Birdwatching in Devon: The Best Birds to Spot on Dawlish Warren
There’s nothing quite like getting out in nature to soothe the soul. Making time in nature all the more enchanting is the chance to see beautiful wildlife along the way, too. Offering stunning scenery and magical encounters with an array of birdlife, Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve at the mouth of the River Exe is one of the best places for birdwatching in Devon. A sanctuary for all, it appeals to all those looking for an immersive time in nature – both solo and as a shared experience with loved ones.
Head to South Devon’s coast to uncover the diverse habitats and rich flora and fauna of ‘The Warren’. No matter the time of year, you’re sure to enjoy its tranquil location and breathtaking landscapes defined by sandy swathes, grassland, wetland, dunes, reedbeds, scrub and more. In certain months, you can also seize the chance to see some of the reserve’s migratory birds, as well as its resident species throughout the year. Here are just some of the species to look out for during your visit…
Please be mindful to always respect wildlife and keep a quiet, safe distance to avoid disturbance.
Brent Goose
Around the same size as a mallard duck, the Brent Goose has a black head that blends with a grey-brown plumage on its back. As an adult, this goose also develops a pretty patch of white feathers on its neck. Making it especially rewarding to see, these geese tend to only visit a handful of sites around the UK, arriving at Dawlish Warren in the autumn and winter months following a long winter migration from the Arctic Tundra. The Brent Goose is now on the Amber List of Conservation Concern.
Slavonian Grebe
On the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern, the rare Slavonian Grebe makes for an amazing sight to see. Only around 35cm in length, this little bird is a renowned diving bird that feeds on small fish and aquatic invertebrates and can sometimes be seen at Dawlish Warren in the winter months. This beautiful bird is particularly recognisable thanks to its striking golden markings across its face that extend into ‘ear tufts’ – a characteristic that has earned it its American name of “Horned Grebe”.
Little Stint
The adorable Little Stint is another treat to see while birdwatching in Devon. A migratory bird, it arrives at Dawlish Warren in autumn before migrating south to Africa. For your chance to see this wading bird, take your binoculars with you and keep your eyes along the shoreline of the estuary. You can recognise Little Stints by their slender black bills, black legs, brownish top and snowy white underbelly.
Common Scoter
A haven for wildlife and one of the best places to go birdwatching in Devon, Dawlish Warren offers the chance to see Common Scoters in season. Red on the UK Conservation List, this is another species that has experienced significant declines in population, making it all the more special to see – and all the more important to protect. While the females are a little harder to spot with their dark brown plumage, males are striking with their all-black coats.
Black-Tailed Godwit
Black-Tailed Godwits are an endangered species of wading bird that can sometimes be seen at Dawlish Warren. With long legs and long beak, this elegant bird likes to wade through the shallows of estuaries, wet grassland, marshes, and lake shores as it searches for food. While in winter, Black Tailed Godwits sport a brown-grey plumage, in summer they boast eye-catching terracotta-coloured chests and bellies, making for great photographs.
Arctic Tern
Migrating between the UK and the Antarctic every year, the incredible Arctic Tern undertakes an extraordinary voyage of around 50,000 miles. That’s the longest migratory passage of any animal! A wonderful sight to see, Arctic Terns make their arrival in April and can be seen up until September during their breeding season. Turn your gaze towards Dawlish Warren’s coastal swathes and look out for these snow-white birds and their distinctive black caps, taking a moment to appreciate just how far they have travelled to reach this very spot.
Red-Breasted Mergansers
If you can’t wait to go birdwatching in Devon and are interested in knowing some of the intriguing birdlife that awaits, make sure you look out for Red-Breasted Mergansers at Dawlish Warren. Most commonly seen in winter, these regal-looking diving ducks are part of the sawbill family and have perfectly serrated bills which they use to catch fish. Most striking about these birds though are their distinctive spikey crowns of features that make them look like the punk rock royalty of the birding world.
Curlews
The largest wading bird in Europe, Red listed Curlews are mostly common seen on estuaries in winter and on moorland in summer. Similar to Black-Tailed Godwits, Curlews have long slender legs that are perfectly suited to quietly wading through shallow water. Curlews can also be identified by their long, curved beaks and light, mottled brown plumage. If you have spent time in estuary locations, walking or birdwatching, then it’s likely you’ll be familiar with the Curlews’ distinctive call – which can often be heard before the bird is seen.
Hazelwood Holidays
Perfectly placed for birdwatching in Devon, Hazelwood Holiday Park is located right beside Dawlish Warren Nature Reseve. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes imaginable, we provide the perfect setting for all those looking to spend time in the great outdoors and admire the wealth of flora and fauna. Select from our lodges and self-catering apartments and reserve your holiday too for an unforgettable Devon escape.