While the Sidmouth shoreline is a challenging environment for plants, it provides a rich buffet and resting ground for various bird species. From Arctic travelers to clever "beach raiders," the birds of Sidmouth have found ingenious ways to exploit this unique coastal niche.

1. The Winter Specialists: Waders

Sidmouth’s shingle beach and stone defences are particularly important for overwintering wading birds.

The Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

• The Arctic Connection: These birds arrive in late August after breeding in the Arctic Circle and stay until April.

• Sidmouth Population: An overwintering flock of roughly 25 to 35 birds usually frequents the Esplanade and stone groynes.

• Survival Skills: They are perfectly adapted for the shingle; they use their beaks to turn over small stones and strandline vegetation to find insects.

• Interaction: Locals and visitors often supplement their diet, making them a source of fascination for many.

The Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)

• Feeding Grounds: While they don't breed in Sidmouth itself, they are frequent winter visitors.

• Cricket Pitch Surprise: At high tide, they often rest on the rock islands, but their favorite feeding ground is actually the Fortfield cricket pitch, where they hunt for worms.

lls: Resourceful and Misunderstood

Sidmouth is home to several gull species that often display high levels of intelligence and adaptability.

• Herring Gull: The classic "laughing" seaside bird. Around 200 gather at East Beach and the river mouth in winter. They prefer nesting on rooftops for safety and have a "voracious" appetite for visitor snacks like fish and chips.

• Great Black-backed Gull: Larger and more aggressive than the Herring Gull, these birds are wary of humans but can be found in small numbers amongst the flocks.

3. Explorers of the River and Rocks

• Cormorant: Frequently seen offshore or drying their wings on the rock islands during winter. They also venture inland along the River Sid, sometimes perched high in trees or fishing near the lower weir.

• Rock Pipit: A master of camouflage that lives almost exclusively in the granite sea defenses. Their feet are specially suited for clinging to solid rock as they extract invertebrates from tiny crevices.

• Pied Wagtail: These insectivores are frequently seen running along the Esplanade and pebbles, searching for small crustaceans.

• House Sparrow: Described as "beach raiders," they visit the Beach Garden to gather nesting materials or eat seeds from the specialised plants.