The Top 7 Sites For Birds In Devon

1. Dawlish warren

The place for birds, Dawlish Warren’s Bird List is 199 strong! The place is especially good for terns and assorted wader species such as sanderlings. It’s a very nice walk. You can walk either along the beach or through the actual nature reserve.

2. Slapton ley NNR

Where I saw my first black throated diver, Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve (NNR) plays host to many different species of birds. Its unique habitat means that you will often see seabirds and waterbirds at the same time. A small barrier of land separates the fresh water from the sea. There are a couple of bird hides there and there are very nice walks. 174 species of birds have been seen here.

3. RSPB Exminster Marshes

A wonderful place for birds, in spring and summer this place plays host to reed and sedge warblers. The trail comes around the Turf Locks pub and it loops back around to the car park. In winter, the area around Turf Locks can be great for waders. If you choose to walk here, make sure you keep an eye out; 171 species of birds have been seen here!

4. RSPB Bowling Green Marsh

On the other side of the Exe from Exminster Marshes, Bowling Green marsh, located in Topsham is the Ultimate place for waders and wildfowl. 169 species have been seen here and the view from the hide is incredible. Likely birds in winter include wigeon, pintail, avocet and curlew. Advise against going here for walk as is just road with entries to hide and viewpoint.

5. Broadsands

I have never actually been here in person but lots of other birders tell me that it is great for birds. Apparently, 135 species of birds have been seen here. The landscape is basically a beach with a view out onto the sea.

6. Berry Head NNR

Great for seawatching, either land based or pelagic. One of Berry Head’s specialties is its guillemot colony. Other seabirds can be seen here too though. These include gannets and fulmars. Lovely for walking but cliffs very steep in some parts.

7. Lundy Island

The place for seabirds in Devon, Lundy is the norse word for puffin. “Puffin Island” is not only famous for puffins but for all its other seabirds. Guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes are just a few. On the northern half of the island, you can often see gannets offshore feeding.