Top five places to go bird watching in Devon

Devon consists of a variety of terrains and habitats which provide homes to many different species of birds. With so many opportunities for bird watching in Devon, it’s an ideal holiday location for bird watching enthusiasts.

Many of our regular guests are keen bird watchers, so we’ve put together a list of prime bird watching locations near Sidmouth.

Five places to go bird watching in Devon

Aylesbeare Common – 6.5 miles from Sidmouth

A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Aylesbeare Common is an area of quiet pebblebed heathland, with woodland fringes, streams and ponds in East Devon. The pebblebed heaths offer a haven for wildlife and an excellent location to view many rarer bird species.

What birds might you see? Dartford warbler, nightjar, stonechat, tree pipit, and yellowhammer.

Axe Estuary – 10 miles from Sidmouth

The Axe Estuary is an area encompassing grazing marsh, mudflats, saltmarsh and reedbeds.  There are two local nature reserves within the Axe Estuary zone – Seaton Marshes, a wetland area, and Colyford Common which has a viewing platform across the estuary.

What birds might you see? Curlew, redshank, egret, sandpiper, ducks (teal and wigeon), and shelduck.

Exminster Marshes – 16 miles from Sidmouth

Exminster marshes are a vital feeding and resting area for migrating birds and provide year-round bird watching.

What birds might you see? Large flocks of geese, ducks and waders, lapwing, golden plover, and redshank.

Haldon Forest – 21 miles from Sidmouth

Haldon Forest is home to several birds of prey. The bird of prey viewpoint looking over the Teign Valley and the surrounding forest offers the perfect bird watching experience.

What birds might you see? Sparrowhawk, buzzard, kestrel, peregrine, hobby, and goshawk.

Dawlish Warren – 22 miles from Sidmouth

The Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve on the west side of the Exe Estuary is an area of grassland, mudflats and sand dunes. The site is a wetland of international importance under the RAMSAR Convention and a Special Protection Area under the EC Birds Directive for its wintering bird populations, so a bird watching nirvana!

What birds might you see? Dunlin, grey plover, bar-tailed godwit and oystercatcher. You might also see rare varieties including great spotted cuckoo, cream coloured courser, and greater sand plover.

After many hours spent bird watching in Devon a stay at the Royal York & Faulkner Hotel will be the perfect end to your day. A hearty four-course table d’hôte dinner, a choice of three relaxing lounges to rest in and a comfortable bedroom to retire to will await your return. To check rates and availability, please click here or call us on 0800 220714.

Image credit: Max Pixel. Licensed for reuse under Creative Commons 2.0