Great White Egret showing well on marsh along with the Spoonbill and 15+ Little Egret.
2 Peregrines hunting - one chasing a teal - which managed to get away.
Ringtail hen harrier.
Flocks of Curlew and Oyestercatcher feeding in fields near by and a big flock of knot on the estuary flying about.
10 Fieldfare over and thought had a small party of Twite.
7 Buzzard sat in one field off puddington lane
-- Edited by Simon Johnson on Friday 17th of February 2012 06:55:34 PM
-- Edited by Simon Johnson on Friday 17th of February 2012 08:32:06 PM
Chris Mitchell said
Fri Feb 17 8:53 AM, 2012
Visited Parkgate on morning of 16th - 1 Spoonbill (viewed behind the pools, directly in front of car park), 1 Merlin, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier. Dee Estuary website suggests the Great White Egret is still around but I missed out. Moved on to West Kirby Boating Lake, where I never fail to find a Red Breasted Merganser.
sid ashton said
Wed Feb 15 1:30 AM, 2012
After Marbury Park this morning Mr Barber and I headed over to Parkgate - present from Donkey stand Flash were 1 Spoonbill, 1 Hen Harrier (fem) and a big flock of Pink-footed Geese on the marsh.
Brian Baird said
Mon Feb 13 5:32 AM, 2012
Late posting for yesterday. Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Redshank, Knot, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Oystercatcher - by West Kirby Sailing Club as tide approached. Bar- tailed Godwit, Sanderling, Cormorant, Shelduck plus more of the above - at Hoylake, where one handsome Grey Plover was almost into summer plumage. A Peregrine was seen perched - at Parkgate
Geoff Walton said
Sat Feb 11 10:53 PM, 2012
Good day yesterday(Fri). Not hot on the top of the Wirral. We saw a couple of Purple Sandpipers at New Brighton Marine Lake.
Loads of Knot,Curlew,Ringed Plover and a few sanderling off Hoylake Prom.
Then to Parkgate to have our first view of a Great White Egret.
DavidBowman said
Thu Feb 9 9:18 PM, 2012
Used to work in Wigan, Mike so am familiar with that grip. Took me a while, though, to work out that when my colleagues asked me if I fancied a "babby's yed" they were really offering me a steak pudding!
Cheers David
DavidBowman said
Thu Feb 9 4:50 AM, 2012
Em and I decided to make the best of a clear, sunny day with a chill east wind by going for lunch at the Boathouse at Parkgate. Not a birding trip but the usual nice, incidental sightings.
First had an hours walk from Denhall lane, past the Harp pub and on beyond the reed beds. Two Stonechats, 2 Little Egrets, a Hen Harrier, a flock of 70 Curlew and a close fly-by by a Merlin were good sightings.
From the Boathouse, over a nice steak and a glass of Cabernet we had close views of both Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Merlin and another 5 Little Egrets.
Cheers David
Mike Baron said
Wed Feb 8 9:55 PM, 2012
DavidBowman wrote:
Em and I decided to make the best of a clear, sunny day with a chill east wind by going for lunch at the Boathouse at Parkgate. Not a birding trip but the usual nice, incidental sightings.
First had an hours walk from Denhall lane, past the Harp pub and on beyond the reed beds. Two Stonechats, 2 Little Egrets, a Hen Harrier, a flock of 70 Curlew and a close fly-by by a Merlin were good sightings.
From the Boathouse, over a nice steak and a glass of Cabernet we had close views of both Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Merlin and another 5 Little Egrets.
Cheers David
Sounds like a civilised spot of birding David
Following the steak and wine you should now move on to more advanced skills. How about wandering around Wigan Flashes while practising the inverse Wigan pie grip on a meat and potato!
-- Edited by Mike Baron on Wednesday 8th of February 2012 09:58:50 PM
sid ashton said
Mon Jan 30 4:37 AM, 2012
A short family visit to the Wirral this afternoon produced of interest:-
c. 30 White-fronted Geese over Puddington Lane just south of Burton Mere Wetlands. At Burton Point on the marsh, 3 Short-eared Owls one really close over the reed beds and a Great white Egret. Finally at Parkgate old baths a second Great white Egret, another close in Short-eared Owl and a ring tail Hen Harrier. Not bad for a gloomy afternoon
steven burke said
Sun Jan 22 6:18 AM, 2012
neston to quayside(harp inn) to burton mere wetlands. good day despite the strong winds, 61 species seen throughout the day. the walk through neston produced a male sparrowhawk harrasing a small flock off starlings. quayside at 9.20am straight onto a peregrine falcon at close range flying down low spooking all the curlews,redshanks and passerines that were around,no kill though.plenty off little egrets about,no signs off great white egret (probably at parkgate where i never went). picked up a distant ringed tailed hen harrier,but later on the way back about 4pm had 2 ring taileds at close range on denhall lane,also had 2 merlins and another peregrine here. no signs off any short eared owls (dont blame them).
then onto burton mere wetlands.....
David Wilson said
Sat Jan 14 4:10 PM, 2012
Burton marsh this afternoon.
1 Short eared owl hunting nr decca pools.
2 male stonechat
4 Bullfinch
also 2 Fieldfare + 1 Mistle thrush feeding in horse paddocks with Rooks in Burton village. also Buzzard over.
sid ashton said
Fri Jan 13 8:37 PM, 2012
Geoff Walton wrote:
If Denhall lane is Burton Marsh, why did we not see each other Sid! We saw 3 Owls and then left for Burton Mere Wetlands about 3pm. We had a good time around Red Rocks, and the Holylake prom just round the corner. Loads of Knowt,Dunlin,Oyster's and at least 300 Cutlew plus a Bar Tailed Godwit. Fantastic view of a female hen harries at BMW from the marsh hide.
Geoff, indeed Denhall Lane looks on to Burton Marsh - I suspect that the reason we didn't see each other was that there were quite a few birders there when we arrived just before 3pm.
Geoff Walton said
Fri Jan 13 6:31 PM, 2012
If Denhall lane is Burton Marsh, why did we not see each other Sid! We saw 3 Owls and then left for Burton Mere Wetlands about 3pm. We had a good time around Red Rocks, and the Holylake prom just round the corner. Loads of Knowt,Dunlin,Oyster's and at least 300 Cutlew plus a Bar Tailed Godwit. Fantastic view of a female hen harries at BMW from the marsh hide.
sid ashton said
Fri Jan 13 5:50 PM, 2012
What a difference a spot of sunshine made for a great day on the Wirral with Mr Barber. We started at Denhall Old Quay where we quickly picked up the Water Pipit - a lifetime first for John The bird repeatedly came up off the marsh, calling frequently and flying into the bushes and trees at the top end of the stream away from the quay. Then amazingly as we were leaving at about 12.30 a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker landed in the tallest (willow?) tree just about where we last saw the Pipit - so my scope was focused in just about the right spot .
We also had a Short-eared Owl on the marsh in front of the Harp Inn.
Then on to Parkgate where we found two ringtail Hen Harriers and really good views of just one Great white Egret. It landed briefly on the Donkey stand flash at one point as well. We had heard reports that there were three Great Whites but we could not confirm this - there were as usual several Little Egrets around.
Also had Merlin at Parkgate and finally 8 Short-eared Owls at Denhall Lane.
Good to meet Denzil Nicklin - all in all a terrific day in lovely weather.
David Wilson said
Sat Dec 31 9:31 PM, 2011
An hour in the impending gloom this afternoon at Burton marsh from Denhall lane to Decca pools. 1 kestrel hunting along path M+F Stonechat near farm 4 little egrets heading for roost Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler and Shelduck on Decca pool 1 Short eared owl as i was leaving started hunting near pool giving great close views but too dark for pics.!
sid ashton said
Sat Dec 31 9:20 AM, 2011
Sean Sweeney wrote:
..... how else can you end a rainy day on the wirral!
At Parkgate, Mr Chow's Chinese eating house early evening menu takes some beating
Dennis atherton said
Fri Dec 30 10:21 PM, 2011
Sean Sweeney wrote
"how else can you end a rainy day on the wirral!" ?
Parkgate Chippy is always on the cards for me especially on a dull windy day, ice creams are good too though
Sean Sweeney said
Fri Dec 30 10:42 AM, 2011
A terrible day for birding yesterday at parkgate, with strong winds and heavy rain. No sign of bewick's swans when scanning from industrial park at deeside, just 36 mute swans. I popped in to see the new hides at inner marsh farm, but very wet. A barnacle goose of unknown origin was with geese, but not much other than the usual birds about. I didn't have time to venture to other hides unfortunately.
A female merlin was speeding around on burton marsh down the road with a few little egrets flying between creeks. I went for lunch in the boathouse at parkgate, then popped to the old baths, where I was rewarded with another merlin and 2 ring tailed hen harriers battling against the wind. Topped off they day with a ' world famous' I've cream and a lavers tide guide, how else can you end a rainy day on the wirral!
David Wilson said
Mon Dec 26 6:05 PM, 2011
An hour this afternoon at Burton marsh from Denhall lane to decca pools.
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
1 Short eared owl near decca pools
3 Little egrets
1 fem Stonechat
Fox out on the marsh probably disturbed by duck shooters and dogs.
Nick Isherwood said
Tue Dec 20 6:18 PM, 2011
A quick half hour at Leasowe lighthouse at lunchtime.
Short Eared Owl circling over fields adjacent to Pasture Road before flying off east towards the castle. Adult Med Gull on the beach amongst Black headed gulls. Mixed flock of Redshank and Knot sheltering from the wind near the groyne.
John O'Neill said
Tue Dec 13 8:51 PM, 2011
Parkgate Old Baths : Distant views of a Great White Egret flying about then landed in reedbeds. Nice bright conditions so very clear. Plenty of Little Egrets about. Single ring tailed Hen Harrier over Donkey Stand Flash, further out a peregrine hunted.
Nick Isherwood said
Tue Dec 13 4:34 PM, 2011
A lunchtime mooch today saw me walking from Red Rocks towards West Kirkby down the shoreline at high tide.
-- Edited by Nick Isherwood on Tuesday 13th of December 2011 04:35:50 PM
-- Edited by Nick Isherwood on Tuesday 13th of December 2011 04:38:25 PM
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Dec 12 4:59 PM, 2011
Work this morning found me near to two large tower blocks at Moreton. After an hour of braving the cold wind my attention was drawn to a commotion over my head around the tops of the tower blocks. A Raven and three Crows were having a bit of an argument and around twenty feral pigeons were also appearing to be quite agitated. The cause was soon discovered when a Peregrine glided round the corner and caused everything to dart for cover. Nice to see and it took my mind off the cold for a little while. I'm seeing Peregrine up the Wirral almost on a daily basis now.
At lunchtime I went for a walk from Leasowe lighthouse up to Meols point. The tide was right in and I took it upon myself to scan the gulls on the water. Six Kittiwakes were a nice surprise amongst the usual Common, Black Headed and Herring Gulls. Slightly further down I came across an adult Mediterranean Gull sat by itself on the water. It didnt stay long though and it flew off west.
On the rocky groyne at Meols were around 400 Dunlin with a few Sanderling, Knot, Turnstone, Redshank and Ringed Plover mixed in. Overhead good numbers of Lapwing circled around and I managed to pick out a single Golden Plover amongst them.
Quite a productive lunchtime really in sunny conditions.
Nick Isherwood said
Wed Nov 30 6:18 PM, 2011
Managed a quick 15 minutes this afternoon at Denhall Lane as I was in the area. I was surprised to see that a good percentage of the near field had flooded and had created a few large pools.
There were 3 Bewick's Swans on one of the pools (2 Adults and a juv) together with around 40 Canada Geese and one all white farm goose. Also a Ringtail Hen Harrier put in an appearance as it glided through at quite close range. Distantly I could also make out many more geese and a few swans but I didn't have my good scope with me so I didn't even attempt identifying any at that range.
A couple of Stonechat dodged around on the roadside vegetation too as well as small numbers of Snipe flying through.
Nick Isherwood said
Thu Nov 24 5:52 PM, 2011
Another lucky day today as I found myself around the corner from Heswall this morning when news broke that there were 2 Common Crane out on the estuary marsh.
After a quick dart down to the Riverside Road car park I found about 10 birders already in attendance. The birds were very distant, probably in excess of 500 yards, but still viewable through the scope. As I didn't have my scope with me a kind lady birder kindly let me have several views through her scope. I didn't get her name but if she reads this then I am very thankful to her as it was a life tick for me.
After ten minutes or so work beckoned so I got on my way. Shortly after, the birds flew off east and unfortunately weren't relocated.
At lunchtime I managed a quick 45 minutes down at Red Rocks with the camera where a very obliging Snow Bunting happily fed on the rocks in front of me allowing me to get some fairly good shots. I've put a few on my flickr page if anyones interested.
steven burke said
Sun Nov 20 8:52 PM, 2011
Joe Wynn wrote:
steven burke wrote:
. 3 trains and a long walk after
That's exactly why I don't do that side of the wirral. Let me guess, manchester to liverpool, liverpool to bidston, bidston to neston?
Seriously steve, that's very dedicated
you guessed correctly joe, it is actually not a bad journey as long as you get the times right. i am dedicated & like i said in my post well worth the visit.
stuart lewis-gough said
Sun Nov 20 7:04 PM, 2011
1st time visit to Burton and was well rewarded with some fantastic views of at least 7 short-eared owls near decca pools,at one point 3 were squabbling and flew right over our heads over path,stunning birdsto see up close. Also from Burton reserve,male hen harrier being mobbed by crows and 2 marsh harriers,sparrowhawk, several kestrels,1 buzzard. From reception hide,redshank,blacktailed godwits,snipe,greenshank and 1 little egret,plus other species,45 in all. A great day out and will definately return.
David Wilson said
Sun Nov 20 4:16 PM, 2011
Burton marsh this afternoon at about 2.30. No sign of any short eared owls this time. 2 Stonechat males. Also walking back to Marshlands road counted 43 Curlews in the field behind houses.
Joe Wynn said
Sun Nov 20 9:41 AM, 2011
steven burke wrote:
. 3 trains and a long walk after
That's exactly why I don't do that side of the wirral. Let me guess, manchester to liverpool, liverpool to bidston, bidston to neston?
Seriously steve, that's very dedicated
steven burke said
Sat Nov 19 11:18 PM, 2011
well after reading last weeks post from sid ashton,having 18 short eared owls it was about time i got myself down here to see it for myself. 3 trains and a long walk after,it was well worth the visit.... picked up 2 after 10 mins off arriving at parkgate at 10.15am, spent an hour here before walking along path and finding 13 snipe at the donkey stand flash plus all the usual birds around. then started picking up more owls along the way near the harp inn 4 then 7 then 11 all up at once, eventually got to decca pools and stayed putt and had a scan and managed not 18,but 15 will do me very nicely absolutely fantastic. plus very close views off 2 whilst walking along path even had one fly right over my head at one point other birds aound... 49 species seen. 1 hen harrier (ring tail) 1 peregrine falcon 1 merlin 1 buzzard 3 kestrels 1 stonechat (m) only1 black tailed godwit lots off little egrets about,lost count due to watching owls. plenty off meadow pipits, linnets & skylarks. plus all usual birds around.
fantastic day out,think i will sleep tonight
Ian Campbell said
Fri Nov 18 4:24 PM, 2011
Denhall lane this morning, distant views of 4 SEO and 2 Hen Harrier. Cheers Ian
Nick Isherwood said
Fri Nov 18 3:24 PM, 2011
Another visit at lunchtime today for a quick hour.
The Richards Pipit showed quite well again thanks to fellow Manc birders Geoff Lightfoot and Paul Wren who located the bird in the rough grazing field adjacent to the horse paddocks. It seemed to be quite settled as it ducked in and out of cover amongst the tussocks.
Other birds seen were:
1 Short Eared Owl - appeared to come in from the sea but one was seen earlier by Geoff and Paul in the fields so it could be the same bird. 1 Med Gull adult on the shore 6 Red Breasted Merganser fishing in the tidal flow near the embankment.
Nick Isherwood said
Wed Nov 16 3:49 PM, 2011
One of those days today where luck is on your side.
As I was in the vicinity at lunchtime I decided to drop in at Leasowe lighthouse and go and have a look for the Richards Pipit that had been knocking around for the last two days. As I walked down the little pathway that leads to the horse paddocks I crossed paths with another birder who was on his way back and he told me he'd seen the bird earlier on in flight and that it was favouring a rough grass field on the opposite side of the path to the paddocks. He also said there were a couple of other birders still down there hunting for it.
As I approached the general area I heard the two birders in question suddenly let out a shout of 'there it is' as the bird flew straight over my head making it's 'shreeeeep' call. The Pipit then landed in the horse paddock right in front of me at a range of about 30 yards and started to feed.
The views of it were excellent despite the poor light and I could easily make out it's clean buff breast and whiter underparts as well as the light edge to it's tertials and it's white outer tail feathers. It even obliged me at one point by standing next to a Meadow Pipit for a really good size comparison.
After about five minutes it flew again and went back to the rough grass field. I can't believe how lucky I was just to turn up like that and get such good views of it. This was a new lifer for me and a bird that I didn't expect to see any time soon.
sid ashton said
Mon Nov 14 1:51 PM, 2011
Just been having a look through recent year records for Short-eared Owl sightings on the Wirral to see how present numbers compare.
The yearly average number of maximum counts has historically been 5 - 10 birds however winter 2008/09 was excellent, one day in November 2008 up to 30 birds were noted, this included 3 at Parkgate. Also in the winter of 2009/10 on 23rd January 2010, 21 were recorded.
Last winter (2010/11) wasn't particularly good - with only three sightings reported until 12 were flushed at Parkgate in February 2011 by the high spring tides.
The Owls seem to be seen more on Burton Marsh in the early part of winter and move down toward Parkgate in the new year.
To date this autumn counts of 20 birds have been reported on two occasions on Burton Marsh/Denhall Quay area.
So this year's numbers are looking to be on the high side again, good news as I never tire of watching these lovely creatures .
-- Edited by sid ashton on Monday 14th of November 2011 05:01:28 PM
steven burke said
Sun Nov 13 9:14 PM, 2011
sid ashton wrote:
With Mrs A this afternoon from 3pm until almost dusk we had some terrific views of Short-eared Owls between Denhall Lane and Decca pools. We bumped into Messers Platt and Costa and a combined scan, well mostly sharp-eyed Jonathan, produced 18 birds in the air at one time
By the time we thought about going for a look at the Ibis it was too dark to see anything. Luckily we saw the bird that was at Marshside a couple of years ago
18 in the air at one time,probably why there were none at marshside today
sid ashton said
Sun Nov 13 9:06 PM, 2011
With Mrs A this afternoon from 3pm until almost dusk we had some terrific views of Short-eared Owls between Denhall Lane and Decca pools. We bumped into Messers Platt and Costa and a combined scan, well mostly sharp-eyed Jonathan, produced 18 birds in the air at one time
By the time we thought about going for a look at the Ibis it was too dark to see anything. Luckily we saw the bird that was at Marshside a couple of years ago
David Wilson said
Sun Nov 13 3:53 PM, 2011
Burton Marsh decca pools. Took the family down to see if we could see the Short eared owls and we werent dissapointed. Arrived at 2.30 pm and saw one hunting straight away. Saw another 3 with one landing on same post as yesterday, so i was in position as close as i could get. What a view. My 3yr old was pleased to see "Mr Owl" too.! Also a sparrowhawk narrowly missed a blackbird behind us, and a little egret making its way towards IMF.
David Wilson said
Sat Nov 12 9:58 PM, 2011
Burton Marshes Denhall Lane to Decca Pools.
Arrived at about 3pm and got a nice close view of male Stonechat in the autumn sunshine. Made my way towards Decca pools and spoke to a few birders coming the other way that Short eared owls where already hunting, and that 20 had been counted earlier. Arrived to see one hunting in front of me, then sat on a post about 60 yds from me. What a stunning sight. Upto 4 hunting at once until the sun went down. Also the odd redwing feeding on berries and close view of a Tree sparrow on way back to car.
Geoff Walton said
Fri Nov 11 10:35 PM, 2011
Four of us started at Red Rocks- very cold-and the visability was rubbish, but loads of Knot,Oystercathers,Curlew and some Sanderling and grey Plover.Also a lot of Brent Geese
Down to West Kirby Marine Lake for the Red breasted Merganser,Redshank and Turnstone.
Lunch at Parkgate, but nothing much around, and hard to see it they had been.
Burton Marsh produced a kestrel,Perigrine and Sparrowhawk and a couple of Short Eared Owl.
Then called in for a warm at Burton Mere, and saw a Jack Snipe from the new Hide
Keith Mills said
Wed Nov 9 6:32 PM, 2011
Lunch at Burton Marsh, followed by a walk to Decca Pools this afternoon, with Wigan RSPB's mid-week Group.
Peregrine..1 Hen Harrier(Ringtail).......2 sitings Short Eared OWL...at least ... 4 Birds Kestrel...2
Pink-footed Geese..............Numerous skeins,all going UP the Estuary. c700 total. Stonechat....1 Lapwing... very large flock..........c500 GBB Gull...2 Plenty...... Starlings/Crows/Teal/ Widgeon/Mallard. Redshank...3 Curlew....10 Black tail Godwit....4 Little Egret...1 Grey Heron...1
paul brady said
Wed Nov 9 9:47 AM, 2011
sid ashton wrote:
We too were over on the Wirral briefly this afternoon and also spent a short time at Denhall Lane from about 3.00. Saw nothing of note - by that time it was very bad visibilty and decidedly damp keeping the Owls out of sight. Had previously been at Burton Marsh Wetlands for a short time where the highlight was a group of 48 Common Snipe feeding in front of the reception hide.
PS - that heater of yours in Reception is very efficient Mr Brady, makes the place very pleasant on a damp miserable day
-- Edited by sid ashton on Tuesday 8th of November 2011 09:06:52 PM
You should have stayed in the warmth Mr Ashton (in-Makerfield?) as I was waiting for the Great Egret, I spotted a bittern flying into the new reedbed ... not had any luck re-locating it this morning but another staff member has seen a merlin.
paul brady said
Wed Nov 9 9:45 AM, 2011
Nick Isherwood wrote:
Hi Rob, welcome to the forum.
IMF refers to RSPB Inner Marsh Farm which is a reserve located just off Station Road, Burton. Burton Marsh Wetlands is the new RSPB reserve (off Puddington Lane, Burton) and is just across the marsh from IMF. The two reserves are actually going to be joined together in the near future to make one bigger reserve.
Denhall lane/quay is also at Burton and is just further down Station Road from the entrance to IMF.
Hope all this makes sense.
And just to throw another lovely spanner in the works we should all refer to Denhall Lane and sightings form there as being on RSPB's Burton Marsh !!! :)
sid ashton said
Tue Nov 8 6:36 PM, 2011
We too were over on the Wirral briefly this afternoon and also spent a short time at Denhall Lane from about 3.00. Saw nothing of note - by that time it was very bad visibilty and decidedly damp keeping the Owls out of sight. Had previously been at Burton Marsh Wetlands for a short time where the highlight was a group of 48 Common Snipe feeding in front of the reception hide.
PS - that heater of yours in Reception is very efficient Mr Brady, makes the place very pleasant on a damp miserable day
-- Edited by sid ashton on Tuesday 8th of November 2011 09:06:52 PM
Nick Isherwood said
Tue Nov 8 5:17 PM, 2011
Spent lunchtime at Denhall Lane today.
It was very quiet at first with just a few Snipe about and a Peregrine passing through but at around one o'clock I spotted the first Short Eared Owl quartering in the distance. Within 15 minutes there were an incredible 11 Shorties all quartering the marsh. Some were even par-taking in three way dog fights. It was quite a sight!!
sid ashton said
Mon Nov 7 8:57 PM, 2011
Rob, also check the DEE ESTUARY BIRDS web site in the LINKS section on the index page of this forum - gives lots of good stuff about the Wirral.
Rob McEwen said
Mon Nov 7 8:06 PM, 2011
Thanks for that Nick - that's great.
Cheers, Rob
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Nov 7 7:43 PM, 2011
Hi Rob, welcome to the forum.
IMF refers to RSPB Inner Marsh Farm which is a reserve located just off Station Road, Burton. Burton Marsh Wetlands is the new RSPB reserve (off Puddington Lane, Burton) and is just across the marsh from IMF. The two reserves are actually going to be joined together in the near future to make one bigger reserve.
Denhall lane/quay is also at Burton and is just further down Station Road from the entrance to IMF.
Hope all this makes sense.
Rob McEwen said
Mon Nov 7 7:24 PM, 2011
Evening all,
I'm new to the area and was hoping to take a trip over to the Wirral. I'm a bit confused by the places people are referring (IMF, Burton Marsh etc). I'm particularly interested in visiting Denhall Lane to see the SEOs. Could someone give me a few more details where it is please?
Thanks in advance, Rob
Jonathan Platt said
Mon Nov 7 11:37 AM, 2011
Pete Welch wrote:
Did anyone see the raptor spooking the owl down towards the east end of the marsh where the starling flocks were? Looked like a peregrine to me but I only had me bins.
There was a merlin down there Pete, but there could well have been a peregrine too, though I didn't see one.
Pete Welch said
Sun Nov 6 9:29 PM, 2011
I the visited new Burton Mere hides this afternoon which were busy with people but not so many birds on the pools as last Sunday. There were two snipe tucked down in the near edges and an SEO over the top of the IMF hide but I couldn't find the Jack Snipe reported earlier. I do like that new hide plus the large windows and it coped well with large numbers of visitors today - not many out and out birders but its good to see so many people taking an interest.
On the way to the reserve saw at least 10 common buzzard in a winter wheat field - feeding on worms by the looks of it.
Also met Paul at the reception hide and then spotted Jonathan owl watching - did anyone see the raptor spooking the owl down towards the east end of the marsh where the starling flocks were? Looked like a peregrine to me but I only had me bins.
Cheers, Peter
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Sunday 6th of November 2011 09:36:15 PM
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Sunday 6th of November 2011 09:37:52 PM
2 Peregrines hunting - one chasing a teal - which managed to get away.
Ringtail hen harrier.
Flocks of Curlew and Oyestercatcher feeding in fields near by and a big flock of knot on the estuary flying about.
10 Fieldfare over and thought had a small party of Twite.
7 Buzzard sat in one field off puddington lane
-- Edited by Simon Johnson on Friday 17th of February 2012 06:55:34 PM
-- Edited by Simon Johnson on Friday 17th of February 2012 08:32:06 PM
Late posting for yesterday.
Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Redshank, Knot, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Oystercatcher - by West Kirby Sailing Club as tide approached.
Bar- tailed Godwit, Sanderling, Cormorant, Shelduck plus more of the above - at Hoylake, where one handsome Grey Plover was almost into summer plumage.
A Peregrine was seen perched - at Parkgate
We saw a couple of Purple Sandpipers at New Brighton Marine Lake.
Loads of Knot,Curlew,Ringed Plover and a few sanderling off Hoylake Prom.
Then to Parkgate to have our first view of a Great White Egret.
Cheers David
First had an hours walk from Denhall lane, past the Harp pub and on beyond the reed beds. Two Stonechats, 2 Little Egrets, a Hen Harrier, a flock of 70 Curlew and a close fly-by by a Merlin were good sightings.
From the Boathouse, over a nice steak and a glass of Cabernet we had close views of both Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Merlin and another 5 Little Egrets.
Cheers David
Sounds like a civilised spot of birding David
Following the steak and wine you should now move on to more advanced skills. How about wandering around Wigan Flashes while practising the inverse Wigan pie grip on a meat and potato!
-- Edited by Mike Baron on Wednesday 8th of February 2012 09:58:50 PM
c. 30 White-fronted Geese over Puddington Lane just south of Burton Mere Wetlands. At Burton Point on the marsh, 3 Short-eared Owls one really close over the reed beds and a Great white Egret. Finally at Parkgate old baths a second Great white Egret, another close in Short-eared Owl and a ring tail Hen Harrier. Not bad for a gloomy afternoon
good day despite the strong winds, 61 species seen throughout the day.
the walk through neston produced a male sparrowhawk harrasing a small flock off starlings.
quayside at 9.20am straight onto a peregrine falcon at close range flying down low spooking all the curlews,redshanks and passerines that were around,no kill though.plenty off little egrets about,no signs off great white egret (probably at parkgate where i never went). picked up a distant ringed tailed hen harrier,but later on the way back about 4pm had 2 ring taileds at close range on denhall lane,also had 2 merlins and another peregrine here. no signs off any short eared owls (dont blame them).
then onto burton mere wetlands.....
We had a good time around Red Rocks, and the Holylake prom just round the corner.
Loads of Knowt,Dunlin,Oyster's and at least 300 Cutlew plus a Bar Tailed Godwit.
Fantastic view of a female hen harries at BMW from the marsh hide.
We also had a Short-eared Owl on the marsh in front of the Harp Inn.
Then on to Parkgate where we found two ringtail Hen Harriers and really good views of just one Great white Egret. It landed briefly on the Donkey stand flash at one point as well. We had heard reports that there were three Great Whites but we could not confirm this - there were as usual several Little Egrets around.
Also had Merlin at Parkgate and finally 8 Short-eared Owls at Denhall Lane.
Good to meet Denzil Nicklin - all in all a terrific day in lovely weather.
1 kestrel hunting along path
M+F Stonechat near farm
4 little egrets heading for roost
Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler and Shelduck on Decca pool
1 Short eared owl as i was leaving started hunting near pool giving great close views but too dark for pics.!
At Parkgate, Mr Chow's Chinese eating house early evening menu takes some beating
"how else can you end a rainy day on the wirral!" ?
Parkgate Chippy is always on the cards for me especially on a dull windy day, ice creams are good too though
A female merlin was speeding around on burton marsh down the road with a few little egrets flying between creeks. I went for lunch in the boathouse at parkgate, then popped to the old baths, where I was rewarded with another merlin and 2 ring tailed hen harriers battling against the wind. Topped off they day with a ' world famous' I've cream and a lavers tide guide, how else can you end a rainy day on the wirral!
Short Eared Owl circling over fields adjacent to Pasture Road before flying off east towards the castle.
Adult Med Gull on the beach amongst Black headed gulls.
Mixed flock of Redshank and Knot sheltering from the wind near the groyne.
Old Baths : Distant views of a Great White Egret flying about then landed in reedbeds. Nice bright conditions so very clear.
Plenty of Little Egrets about.
Single ring tailed Hen Harrier over Donkey Stand Flash, further out a peregrine hunted.
c200 Pale bellied Brent Geese
c120 Oystercatcher
c200 Dunlin
c100 Knot
c80 Bar tailed Godwits
c30 Redshank
6 Grey Plover
9 Skylark
A nice walk but a bit fresh round the chops.
-- Edited by Nick Isherwood on Tuesday 13th of December 2011 04:35:50 PM
-- Edited by Nick Isherwood on Tuesday 13th of December 2011 04:38:25 PM
At lunchtime I went for a walk from Leasowe lighthouse up to Meols point. The tide was right in and I took it upon myself to scan the gulls on the water. Six Kittiwakes were a nice surprise amongst the usual Common, Black Headed and Herring Gulls. Slightly further down I came across an adult Mediterranean Gull sat by itself on the water. It didnt stay long though and it flew off west.
On the rocky groyne at Meols were around 400 Dunlin with a few Sanderling, Knot, Turnstone, Redshank and Ringed Plover mixed in. Overhead good numbers of Lapwing circled around and I managed to pick out a single Golden Plover amongst them.
Quite a productive lunchtime really in sunny conditions.
There were 3 Bewick's Swans on one of the pools (2 Adults and a juv) together with around 40 Canada Geese and one all white farm goose. Also a Ringtail Hen Harrier put in an appearance as it glided through at quite close range. Distantly I could also make out many more geese and a few swans but I didn't have my good scope with me so I didn't even attempt identifying any at that range.
A couple of Stonechat dodged around on the roadside vegetation too as well as small numbers of Snipe flying through.
After a quick dart down to the Riverside Road car park I found about 10 birders already in attendance. The birds were very distant, probably in excess of 500 yards, but still viewable through the scope. As I didn't have my scope with me a kind lady birder kindly let me have several views through her scope. I didn't get her name but if she reads this then I am very thankful to her as it was a life tick for me.
After ten minutes or so work beckoned so I got on my way. Shortly after, the birds flew off east and unfortunately weren't relocated.
At lunchtime I managed a quick 45 minutes down at Red Rocks with the camera where a very obliging Snow Bunting happily fed on the rocks in front of me allowing me to get some fairly good shots. I've put a few on my flickr page if anyones interested.
you guessed correctly joe, it is actually not a bad journey as long as you get the times right.
i am dedicated & like i said in my post well worth the visit.
That's exactly why I don't do that side of the wirral. Let me guess, manchester to liverpool, liverpool to bidston, bidston to neston?
Seriously steve, that's very dedicated
picked up 2 after 10 mins off arriving at parkgate at 10.15am, spent an hour here before walking along path and finding 13 snipe at the donkey stand flash plus all the usual birds around. then started picking up more owls along the way near the harp inn 4 then 7 then 11 all up at once, eventually got to decca pools and stayed putt and had a scan and managed not 18,but 15 will do me very nicely absolutely fantastic. plus very close views off 2 whilst walking along path even had one fly right over my head at one point
other birds aound... 49 species seen.
1 hen harrier (ring tail)
1 peregrine falcon
1 merlin
1 buzzard
3 kestrels
1 stonechat (m)
only1 black tailed godwit
lots off little egrets about,lost count due to watching owls.
plenty off meadow pipits, linnets & skylarks.
plus all usual birds around.
fantastic day out,think i will sleep tonight
Cheers Ian
The Richards Pipit showed quite well again thanks to fellow Manc birders Geoff Lightfoot and Paul Wren who located the bird in the rough grazing field adjacent to the horse paddocks. It seemed to be quite settled as it ducked in and out of cover amongst the tussocks.
Other birds seen were:
1 Short Eared Owl - appeared to come in from the sea but one was seen earlier by Geoff and Paul in the fields so it could be the same bird.
1 Med Gull adult on the shore
6 Red Breasted Merganser fishing in the tidal flow near the embankment.
As I was in the vicinity at lunchtime I decided to drop in at Leasowe lighthouse and go and have a look for the Richards Pipit that had been knocking around for the last two days. As I walked down the little pathway that leads to the horse paddocks I crossed paths with another birder who was on his way back and he told me he'd seen the bird earlier on in flight and that it was favouring a rough grass field on the opposite side of the path to the paddocks. He also said there were a couple of other birders still down there hunting for it.
As I approached the general area I heard the two birders in question suddenly let out a shout of 'there it is' as the bird flew straight over my head making it's 'shreeeeep' call. The Pipit then landed in the horse paddock right in front of me at a range of about 30 yards and started to feed.
The views of it were excellent despite the poor light and I could easily make out it's clean buff breast and whiter underparts as well as the light edge to it's tertials and it's white outer tail feathers. It even obliged me at one point by standing next to a Meadow Pipit for a really good size comparison.
After about five minutes it flew again and went back to the rough grass field. I can't believe how lucky I was just to turn up like that and get such good views of it. This was a new lifer for me and a bird that I didn't expect to see any time soon.
The yearly average number of maximum counts has historically been 5 - 10 birds however winter 2008/09 was excellent, one day in November 2008 up to 30 birds were noted, this included 3 at Parkgate. Also in the winter of 2009/10 on 23rd January 2010, 21 were recorded.
Last winter (2010/11) wasn't particularly good - with only three sightings reported until 12 were flushed at Parkgate in February 2011 by the high spring tides.
The Owls seem to be seen more on Burton Marsh in the early part of winter and move down toward Parkgate in the new year.
To date this autumn counts of 20 birds have been reported on two occasions on Burton Marsh/Denhall Quay area.
So this year's numbers are looking to be on the high side again, good news as I never tire of watching these lovely creatures .
-- Edited by sid ashton on Monday 14th of November 2011 05:01:28 PM
18 in the air at one time,probably why there were none at marshside today
By the time we thought about going for a look at the Ibis it was too dark to see anything. Luckily we saw the bird that was at Marshside a couple of years ago
Arrived at about 3pm and got a nice close view of male Stonechat in the autumn sunshine. Made my way towards Decca pools and spoke to a few birders coming the other way that Short eared owls where already hunting, and that 20 had been counted earlier. Arrived to see one hunting in front of me, then sat on a post about 60 yds from me. What a stunning sight. Upto 4 hunting at once until the sun went down. Also the odd redwing feeding on berries and close view of a Tree sparrow on way back to car.
Down to West Kirby Marine Lake for the Red breasted Merganser,Redshank and Turnstone.
Lunch at Parkgate, but nothing much around, and hard to see it they had been.
Burton Marsh produced a kestrel,Perigrine and Sparrowhawk and a couple of Short Eared Owl.
Then called in for a warm at Burton Mere, and saw a Jack Snipe from the new Hide
Peregrine..1
Hen Harrier(Ringtail).......2 sitings
Short Eared OWL...at least ... 4 Birds
Kestrel...2
Pink-footed Geese..............Numerous skeins,all going UP the Estuary.
c700 total.
Stonechat....1
Lapwing... very large flock..........c500
GBB Gull...2
Plenty...... Starlings/Crows/Teal/ Widgeon/Mallard.
Redshank...3
Curlew....10
Black tail Godwit....4
Little Egret...1
Grey Heron...1
You should have stayed in the warmth Mr Ashton (in-Makerfield?) as I was waiting for the Great Egret, I spotted a bittern flying into the new reedbed ... not had any luck re-locating it this morning but another staff member has seen a merlin.
And just to throw another lovely spanner in the works we should all refer to Denhall Lane and sightings form there as being on RSPB's Burton Marsh !!! :)
PS - that heater of yours in Reception is very efficient Mr Brady, makes the place very pleasant on a damp miserable day
-- Edited by sid ashton on Tuesday 8th of November 2011 09:06:52 PM
It was very quiet at first with just a few Snipe about and a Peregrine passing through but at around one o'clock I spotted the first Short Eared Owl quartering in the distance. Within 15 minutes there were an incredible 11 Shorties all quartering the marsh. Some were even par-taking in three way dog fights. It was quite a sight!!
Cheers,
Rob
IMF refers to RSPB Inner Marsh Farm which is a reserve located just off Station Road, Burton. Burton Marsh Wetlands is the new RSPB reserve (off Puddington Lane, Burton) and is just across the marsh from IMF. The two reserves are actually going to be joined together in the near future to make one bigger reserve.
Denhall lane/quay is also at Burton and is just further down Station Road from the entrance to IMF.
Hope all this makes sense.
I'm new to the area and was hoping to take a trip over to the Wirral. I'm a bit confused by the places people are referring (IMF, Burton Marsh etc). I'm particularly interested in visiting Denhall Lane to see the SEOs. Could someone give me a few more details where it is please?
Thanks in advance,
Rob
There was a merlin down there Pete, but there could well have been a peregrine too, though I didn't see one.
On the way to the reserve saw at least 10 common buzzard in a winter wheat field - feeding on worms by the looks of it.
Also met Paul at the reception hide and then spotted Jonathan owl watching - did anyone see the raptor spooking the owl down towards the east end of the marsh where the starling flocks were? Looked like a peregrine to me but I only had me bins.
Cheers, Peter
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Sunday 6th of November 2011 09:36:15 PM
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Sunday 6th of November 2011 09:37:52 PM