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Map of Exminster and Powderham Marshes
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Lapwing in display flight over breeding groundsCetti's warbler in buchReed warbler singing in reedbed
Female beautiful demoiselleFluffy lapwing chickYellow flag iris
Goldfinch tucking into teasel seedsShort-eared owl quartering grasslandView of RSPB Exminster Marshes nature reserve
Exminster Marshes RSPB reserveFlock of avocets on mudMale and female wigeon swimming

Top things to do in Spring

  1. Be deafened by the explosive song of the resident Cetti's warblers as you cycle along the Exe Estuary cycle route
  2. Find out how far the migratory reed and sedge warblers have travelled to get here and learn the difference between their songs
  3. Count the wheeling lapwings from the elevated canal bank walk and listen out for yodelling redshanks

Top things to do in Summer

  1. Watch the dragonflies and damselflies darting along the ditch edges
  2. Learn to identify flag iris, tufted vetch, woody nightshade and other flowers which fill the marsh with colour
  3. Try to spot camouflaged lapwing and redshank chicks feeding beside the pools and watch the adults chasing off the crows

Top things to do in Autumn

  1. Catch a final drink before the Turf Hotel closes for winter and take in the gathering flocks of waders on the estuary (best viewed on a rising tide)
  2. Or grab lunch at the Swan's Nest and visit the finch flocks feeding in the arable fields at Powderham
  3. Maybe catch a glimpse of a hunting short-eared owl floating over the drier fields as starlings gather to roost in reedbeds by the canal

Top things to do in Winter

  1. Take an Avocet cruise with the RSPB and see the estuary from a different perspective
  2. Be blown away by the sheer number of wintering wildfowl and waders
  3. Experience a frosty dawn and the cacophony of whistling wigeons and tinkling teals

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WildSquare Bingo

WildSquare Bingo

2.8Mb, PDF

Date: 21 June 2010

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Extend your stay

Other places to visit

General view, Bowling Green Marshes, Exe Estuary

Bowling Green Marsh

A chance to get up-close and personal with the huge flocks of winter birds visiting the estuary

Whooper swan swimming

Ouse Washes

A tranquil walk allowing stunning views across a vast wet grassland site

Springtime at Dovestones

Dove Stone

A stunning waterside walk through a dramatic landscape, surrounded by hills

'Sea Dream II', one of the two boats used for RSPB Avocet Cruise

Avocet cruises

Let us introduce you to the amazing avocets of the Exe Estuary.

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