Other waterfowl likely to be seen in winter are Brent Geese, Mallard, Widgeon and Teal. Shelduck can be seen all through the year. Diving ducks such as Goosander and Red-breasted Merganser are regular visitors. A King Eider spent much of 2008 in the Taw-Torridge Estuary. In the summer Sandwich Tern and Little Tern can sometimes be seen either roosting amongst the gulls or diving into the water for fish. Other birds normally found further out to sea such as Guillemot sometimes turn up in the Estuary, particularly, during onshore gales. An excellent way to view waders from the comfort of your car is by parking beside the Appledore access road two hours before high tide. An evening tide is best as the sun will be behind you and the flooding tide will push the birds over the mud flats and saltmarsh known as the Skern to within a few metres of the road. |