ot Terton
A birding walk in scenic east Devon
The Otterton Peninsula is one of most scenic and unspoiled areas of east Devon. The rolling countryside of small fields bordered by hedgerows and high banks with scattered copses is typical of this part of the West Country. In late summer, stubble fields attract flocks of finches and buntings, which are worthwhile checking through for Cirl Bunting dispersing from nearby breeding territories.
The River Otter borders the western flank of the walk in contrast to the dramatic sea cliffs overlooking Lyme Bay to the east, complete with
headland names, such as Danger Point, Brandy Head and Crab Ledge, which suggest a past link with smuggling and the sea. I’ve often thought that Choughs should be present along the clifftop turf in line with other similar Atlantic seaboard habitats, and, maybe one day, they will recolonise what is one of their former haunts. Visit at low tide for estuary waders At Danger Point pause for a seawatch, which can be good when the wind is onshore. The mouth of the River Otter is a good spot for passage waders or maybe a passing Osprey to tarry a while and fish. At low tide sand bars appear attracting terns and gulls and the occasional passing Arctic Skua to harry the terns. Inland along the river, Grey Wagtail and Common Sandpiper are typically present at this time of year, while Dippers have been reported from the road bridge and below the aqueduct recently. Passage warblers, flycatchers and chats can be found along the river valley cover. The coastal section of the walk follows the South West Coast Path, part of a national chain of such footpaths.