What to see in August!

As far as the birds are concerned August is autumn. Many of our estuary birds have spent the summer breeding high in the Arctic. As soon as breeding is complete the long journey south begins once again. Long distance migrants like Sanderling and Grey Plover are returning from as far away as Greenland. Look for the really cute little Sanderling on the tides edge at the warren, where they feed by running up and down the beach catching small animals disturbed by the breakers. The great thing about this time of year is that many of the returning birds are still in their wonderful breeding plumage and Grey Plover can be found on the lower estuary. They have jet black under-parts and a wonderful silver mottled back. The Godwits will be increasing in numbers, with the Bar-tailed Godwits returning from Arctic Russia and the Black-tailed Godwits arriving from Iceland. Some will already have moulted while others have retained their summer plumage of bright, rusty red. Some waders are arriving while others are passing through on a longer journey to Africa. Watch out for Dunlin and Ringed Plover feeding very busily, mainly on small snails (Hydrobia). Redshank numbers increase, watch them as they probe for worms.

The Curlew are building up in numbers and they search under rocks and in the mud to catch shore crabs. Keep an eye out for Whimbrel, very similar to Curlew but smaller with three pale stripes on its head and a very loud, distinctive call.

Towards the end of August Ospreys pass through fishing over the river. They stop over while on migration from Scandinavia to West Africa and are attracted to the Exe because of the large shoals of Grey Mullet. To be lucky enough to see these wonderful, charismatic birds snatch a huge fish from the water surface, you just need to be in the right place at the right time. Powderham and Exton are good places for them but they can turn up anywhere on the lower estuary, low tide is best.

Butterflies were fantastic this summer and the long hot July may bring us many different kinds. Look out for familiar species like Peacocks, Red Admirals and Tortoiseshells but there may be many more including the wonderful (migrant from the Mediterranean) the Clouded Yellow. Look into the crowns of the riverside Oak trees. There is an absolutely beautiful butterfly called the Purple Hairstreak. You will never find one unless you look hard for it but it is quite abundant and well worth the effort.

Flowers are past their best by August but one, the Perennial Sow-thistle is at its best. They are the tall yellow Dandelion like flowers growing in drifts along the river banks. The salt marsh at Exton and Turf is now at its best with the beautiful bright blue flowers of Sea Lavender and the paler Sea Asters. Autumn Lady's Tresses is a beautiful white orchid and hundreds, (in good years thousands,) can be found at Dawlish Warren. They are very small and hard to find but once you find the first one the others will be easy.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN AUGUST

* Visit Dawlish Warren for flowers and birds at the hide. Talk to a ranger at the visitor centre where you will get lots of good advice.

* Visit the bird hide at Topsham for the spectacle of migration.

* Rock-pooling is probably at its best during this month.

* Cliff-top walks in East Devon and Dorset are good for flowers, butterflies and birds.

Rod Lawrence