What to see in September!

As the month progresses things begin to hot up on the estuary and it is now that the first of the eagerly awaited Avocets arrive. Look for them towards the end of the month at Topsham or Turf. Along with the Avocets all the other wading birds, which together make the Exe Estuary one of Britain's most important wild bird havens, gradually build in numbers. Godwits, Redshank, Greenshank, Dunlin, Curlew, Oystercatchers and many others arrive on the estuary to fuel their onward flight to Africa or to take up their winter residence. Search among the large flocks of Dunlin, those tiny, mouse like birds ('Mud Mouse' is their old local name) for the smallest of our waders the Little Stint and the slightly larger Curlew Sandpiper. These are rare birds but they pass through in small numbers every year. Sandwich terns are very elegant but noisy, gull-like birds that you find on the lower estuary. They make incredible plunge dives from the air to snatch sand eels from just below the surface. There is so much to see at this time and instead of lamenting the passing of summer we can look forward to the wonders that winter now be bringing to us.

As long as the weather is good butterflies should still be abundant now. All the common species will be feeding along hedgerows and river banks but keep an eye out for those special species. Painted Lady will be preparing for migration. Look for them on the beach at the Warren or Exmouth on calm mornings with a light offshore wind. You may be lucky and see them suddenly flying out to sea, some of them will make it all the way to Morocco (if that is not amazing I don't know what is). Clouded yellows have flown in from the Mediterranean and can be common at this time. The cliff top at Orcombe is the best place to look for them. Along the estuary where Blackthorn grows you may be lucky enough to find a Brown Hairstreak a gorgeous but elusive butterfly which is often overlooked. Dragonflies will still be evident this month and wherever there are fresh water pools you can find these jewels of nature. Still flying at this time will be the brilliant blue Emperor Dragonfly, the Southern Hawker and the slightly smaller Migrant Hawker. Perhaps the Common Darter a bright red but small dragonfly will be the most common species at this time. Because of the advance of climate change we are seeing the arrival of several new species in Britain. Who knows it may be you who will discover the next one!

Go out and explore but take the time to stop and look. You will be amazed what you can find right here in this most special of special places.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SEPTEMBER

* There are still lots of wild flowers to enjoy throughout the region.

* Clouded Yellow and Painted Lady butterflies can be common this month.

* Watch out for migrating birds along the coast.

* Terns will be making their way South and can be seen around the lower Exe Estuary and just off shore. Up to six species are possible.

* A walk in the woodlands along the Exe and Otter can be very good for fungi especially after rain.

Rod Lawrence