Axe Estuary Wetlands
- The Axe Estuary Wetlands Project is an ambitious proposal to create a large scale nature reserve which will ultimately become one of the premier wetlands in the south west
- Seaton Marshes Hide
- Axe Estuary Wetlands
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Short Breaks Bird Watching
Short Breaks Bird Watching Enjoy a birdwatching break...
…in the grace and beauty of a bird’s paradise from just £495 per person for an "All Inclusive" Monday to Friday break
Our superb all inclusive 4 day birdwatching break is a not-to-be-missed midweek delight.This unique tailor made experience is for anyone, whether a serious birdwatcher or someone looking for a taste of something different.
Come with your friends, alone, or with your partner at any time of the year. How about a 50th birthday for someone special? Once here you cannot help but unwind in the beautiful Axe Valley, one of the best places in Devon to visit. The glorious variety of birds here is simply stunning, varying with the changing seasons, a joy to see and hear.
Let us welcome you with tea and Devon cakes, and enjoy fabulous food in a typical Devon pub. Meet up with everyone and feel day to day tension melting away. A professional bird watcher will accompany you around the grounds on a guided tour, then down to the coast and the famous Seaton Wetlands, complete with a delicious packed lunch. Explore the beauty of Devon and the wildlife of the Offwell Woodlands with our Devon birdwatching stay to remember; return home on Friday, energized yet relaxed, calm yet excited to return.
Click here to view the East Devon Countryside Events Guide 2012
Bird watching breaks in Devon countryside
Bird watching is something for the serious academic or the near obsessive studious sort. Not a bit. A bird watching holiday in Devon is a great chance to fill a 3 or 4 day break with an unusual, absorbing and really pleasurable experience.
Of course, we have it made for such an activity, what with the Seaton wetlands, the beautiful Axe Estuary wetland reserves and the unspoiled countryside of the Axe Valley. It's a bird's paradise. Find luxury accommodation on the Jurassic coast and you have the perfect Devon holiday package.
The great thing about bird watching in Devon is that whatever time of year you come for your break, there's always an equally stunning variety of birds to see. This is mainly due to migrations and visitors arriving with the changing seasons. You may also miss many varieties on a first visit and see different, equally vibrant and beautiful, birds the next time you visit.
The reserves are a rich mosaic of saltmarsh and freshwater grazing marsh with ponds, a reedbed, ditches and a saline lagoon. Imagine seeing the vibrant colours of a swooping kingfisher, glinting in the sun. Then there's the chance to observe the variety of ducks, gulls and waders in their natural habitat. In fact, you are likely to see between 30 and 50 different species of fabulous birds during your trip.
As autumn approaches you might glimpse a wood sandpiper or an osprey. Winter brings the arrival of wigeon, teal, lapwing and black tailed godwits. Spot the redshank and listen for the evocative call of a curlew. If you're planning a spring break, keep an ear out for the songs of the warblers and watch the display of courtship by the shelducks.
Best advice I have is to take a relaxed and leisurely approach to bird watching, whether a beginner or more experienced. Bring a good pair of binoculars, suitable clothing and waterproof footwear. Be aware too that the terrain may be uneven and slippery. Yes, even in beautiful Devon.
Although a packed lunch by the river is ideal for your bird watching expedition, after seeing so much natural beauty, relax afterwards with a visit to the wonderful local Devon pubs and restaurants. The countryside around here is simply stunning, come rain or shine – or even the occasional snow (!). Once here, you will feel a million miles away from the bustle and stresses of city life. Unwind with nature's charm; the birds and wildlife are a joy.
I could go on but why not give me a call and let me tell you more...
Close encounters…with birds of prey
On a short break in Devon, birds of prey offer a fascinating view on a world about which most of us are unfamiliar. This isn't just about hearing a night time owl or seeing the odd buzzard in your local natural park. Birds of prey are magnificent creatures, whether glimpsed going about their lives in their natural habitat or seen by a bird of prey qualified handler. The Jurassic coast is the perfect place to come and stay for this activity. Booking a Devon weekend package break is easy to do and there are lots of good offers around.
These birds have given rise to the ancient art of falconry and expert falconers are professionals who train and fly the birds to the glove and understand the general husbandry of keeping for these birds. This includes weighing, feeding and general handling. If you are looking for things to do in Devon, this is an exciting option.
Meeting these birds of prey face to face with a professional handler to guide you, where the correct techniques are employed and safety issues observed, is perfectly possible. Even children can enjoy the experience. It's a well known Devon attraction.
Gaze in awe at the grace of a swooping owl; admire the dignity of the hawk in all its agility and power. Observe in wonder the spectacular flight of the falcon which can fly at over 100 miles per hour.
The thrill and sheer pleasure when a bird of prey flies to your glove for the first time is an experience you will never forget. Imagine a beautiful eagle coming to land on your gloved hand, it is truly inspiring.
Where better than the wonderful Devon countryside, a world away from London and inner cities, to see birds of prey? It is here, you can witness the superb flight of hunting falcons and hawks. A bird of prey in natural flight, with a beautiful spread of wings, is amazing to see. If you're asking yourself what to do in Devon, here is the answer.
Another thing that's great about bird watching and falconry in Devon is that each changing season brings a new sight, a fresh experience and makes returning visits so much more exciting.
Of course, with so much activity, it's easy to build up a good appetite. If you didn't know already, Devon is renowned for its tasty cuisine. Most of the local pubs and restaurants use local fresh-from-the-land produce which makes your trip so much nicer and even more of a natural experience.
Come and visit Devon. Just escape for a few days and get away from daily stresses and tensions and come down for a weekend or week's stay. Satisfaction guaranteed, in natural entertainment by the birds of prey.
