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Goodbye Sandals, Hello Shorebirds: Autumn with the Wildlife Wardens

Warden Sama and Claire

Welcome to the latest edition of Shores, Heaths and Dunes, the newsletter from South East Devon Wildlife.

As autumn begins to settle in and the days grow shorter, a collective sigh of relief resonates throughout the natural world, and within the Wildlife Warden team. Thank goodness, finally a chance to sink into the familiar, overstuffed armchair of autumn and unwind after the manic business of summer. From this place of comfort, I’m excited to share some Warden team highlights with you: from sun-soaked festivals and Sunday crafter-noons to the recent arrival of our winter shore birds. Did someone say tea?

Competition Time!

Win 2 Tickets on a Stuart Line Cruise

This autumn, we’re giving you the chance to enjoy one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences on the Exe Estuary – and support local conservation while you’re at it!

Every month from September to November 2025, you could win a Guided Bird Watching Cruise for two with Stuart Line Cruises, plus a handy FSC Overwintering Coastal Bird Guide to help you identify the incredible species you’ll spot along the way.

The best part? By entering, you’ll be helping to spread awareness about the thousands of overwintering birds that make the Exe Estuary their home each year.

Free Birdwatching Sessions at Exmouth Wildlife Refuge

This autumn and winter, the South East Devon Wildlife Warden team is hosting a series of free, informal birdwatching sessions at Exmouth Wildlife Refuge – want to know more about the incredible bird life on the Exe? Pop along!

Come and Join us Birdwatching at Exmouth Duck Pond

Winter Wonders of the Exe Estuary: Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits

Black-tailed Godwits

As the days shorten and winter creeps in, the Exe estuary becomes a haven for thousands of overwintering birds. Among the most elegant and fascinating are Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) and Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica). These long-legged waders travel thousands of miles to escape the harsh Arctic and northern European winters, gracing the mudflats of the Exe from September through March.

What to look out for?

Ospreys

A juvenile osprey has recently been spotted at the Otter estuary, look out for other birds alarm calling to give away its location, despite the fact ospreys don’t eat other birds, only fish. At several locations in East Devon, osprey nesting platforms have been constructed to try and tempt the birds to stay here and breed.

Brent goose

We have had the pleasure of seeing the Brent geese start to return to Exmouth Wildlife Refuge over the last couple of weeks. However, unexpected movement like people and dogs on the shore, paddleboards and kayaks can still cause the whole flock to take flight which prevents them feeding and resting after their long flights, of around 3,000 miles!

Wigeon

Wigeon have also started appearing at the Exmouth Wildlife Refuge over the last couple of weeks. They are dabbling duck and can be seen feeding in high numbers from Mudbank in Exmouth, as well as at RSPB Bowling Green Marsh. Listen out for the drakes unusual whistling call, very unlike the quacking we usually associate with ducks.

Richard Morris

Berries

You might have noticed the abundance of berries, nuts and fruit this year? This is known as a ‘mast year’ and is a natural phenomenon thought to repeat on a roughly 5-10 year cycle where certain trees and shrubs produce an abundance of nuts and berries. 

Hawthorn Berries

Warden of the Marshes

Redshank (Samuel Hazell)

If you’ve ever walked along the Exe Estuary and heard a loud, sharp whistle echoing across the mudflats, chances are it was a Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) sounding the alarm. With their bright orange-red legs and clear, piping calls, these lively waders are hard to miss. They’re often the first to raise the alarm when danger’s near, earning them the well-deserved nickname “Warden of the Marshes.”

Spotlight on small wading birds of the Exe Estuary

Flock of Dunlin (Veronika Andrews)

Winter wading birds are a challenging group even for experienced birders, as their plumage (feathers) often completely changes in the winter. Thank goodness for the smart black and white oystercatcher, the curved beak of the large curlew, and the bright red legs of the redshank!

Aylesbeare Common Reserve News – October 2025

Judit and Sam working on Aylesbeare Common

Our news this month comes from our newest residential volunteers, Judit & Sam, who started at the beginning of September...

It’s been a whirlwind of a month since joining the team here at RSPB, getting to know the area, the landscape, and all the requirements that make up the management of such a significant habitat for wildlife.

Volunteer with us!

Katie, Julie and Imo at a pop-up.

Want to contribute to local wildlife conservation?

We're currently seeking volunteers who can help with any of the following:

• Events - engaging the public in conversations about wildlife and assisting with the smooth running of events and pop-ups.
• Foot patrols - walking with our wardens across our three key sites.
• Boat patrols - accompanying our wardens on the Exe Estuary, driving the patrol boat (Powerboat Level 2 required). 

If you are interested in helping our team in any of these roles please get in touch at: sedwildlife@eastdevon.gov.uk to find out more.