SNAPES POINT
Great birding amidst superb estuary scenery in the South Hams
Snapes Point was firmly re- established on the birding map in December 2020, when an albino Great Northern Diver was spotted here. I can’t promise you anything as unusual as that, but this is a bird-rich area of varied habitats, and the well-managed farmland behind the estuary offers a strong chance of Cirl Bunting. Although this body of water is always referred to as an estuary, it is, in fact, not a true estuary but a ‘ria’ – a ‘ drowned’ valley with no major river running into it, just plentiful small streams. This is a gloriously scenic walk following National Trust permissive paths, good for the soul as well as birds.
SIMONE STANBROOK-BYRNE
WHERE TO WATCH
1 From the car park, paths travel through farmland with dense hedges and often stubbly fields. All the usual suspects are here, including various tits and Dunnock. Buzzard are likely overhead. The views across the estuary are far-reaching and we had a distant view of three Mute Swan down on the water. We also startled three Jays from a thicket. Rook and Carrion Crow pick over the droppings of grazing animals.
2 The path drops down beside the hedge towards Tosnos Point, and it was along this hedgerow that we saw Cirl Bunting. Although rare, the South Hams is known as a likely spot for these. Also look out for Stock Dove and Yellowhammer. Out on a small sand spit Cormorant and Great Black-backed Gull were loafing about, with a few Blackheaded Gulls.
3 At low tide mudflats flank the estuary, clearly visible from the path approaching Snapes Point. Look out for Curlew, Redshank (Spotted Redshank has also been recorded), Shelduck, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Oystercatcher and Dunlin. Common Sandpiper are here in summer. Conventional Great Northern Diver is also likely in winter. Very rarely, an Osprey may pass by.
4 A track leads back to the car park with bouncing flocks of Linnet along the hedges as well as plenty of common species such as Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wren, Robin and House Sparrow.