RSPB Bowling Green Marsh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RSPB Bowling Green Marsh |
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RSPB Bowling Green Marsh
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| Location | Topsham, Devon, England |
| Operated by | RSPB |
Bowling Green Marsh is a special nature reserve in Devon, England. It's a fantastic place where two rivers, the River Exe and the River Clyst, meet. This reserve is near the town of Topsham. The RSPB takes care of this important wildlife area.
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Discover Bowling Green Marsh
Bowling Green Marsh is a popular spot for people who love birds. It's located where the River Exe estuary begins. An estuary is where a river meets the sea, and the water is a mix of fresh and salty. This unique environment makes it a perfect home for many different animals.
A Home for Migratory Birds
Every year, many birds travel long distances to find food and warmer weather. These are called migratory birds. In winter, thousands of birds come to Bowling Green Marsh. They fly all the way from places like Siberia!
Whooper Swans and Brent Geese
One of the most common visitors is the Siberian brent goose. These geese come here to feed during the colder months. You might see large groups of them grazing in the marsh.
Other Amazing Birds
Many other bird species visit the marsh too. You might spot an osprey, which is a large bird of prey that hunts fish. Other birds include wigeon and teal, which are types of ducks. You can also see avocets and godwits. These are wading birds that use their long legs to walk in shallow water.
More Wildlife at the Marsh
It's not just birds that live here! The marsh has many pools of water. These pools are home to different kinds of fish. If you are very lucky, you might even spot an otter swimming or playing in the water.
Visiting the Reserve
The RSPB has made it easy for visitors to enjoy the marsh. There is a special building called a bird hide. This hide lets you watch the birds without disturbing them. It's also easy for people using wheelchairs to access. There is also a viewing platform. You can reach it by steps and get great views of the estuary.
Rare Visitors
Sometimes, very rare birds stop at Bowling Green Marsh. These are called "vagrants" because they are usually found in other parts of the world. Birds like the Barrow's goldeneye or king eider have been seen here. It's always exciting when one of these rare birds makes a surprise visit!
