid-19
restrictions might need to be reinstated. You do not need to book advance, unless otherwise stated.
We have included a few “gentle walks”, which will be shorter than usual and over generally level
terrain. Everyone is welcome, although they cater especially for those members who can’t walk so far.
The walks are free of charge for our local group members – although donations to the RSPB are
always welcome. There is a charge of £2 (part day) or £3 (full day) for non-members, with the first one
free.
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654
Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 4 of 16
The walks will take place (more or less) whatever the weather – please wear appropriate
weatherproof clothing and waterproof footwear, and don’t forget your binoculars. Assistance dogs
only. Please check the website beforehand in case of any late changes.
Programme
Saturday 3rd September – Morning visit to Seaton Wetlands
Depending on the weather, this can be a good time of year to spot some less common migrant
waders, such as wood sandpiper or little stint. There is usually a good selection of water birds at
Black Hole Marsh and on the Axe estuary. Time permitting, we will also visit the adjacent Colyford
Common reserve.
Meet at Seaton Wetlands car park, accessed through Seaton Cemetery (SY249915; EX12 2SP) at
9.30am.
Car park donation requested (£1); toilets near Discovery Hut.
Sunday 18th September – Full day visit to Prawle
A scenic walk around the Prawle Point area, where we hope to see some autumn migrants as well as
the local cirl buntings. Note that this is a harder walk with some rocky and steep sections, but we can
look forward to tea or ice cream at the café afterwards.
Meet at East Prawle village green (SX781362; TQ7 2BY) at 10.00am.
Cafe and toilets by village green. Bring and carry packed lunch.
Thursday 6th October – Morning visit to Emsworthy Mire
Devon Wildlife Trust’s Emsworthy Mire reserve can be a good place to spot early winter thrushes, and
perhaps ring ouzels on migration. We will walk a circuit around the reserve, but beware that the path
is uneven and can be boggy – wellies recommended.
Meet at the Saddle Tor south car park (SX748761), on the B3387 past Haytor and Saddle Tor, but not
well signposted) at 9.30 am.
No toilets.
Tuesday 18th October – Gentle morning walk from Passage House Inn
We will start by viewing the mudflats of the upper Teign estuary, which is a good spot to see a range
of passage waders. We will then walk around the Hackney Marshes local nature reserve.
Meet at 9.30 am in the riverside car park, Passage House Inn, Kingsteignton (SX880723, TQ12 3QH).
If you would like to have lunch together at Passage House Inn after the walk, please contact Cilla
Ingram (phone 07712 116739 or email priscillaingram@outlook.com) by 8th October.
Sunday 30th October – “Open Morning” at Bowling Green Marsh
We are inviting members of the public to learn more about our group, and to view the birds around the
morning hide tide. Refreshments available.
9.30 am – 12.30 pm at the Lookout, Bowling Green Marsh (SX971875, EX3 0BG)
Parking at Holman Way car park (charge), with toilets at Topsham Quay.
Saturday 5th November – Morning walk from Powderham to Turf locks
A morning walk, aiming to see ducks and waders on the Exe estuary and wintering birds in the
neighbouring fields. We hope to get good views of large flocks of Brent Geese and Black-tailed
Godwits, plus Red-breasted Mergansers on the estuary.
Meet at 9.30 am near Powderham church (SX971843; EX6 8JJ).
Parking donation for church car park. No toilets.
Thursday 24th November – Visit to the Lower Otter Restoration Project
The Lower Otter Restoration Project is working to adapt and improve the Otter Estuary and its
immediate surroundings, in the face of our rapidly changing climate. It will establish a larger area of
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654
Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 5 of 16
rare inter-tidal habitat with significant biodiversity benefits, including for birdlife. We will have a guided
tour of the project site to see the work in hand and learn more about it. The tour will last around 90
minutes and there will be further opportunity for birdwatching afterwards.
Meet at 9.30 am on the grassy area at the northern end of the Lime Kiln car park (SY073822; EX9
6JD)
Parking charge at Lime Kiln car park. Toilets by the beach (300m from meeting point).
Tuesday 13th December – Gentle morning walk to Bowling Green Marsh
We will take a gentle walk to the Lookout and hide at Bowling Green Marsh, where we can spend our
time observing ducks and waders. For those that wish, we can also visit the nearby Clyst viewing
platform and Goosemoor.
Meet at 9.30 am at Holman Way Car Park, Topsham (SX968881; EX3 0EN).
Car park charge. Toilets on Topsham Quay.
The walk will be followed by Christmas lunch at the St George and Dragon, Clyst St George (near
Darts Farm) after the walk. If you would like to book Christmas lunch, please contact Cilla Ingram
(phone 07712 116739 or email priscillaingram@outlook.com) by 18th October.
Advance Notice
Thursday 19th January 2023 - Exe Estuary Boat trip
We will take a bird-watching cruise, with commentary from an expert guide, to give us a different
perspective of the estuary and the large flocks of birds that gather there. The cruise will depart from
Exmouth marina at 10:15 pm, and last about 3 hours. Cost £12 per person for local group members,
£14 for non-members. You are recommended to bring a packed lunch, and you can also pre-order a
hot pasty £4. The estuary can be extremely cold, so bring extra warm clothing and waterproofs.
Booking deadline: 1st December. To book your place, please contact Richard with the following
information name(s) of passengers, your address & telephone number, and whether you want a steak
or vegetarian pasty (or gluten free options). I will need payment to cover the total cost of both tickets
and pasties.
Friday 3rd - Monday 6th March – Trip to Cornwall
We will be running a bird watching trip to Cornwall, staying in Hayle. The itinerary is not fixed, but we
plan to visit the Hayle Estuary, Land’s End, Marazion Marsh, Lizard peninsular and other local sites.
We will be staying at the Premier Inn, Hayle. If you want to join us, please book direct with Premier
Inn (via their website, premierinn.com or by phone 0333 003 8101), arriving 3rd March and staying for
3 nights. I suggest booking a flexible rate, in case of any changes, but you may book a cheaper non-
flexible rate at your own risk.
Please also tell Richard that you have booked and make a payment of £10 per person (£15 for non-
members of the Exeter local group), to contribute to group expenses and our public liability insurance,
following the instructions below.
You may book by post or by email. To book by post, please send me the relevant details, a cheque
payable to “RSPB Exeter Local Group”, and (for the boat trip) a stamped addressed envelope. My address
is: 9 Broad Oak Close, West Hill, Ottery St Mary. EX11 1XW; phone 01404 813666; e-mail:
richard.swinbank@mac.com. To book online, please send me the information by email and transfer your
payment to our bank account.
Bank: Lloyds Bank PLC Branch: Biggleswade
Sort code: 30-90-79 Account number: 33376560
Account name: RSPB Exeter Local Group
Reference: Please put “BOAT”, or “HAYLE”, as appropriate and your name (e.g., BOAT SMITHJ)
Richard Swinbank
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654
Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 6 of 16
RSPB Indoor Meetings and Zoom talks, September to December 2022
We very much hope that we will be able to have a full season of talks at the United Reformed Church
(URC) Hall, Exeter EX1 1QD. Admission is £5 for local group members and £7 for anyone else,
including refreshments in the interval. I have also arranged four additional Zoom meetings on a
Wednesday evening. These allow me to book speakers who live too far away to come to Exeter in
person and also enable those of you who cannot come into central Exeter on a Tuesday evening to
take part. Invitations will be e-mailed to members. Non-members will need to buy a ticket via
Eventbrite at the cost of £3. All meetings start at 7.30pm. The programme for the full season is
contained in the Programme Card.
13th September: Mike Mockler – Kenya Revisited
Mike Mockler has led many safaris to Kenya and other African countries but now he and his wife visit
private conservancies with intimate tented camps in lovely locations with sensational game-viewing
and great birdwatching. This revamped Kenya talk looks at some of these conservancies and the
wildlife that can be seen there.
28th September Zoom: Mary Braddock – The Beauty of the Scottish Highlands
This talk is a journey through the Caledonian forest, its specialist birds and mammals, views and
weather. We climb up the Cairngorm mountains to find species that only survive because their white
camouflage protects them. It shows the harsh conditions species need to survive and which threaten
their existence.
Mary has been a RSPB volunteer for 28 years, spending time with her Local Group in NW Surrey and
then working at Farnham and Hazeley RSPB Reserves. She and her husband moved to Somerset in
December 2020.
11th October: AGM and RSPB speaker
Richard Archer - Introducing the Chesil Beach Little Tern Recovery Project
The RSPB has led the Chesil Little Tern Recovery Project since 2009. Richard Archer is the RSPB’s
Project Manager at Chesil and will share the story of how an ailing but nationally important seabird
colony was brought back to life. In Richard’s 27 years with the RSPB, he has been involved in several
species conservation projects, including the reintroduction of European cranes to the Somerset
Levels and the protection of breeding waders, including Somerset’s lowland curlews.
26th October Zoom: Pat Morris – Hedgehogs
This talk will give a general overview of the natural history of the hedgehog, particularly based on Dr
Morris’ research over the past 50+ years. There will be special focus on issues to do with the
hedgehog's present-day decline and what we can do to help. Dr Pat Morris MBE is the author of
“Hedgehog” in Collins New Naturalist Library, published in 2018, a former Chairman of The Mammal
Society and a retired lecturer in Zoology at Royal Holloway, University of London.
8th November: Rupert Kirkwood - Up the creek ... and beyond
Rupert Kirkwood is a farm vet who had to take early retirement after injury. He now spends as much
time as possible paddling his kayak around the coast of Devon and Cornwall observing and
photographing wildlife. He enjoys it so much he has clocked up over 27,000 miles over the last fifteen
or so years. He will be showing pictures/videos of peregrine, puffin, osprey, dolphin, porpoise, basking
shark, seals, sunfish, tuna, whales and even a swimming badger, all taken from the kayak seat in SW
England.
6th December: Members' evening
This evening will provide members with an opportunity to run a quiz, give a short talk or show slides
or videos of their birdwatching holidays or other subjects of interest to the group. Please contact me if
you can make a contribution.
I should be very grateful for volunteers to write up a talk for the website etc, particularly when
we have two talks in a month. Please let me know if you can help.
Helen Baker
Indoor Meetings Organiser
helen.baker60@tiscali.co.uk
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654
Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 7 of 16
LOOKING BACK
OUTDOOR MEETINGS
Trip to Poole Harbour, 10th – 13th April 2022
We had originally planned to run this trip to Poole Harbour at the end of March 2020, but we all know
what happened to those plans. So, once covid restrictions were eased, we were very happy to be
able to do this trip, albeit two years late.
We started our travels on the Sunday at Upton Country Park, a beautiful manor house near Poole set
in 160 acres of parkland. We took a short walk through the grounds to the shoreline and set up our
scopes to look at the water birds. We saw oystercatchers, redshanks, black-tailed godwits and
shelducks. Along the footpath we also spotted some silver birch with perfect holes for nests and
watched a nuthatch and goldcrest collecting moss. It was just a fleeting visit to Upton, but we would
definitely plan a return trip, plus the café is apparently award winning! We then made our way to
RSPB Lytchett Fields wetland reserve, despite being so close to the A35, the traffic noise does not
disturb the waders and we got to see some less common examples. We spent some time watching
two little ringed plovers and also a greenshank. We then took a short walk around the reserve and
saw a field of Mediterranean gulls. We had a little wander down the lane on the way to the car park,
then we headed off to find the Premier Inn at Holes Bay ready for a rest and some dinner!
On Monday, we made the trip to Brownsea Island. The crossing to Brownsea was made in a fresh,
rather cold wind, but the sun shone all day and visibility was excellent. We spent some time by the
buildings, looking out over the lagoon, having good views of all the anticipated waders and ducks,
including avocet.
Avocet – Brownsea – Richard Swinbank
We then walked on to the Dorset Wildlife Trust area, getting an update on what was about from the
welcoming volunteers. Views from the hides were excellent, the good light showing the birds’
breeding plumage to best advantage. The beautifully mottled colouring on the back of a male teal was
something that I had never previously noticed. Mediterranean gulls were a bonus, and easily
distinguished from the black-headed gulls at such close range. There was also a webcam being
operated from the first hide, giving, upon my request, some close-up pictures of gadwall! Sandwich
terns had recently arrived and were in a flock at the far side of the lagoon.
The group split up and took different routes around the island. Almost everyone had at least one
sighting of red squirrel, for which Brownsea is famous. Inland, there is a hide overlooking 2 large
ponds, and also an area of heathland. Some trees are being removed to increase the area of
heathland and storm damage was also apparent. Of course, the lovely main pine wood will remain. I
had no luck with Dartford warbler, and green woodpeckers taunted me with their ‘yaffle’ call whilst
remaining hidden, but a treecreeper provided compensation whilst searching for a woodpecker.
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654
Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 8 of 16
With the wind now behind us, the boat crossing back was less choppy and gave us a chance to look
back at the lagoon and some of the wonderful birds which we had enjoyed during a super day.
Our trip on Tuesday centred at one of the RSPB`s flagship sites Arne, so we had great expectations
and we weren’t disappointed. With heath, woodland and coast a good variety of birds soon delighted
our senses with the sights and sounds of song thrush, blackbird, and blackcaps. As we made our way
round the site from a mix of different habitats where we spotted black-tailed godwits, curlew and
shelduck on the estuary, with the bonus of a pair of spoonbills. To add to our delight, as we made our
way to a different location, some of our group spotted an osprey on a nesting post eating a fish, then
others were entertained by a Dartford warbler popping in and out of the gorse. Later in the day we
saw several sika deer, plus one pure white one, and other birds like green woodpecker, siskin, and
goldfinch. Arne is truly a special place.
On Wednesday, our final morning, the group gathered at Franchises Lodge (near the Telegraph Hill
car park to the east of Fordingbridge), a new RSPB reserve on the fringe of the New Forest.
The warden, Saul, conducted a guided walk of the large site. He explained the long-term goals of
protecting the SSSI Grade 1 woodland part of the reserve and over a number of years, returning the
heavily rhododendron infested conifer forest into high quality heathland. The deciduous woods were
filled with the chorus of many woodland birds, including chiffchaff, blackbird, song and mistle thrush
and a variety of tits. Over the course of the walk several birds of prey were spotted, including good
views of buzzard & kestrel and a glimpse of a goshawk. After hearing the call of a firecrest on several
occasions, we were finally rewarded with a good view of this fast-moving bird, its distinctive white eye
stripe clearly visible.
After lunch the group broke up and returned home, some going via the RSPB Winterbourne Downs
reserve where rare stone-curlew were seen.
Cat Holt, Pat Thomson, Richard Winfield and Mark Barron
A Morning Walk at Berry Head – 24 April 2022
Light rain was falling, as ten participants, to be joined later by one more, set out in the direction of the
Berry Head Hotel. We were wrapped up against a cold north-easterly wind, not ideal for spring
migration. To provide some shelter, it was decided to take the woodland trails initially, where we had
close views of chiffchaff, long tailed tit, and male and female blackcap. Out in the open, goldfinches
were more numerous than usual, while only a few swallows were seen high up.
We then went across to the Guardhouse Cafe and took up our viewing positions beside the hide,
overlooking the inlet and the high cliffs beyond. The cliffs have hosted the largest breeding colony of
guillemots along the south coast of England, peaking at 1400 birds. Many were now back on their
ledges, standing like sentinels in readiness for the nesting season.
Fulmars glided on stiff wings low over the water and in front of the cliffs. The name comes from Old
Norse, “full” meaning “foul” and “mar” meaning “gull”. The word refers to the foul smell of their
stomach oil. The species British range exploded in the 19th and 20th centuries due partly to the
availability of offal from the commercial fishing fleets. Fulmars are now found all around our coasts,
whereas formerly they bred only on St Kilda.
Kittiwakes, on the other hand are in decline, so it was good to see at least four pairs settling down in
the crevices. On the sea, one or two razorbills were spotted, and even photographed, among rafts of
guillemots. Shags and cormorants were also present on the outcrops.
Extra layers of clothing were removed, as the weather improved and blue skies appeared. We then
walked to the Headland by the lighthouse, scouring the sea for dolphins and porpoises but none were
seen on this occasion. A few gannets passed by not far offshore. Suddenly a great black-backed gull
appeared on the sea with a fish in its mouth well caught on camera by Cat Holt.
Returning beside the long wall above the quarry, we had close views of speckled wood and wall
brown butterflies at rest. Descending the tarmacked road down to the quarry in search of spring
migrants, the only notable sighting was of a grey wagtail in flight. Like the Grand Old Duke of York, in
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654
Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 9 of 16
reverse, Richard S led his troops back up the steep hill. At the top, we were rewarded with the sight of
a male cirl bunting on top of a tree, singing its song of rattling trills.
Great black-backed gull with fish - Cat Holt Common Whitethroat – Cat Holt
For the final leg of our walk, we proceeded to the South Fort, below which a few newly arrived
common whitethroats were taking up prominent perches, in good voice. Our walk finished just before
1pm in pleasant sunshine. Many thanks to our leaders, Richard Swinbank and Richard Farr.
Robert Thompson
A Morning Walk at Yarner Wood – 10 May 2022
Nineteen members of the group met at 8.30am to begin our birding walk around Yarner Wood, which
was led by Richard Dumelow. However, it was a cloudy and cool start to the day, and we were
initially a little disappointed not to see much bird activity, as it appeared that the group had got up
earlier than the birds. As the morning progressed, we saw our first pied flycatcher of the day, birds
such as blue and long-tailed tits, a jay, and a song thrush cracking a snail on the stone path in front of
us. We were fortunate enough to catch two sightings of a lesser spotted woodpecker, which was a
first ever sighting of this rare species for some members of the group.
By this time, the sun (and more birds) had come out and we made our way out to the heathland area
of the reserve where we saw more open-habitat species including a tree pipit, yellowhammer, some
linnets, and a garden warbler with a buzzard overhead. So the visit ended on a high note, having
seen a good selection of the star species of Yarner Wood. At the end of the trip, about half of the
group decided to stay around the car park to eat a picnic lunch, where we were serenaded by a willow
warbler and treated to our first sighting of the year of returning swifts which was an extra treat of the
day.
Claire Savaryn
A Walk from Bennett’s Cross to Challacombe – 21 May 2022
Skylarks singing and fluttering signalled our meeting point at Bennett’s Cross on Dartmoor. Eleven of
us hiked down the valley towards Challacombe on a warm, breezy day.
Early in the walk, some members of the group spotted two lifers – cuckoo and whinchat.
We had many more views of these fantastic birds along the way, including cuckoos being mobbed in
flight by pipits. As we walked, we frequently saw and heard meadow pipit, willow warbler and
stonechat, with occasional fly-overs by herring gulls. We saw a buzzard hovering, not unlike a kestrel,
in the wind near one of the tors. All blackbirds were studied to make sure we didn’t overlook them in
our search for ring ouzel.
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Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 10 of 16
We enjoyed elevenses to the sound of garden warbler, chiffchaff and robin, the former only heard and
not seen. We spotted many butterflies and insects in the area, including green-veined white, small
copper, small pearl-bordered fritillary, peacock and painted lady.Continuing the walk through the old
mine buildings and on to Challacombe Farm, we found a perfect picnic spot surrounded by swallows
and house martins. We watched the house sparrows collecting nesting material and heard a couple of
cuckoos. As we wandered along the stream we had great views of a spotted flycatcher – a first for the
2022 list for many of us. It was hard to know where to look, as we were also surrounded by siskins,
goldfinches, wrens and warblers.
Whinchat – Cat Holt Wheatear – Emma Whitton
Along the route we saw several species of corvids, including magpie, jackdaw, rook and carrion crow.
At this time of year, the birds were paired up for breeding, and we had good views of a pair of posing
redstarts, nuthatches flying in and out of a nest hole and mallards going overhead. Some of us
werelucky to spot the sleeping troll under the bridge, luckily no one disturbed the beast.
During the walk we saw many common songbirds, such as chaffinch, pied wagtail, dunnock, great tit,
long-tailed tit, blue tit and blackcap. Woodpigeons cooed and we had a brief glimpse of a great
spotted woodpecker. Four linnets perched on the heather, and we spent time watching a treecreeper
climb tree trunks in a little copse.
Beyond Challacombe Farm we headed toward Headland
Warren farm through the fields of bluebells. It was here we had
our best views of wheatear and whinchat, along with some
interested alpacas. We had been hearing reed bunting along
the walk but were able to add to the list of birds seen, along
with kestrel, near the farm itself. After enjoying the view at
Birch Tor, we headed back to the car park. A couple of the
group disturbed a male adder, which soon disappeared under
the heather. In all, we recorded 40 bird species. The weather
stayed bright and warm, and some enjoyed a drink back at the
Warren House Inn to reflect on an enjoyable day.
Emma Whitton
Redstart – Emma Whitton
Full-Day Visit to Steart Marshes – 12 June 2022
A cool breeze met us at Steart Marshes but it was a day full of promise. While our party of eleven was
still in the car park we saw a distant great white egret and a quartering marsh harrier, and at the other
end of the scale there were several goldfinches flitting around.
We walked towards the first hide in the sunshine with many wild flowers by the path, and bird song
filled the air. A swift flew by and a wren was singing, rather unexpectedly, from the bottom rung of a
pylon. At the Quantock hide we saw quite a few avocet families with chicks of varying ages, and also
a pair of oystercatchers with young. There were also a few little ringed plover nests but unfortunately,
while we were watching, a kestrel swooped in and took one of the chicks.
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 11 of 16
As we walked around, we sighted several reed buntings perched on the tops of reeds, being really
buffeted by the strong wind. We also saw two hares chasing around. There were many skylarks
singing as we walked along by the estuary and several different butterflies. To our amazement a
cuckoo flew past, and later a rather pale yellow wagtail. We had our lunch in the Parrett hide while
watching the hares again and a further flypast by the cuckoo.
Avocet & chicks – Paul Bray Reed bunting – Cat Holt
We then drove further down the road to some smaller pools, one with a coot family and young.
Despite the now very strong wind a very smart little grebe was seen and several yellow wagtails flew
past.
A very enjoyable day in a lovely place which was new to several of us. Thanks to Richard for
arranging it.
Melanie Parker
A Full Day Trip to South Dorset – 23 June 2022
The first stop on our birding day trip was at Maiden Castle near Dorchester. It is a well-known spot for
seeing corn buntings in the hedgerows around the Iron Age hillfort, and we weren’t disappointed! After
a short walk from the car park, we spotted two corn buntings flying back and forth to the same bush
and fence post. It was lovely to hear their distinct ‘jangling’ birdsong. We walked alongside the hedge
and spotted skylarks, linnets and a host of different butterflies, including beautiful marbled whites and
a small copper. After this fruitful first stop, we then headed to Chesil Beach at Ferrybridge.
At Chesil Beach we met Tara, who is the RSPB project officer for the Chesil Beach Little Tern Project
and an assistant warden. We had a tour of the nesting site and got to see some little tern chicks. This
year has been very successful for the breeding pairs and they had 47 nests in their cordoned area on
the day we visited. Volunteers monitor the site day and night to keep predators away and track the
progress of the chicks. It was great to see the little terns swooping close to our heads as they headed
back and forth from the sea gathering fish for their young. The beach also had some nesting
oystercatchers and ringed plovers, and we also spotted juvenile crows. After the interesting tour we
clambered back down the pebble beach and stopped at the visitors’ centre to eat our lunch.
Roseate tern Great white egret
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 12 of 16
Once refreshed, we then drove to RSPB Lodmoor in Weymouth to see the huge 76-hectare nature
reserve. We decided to do a long walk around the grasslands, reedbeds and scrub to see a variety of
birds. At the first viewpoint looking out over the reedbeds we had a good view of the marsh harrier
hunting for prey. We watched some gadwalls and then followed the Marsh Trail to the common tern
nesting islands. It was lovely to see so many common tern chicks, which were mostly protected by the
fenced off islands. As well as terns there were black-headed gulls also nesting in the area, and a
variety of other gulls, including Mediterranean gulls and great black-backed gulls. Richard noticed that
one of the terns had a darker beak and we were able to identify it as a roseate tern, which is a great
spot as it is the UK’s rarest nesting seabird. As we followed the circular route back to the cars, we
saw sand martins flying over the reedbeds and two juvenile reed buntings swaying on the reeds. Andy
and Audrey’s excellent knowledge of bird songs helped us hear a Cetti’s warbler, a reed warbler and
a whitethroat. We finished the day tired but jubilant with a long list of 55 bird species!
Cat Holt – who also took the photos
Evening Visit to Mutters Moor – 14 July 2022
This year the group was especially looking forward to our annual nightjar event as the weather was
looking very good, with a good turnout of 16 like-minded people. We made our way across the heath
at Mutter’s Moor to see what other species of birds and wildlife were present, whilst we waited for
sunset and the nightjars to appear. It wasn’t long before we saw and heard a great spotted
woodpecker and the cooing of woodpigeons in the trees. As we moved on, a Dartford warbler
unexpectedly appeared, to the delight of the people at the
front of the group.
We ventured further onto the moor and waited amongst
the vibrant colour of the heather for the first sounds of the
nightjars calling, which didn’t take too long. The sounds
were coming from all directions. It wasn’t long before we
had our first sight of a male flying, with several more
following shortly afterwards. Pleased with ourselves, we
made our way back in the dark to the car park. On the
way, we spotted a couple of glow-worms. Some of us had
never encountered them before, which made the evening
even more rewarding.
Richard Winfield
Mutter’s Moor – Cat Holt
Results of the Photo Competition “British Wildlife in 2021”
We would like to thank everyone who entered this year’s Exeter local group photography competition.
We announced the winners during our Zoom meeting on 27th April, which was too late for inclusion in
the Summer newsletter. It was great to have most of the contributing photographers join us that
evening, so that we could hear the stories behind each picture as well as admiring the photos
themselves. We held a small exhibition of the winning photos during our Spring Fayre and Plant Sale
in Topsham on 14th May, and they will be shown at our indoor meeting on 13th September. All the
winning photos are also available on our website https://group.rspb.org.uk/exeter/.
The winning photos in each category are listed below, in two categories: “Birds” and “Wildlife and
Habitats”. Very well done to Dave Grout and Mark Barron for their winning entries, and to the
runners-up, Cat Holt and Chris Steel.
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 13 of 16
Birds
Winner: “Short-eared Owl” by Dave Grout
Runners-up: “The Thinker” by Mark Barron
and “Goldcrest gathering moss” by Cat Holt
with a special mention for the trio “Before”, “During” and “After” by Chris Steel
Wildlife and Habitats
Winner: “Seeing Purple” by Mark Barron
Runners-up: “Large Skipper butterfly” by Dave Grout
and “Snack Time” by Mark Barron
with a special mention for “Red squirrel eating a strawberry” by Cat Holt
However, we were very disappointed to receive significantly fewer entries than last year. It could be
that many group members were put off by the high standard of the photos entered last year and/or
posted on our Facebook group. In addition, we had hoped that more of the photographers who post
on Facebook would enter the competition. We are still considering whether to run another competition
next year; perhaps we will have a category for entries using simpler equipment – we would like to
hear your opinions.
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 14 of 16
We felt that it was particularly interesting to hear the stories behind the photographs. So, if you have a
story to tell about one or two of your photos, please do volunteer to show them at the members’
evening in December – you don’t have to prepare a full talk. If you would like to do that, please talk to
Helen or us.
Richard Swinbank and Martin Chambers
Congratulations to the following £10 winners
April 2022 May 2022
Mrs A Lawrence Mr R Farr
Miss J Croysdale Mr J & Mrs M Parker
June 2022 July 2022
Mrs A Wolstenholme Mr O & Mrs E Whitton
Mrs C Thompson Mrs A Mace-Lesca
Anyone can be a winner; you don’t need to be Local Group member.
Spread the word.
AGM
2022 Annual General Meeting of the RSPB Exeter & District Local Group
7.30pm, Tuesday 11th October
Agenda
1. Welcome & apologies for absence 5. Treasurer’s report
2. Minutes of the Postal AGM 2021 6. Election of Officers
3. Matters arising from the minutes 7. Any Other Business
4. Group Leader’s report
The AGM will be followed by a special prize draw for the 100 Club.
Postal AGM: RSPB Exeter and District Local Group
Minutes of the AGM 2021
1. Introduction
Richard Swinbank welcomed members to the 2021 Annual General Meeting of the RSPB Exeter & District Local
Group. Once again, as a consequence of the COVID-19 Pandemic, this AGM was being held as a postal
meeting. The AGM normally includes a special 100 Club Draw; please see the Winter Newsletter (No.186) p18
for the winners. The AGM agenda also normally includes a section on Any Other Business, but Richard noted
that no submissions had been received by the published deadline of 20th October. If there were any questions on
the reports, he invited members to submit them to the relevant officer, so that they could be addressed in the next
issue of the newsletter.
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 15 of 16
2. Minutes of the AGM 2020
These minutes had been published in the Winter Newsletter (No.186, pp14-15), and are also available via the
Group website.
3. Group Leader’s report
Richard Swinbank’s report appears in the Group Newsletter. (See Newsletter 186, Winter 2021, pp15-16.)
4. Treasurer’s report
Chris Steel’s report was also published in the Group Newsletter. (See Newsletter 186, Winter 2021, p16.)
5. Election of Officers
Both the Group Leader (Richard Swinbank) and Group Treasurer (Chris Steel) were appointed for a 5-year term
starting from the 2018 AGM, and the Group Secretary (Richard Farr) was elected for a 3-year term from the 2019
AGM. Other committee members are elected for annual terms.
The current committee members (listed below) agreed to stand for re-election for the coming year.
Andy Rook (Membership Secretary)
Helen Baker (Indoor Meetings Organiser)
Marilyn Steel (RSPB Sales Organiser)
Martin Chambers (Displays Organiser)
Cilla Ingram (Social Organiser)
Liz Saunders (Newsletter editor)
Ballot
10 ballots were returned by the published deadline of 15th December.
The results of the AGM votes were:
1. Approve minutes 3. Approve finance report
Yes: 10. No: 0. Abstain: 0 Yes: 10. No: 0. Abstain: 0.
2. Approve leader’s report 4. Approve re-election of other committee members
Yes: 8. No: 1. Abstain: 1. Yes: 10. No: 0. Abstain: 0.
As a result, the minutes of the 2020 AGM have been accepted as a true record, and both the Group Leader’s and
Group Treasurer’s reports have been approved. The committee members are duly re-elected.
Richard Farr (Group Secretary) January 2022.
Election of Officers
The current committee members (listed below) have agreed to stand for re-election for the coming year.
Richard Farr (Group Secretary – three-year term expires)
Helen Baker (Indoor Meetings Organiser)
Martin Chambers (Displays Organiser)
Cilla Ingram (Social Organiser)
Andy Rook (Membership Secretary)
Liz Saunders (Newsletter Editor)
Marilyn Steel (RSPB Sales Organiser)
Paul Bray (standing for election for the first time)
The Group Leader and Treasurer are approved centrally, and the appointments of Richard Swinbank and Chris
Steel, respectively, were confirmed at the 2018 AGM.
We invite your nominations for additional members, using the form below. We would particularly welcome
nominees who are willing to act as website editor / publicity officer or fayre organiser / fundraising officer.
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654Exeter and District Local Group Newsletter No. 189 Autumn 2022 Page 16 of 16
Nomination slip for election to RSPB Exeter & District Local Group Committee
Please return by 1st October 2022 to: Richard Swinbank, 9 Broad Oak Close, West Hill Ottery St Mary, EX11
1XW or: richard.swinbank@mac.com
Nominee: ______________________________________________________________________________
Proposed committee role: __________________________________________________________________
Signature of nominee: ____________________________________________________________________
If possible, please give the names of two local group members who support this nomination, with signatures.
Proposers & nominees may confirm via email, rather than signing a physical slip.
Nominated by: ____________________________________ Signature: ______________________________
Seconded by: ____________________________________ Signature: ______________________________
GROUP CONTACT
Group Leader: Richard Swinbank Email: richard.swinbank@rspb.org.uk
Website address https://group.rspb.org.uk/exeter/
And you can find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/RSPBexeterLG/
Wood anemone – Liz Saunders
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.
The RSPB is a registered charity: in England and Wales no. 207076; in Scotland no.SC037654You can also read
