Bird Watching around Budleigh Salterton
Most parts of rural Devon have good resident bird populations, this area of East Devon has the extra advantage of summer visitors ,such as nightjars, wheatears and warblers, followed by over wintering flocks of waders, ducks and geese on the estuaries of the rivers Exe, Otter and Axe.

The distinctly different habitats of estuary, field, woodland and heathland offer the keen birdwatcher many opportunities to enjoy a visit to the area.

There is so much to see, but here is a 'taster' of what is on offer:-

• Peregrine falcons on the cliffs (above right)
• Kittiwakes at Straight Point
• Herons (right) and egrets on the estuary
• Dartford warblers on the heaths
• Buzzards everywhere
• Fieldfares and redwings in winter
• Nightjars
• Occasional visitors like Glossy Ibis on the estuary
• Hobbies taking dragonflies on the heaths.

Some of the heath areas have significant populations of butterflies and dragonflies. With 38 recorded species of butterfly, Aylesbeare R.S.P.B. Reserve has more than any other reserve in the U.K. For more details of the reserve at Aylesbeare, click here.

The extensive areas of unique heathland are now protected from further exploitation, by the work of organisations such as the R.S.P.B., Clinton Devon Estates and the Heritage Lottery Fund. A very popular event each August is East Devon Heath Week, which is a comprehensive programme of talks, walks, displays and hands on events like willow weaving, clay modelling and sculpture using heathland materials. For further details see the News and Events section.

The staff of the Budleigh Salterton Tourist Information Centre are here to help you find out more - click here for details.