1 Spotted Crake - juv showed from Bunker Hide for a minute or two after 1 hour wait. 8 Ruff 2 Avocet A few Black-tailed Godwit 2 Egyptian Geese 2 Wheatear 1 Marsh Harrier over estuary from Burton Point 2 Reed Warbler - 1 seen carrying food 1 Cettis Warbler - singing but not seen 1 Green Woodpecker- heard only 2 Raven 1 Kingfisher 2 Buzzard 1 Kestrel 1 Chiffchaff - singing A few Willow Warbler heard 1 Great White Egret - estuary 2 Little Egret 1 White Wagtail 1 Yellow Wagtail
-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Monday 24th of August 2020 08:33:56 PM
Dave Ousey said
Tue Aug 18 11:06 PM, 2020
More Wirral Adventures 16/8/20
After various trips to the east coast area it was time to check out one of our best birding areas on the west coast, RSPB Burton Mere, on the Wirral. A leisurely 8am start had us heading along the M56 on a grey but dry morning. An adult Spotted Crake had been seen on the reserve during the week, it was later revealed that 2 juvenile Spotted Crakes had been seen, so possible breeding had taken place. We arrived just as the reserve opened at 9am and headed for the Bunker hide and new eastern viewing area. The crake was not seen after a good search, then we went up to the reed bed area and Bridge Pool to search for a Garganey. We know how difficult Garganey can be to find and after about an hour no sign of the bird, was it going to be one of those days? Then as always seems to happen the bird swam out from behind an island and showed itself and promptly disappeared again! Now a birding friend of ours lives on the Wirral, Mark G or Whipper as he is known in these parts had agreed to join us. As we waited Kevin Hughes from Macclesfield could be seen walking along the path towards us, after our customary greeting he told us that the Spotted Crake was showing at Bunker hide. Mark G joined us and we all enjoyed good views of a sometimes difficult bird to observe as it walked around the edges of the reed bed. Also bumped into Ian Evans from North Wales, other birds included: - Peregrine taking a Lapwing for breakfast, Snipe, Black tailed Godwits, Gadwall, Teal, Marsh Harrier, and Water Rail. All in all a successful walk around the reserve.
Dave O.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Aug 18 8:49 PM, 2020
Another really notable record for the reserve this year with Spotted Crakes breeding here again folowing on from success a few years ago. One adult for certain and 2 juveniles have been seen on the visitor centre lagoon.
After a couple of visits not seeing them (when I went last week just one juv was showing though!) I returned today with Carys as we both had a free afternoon. The car park has had spaces roped off and is reduced capacity to limit numbers on the reserve. Only a few spaces were free but we got in OK. After filling in the Track & Trace form we headed to Bunker Hide where we were told one had showed only 10-15mins earlier. Within 5mins a juvenile Spotted Crake popped out of the reed edge and stood there occasionally preening for around 10mins. It then turned and disappeared from whence it came! We waited a short while but with no further sign we vacated the hide to let others use it with social distancing (the official line is 5 people in at a time but no one obeys this, we were 3rd & 4th folk in there but when we left there were 8-10 people using it!). Whilst we were in the hide we spotted a Green Sandpiper on the closest pool which I pointed out to everyone and Carys got a few year ticks in the form of 1 Avocet, several Ruff and a MarshHarrier.
We next headed to the Mere on a tip off from patch guru Tony, here we soon found the Egyptian Goose that he had said was on, but it, too, soon disappeared under overhanging vegetation. A walk up to Bridge Screen produced an adult and juvenile Little Egret together on Bridge Pool and a Great White Egret fishing close to the path.
Not a bad short afternoon visit, we thanked all the staff and vols for keeping the place open and headed home.
A very distant record shot of the crake attached!!
09.45-12.00 today. No hides but screens and seating and small loo.
Marsh Harrier(breeding on site this year) with prey.
Peregrine Falcon putting up birds near visitor centre including 8 Avocet and young, 40 Black Tailed Godwit, 30 Lapwing, 5 Shoveler amongst others.
Great Egret on fishing pool, 15 Little Egret, 7 Grey Heron.
Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 2 Cettis Warbler and young, 3 Common Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Juvenile Green Woodpecker near railway bridge, 3 Linnet, 2 Raven.
Mike Crawley said
Mon Jun 15 2:55 PM, 2020
The reserve (NOT the hides or visitor centre) is open again.
Toilet facilities are available.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Mar 19 9:04 PM, 2020
Took a drive to the reserve again today and arrived at 9am. I was the first visitor vehicle there, the RSPB vols & staff were there too. As statedn I entered through the side gate onto the reserve.
First I headed to the Reedbed Screen, where later I ws joined by 3 other birders. Soon after I spotted a male Bearded Tit on the reed edge and he and a female flew across the channel. A while later I noticed movement low in the reeds right in front of the screen, and there was the female Bearded Tit and straight after the male, both showing fantastically well. Earlier in the same place a Cetti's Warbler had showed well too. Bearded Tits and Cetti's (in flight now) continued to show for the next half hour when I decided to press on. I next headed up to the crop field path and myself and my pals used our bins to start searching down in the Dell. Our quarry, a Woodcock was found, showing well sitting in a relatively open area. Later it just walked off to go into deeper cover, just as another birder was approaching, such unlucky timing! Several Chiffchaffs were seen and heard around the reserve and a Marsh Harrier and two Buzzards were overhead. On the Visitor Centre Lagoon were a nice pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls (one of the vols told me that 4 were present). Several Avocets were scattered on the pools too.
Next I travelled the short distance down to Burton Point, off Denhall Lane. Here at least 4 Wheatears were in the sheep fields, showing really well. Out on the Marsh I picked out 3 Great White Egrets too. Lots of Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits were around as well as a few Linnets and a pair of Stonechats. Near the Burton Mere viewpoint we found a Little Owl, hiding in a hawthorn, great to catch up with this declining species.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 19th of March 2020 09:04:48 PM
The Burton Mere Wetlands Visitor Centre has closed due to Covid-19. The toilets here are also shut. Access to the reserve is still possible as the side gates will be left open, for free access to all. The toilets on the trail towards Marsh Covert Hide will also remain open. The situation will be under continuous assessment but this is the situation at present.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Feb 24 3:48 PM, 2020
Long-billed Dowitcher Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB from Inner Marsh Farm Hide this afternoon, from my bird group :)
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Sat Feb 15 3:20 PM, 2020
Friday, 14th February.
Highlights:
Great White Egret 2 Water Pipit 1 Green Woodpecker 1 Avocet 1 Snipe 1 Marsh Harrier 1 female. Oystercatcher 2 Egyptian Geese 2 Golden Plover 150+ etc.etc.
45 species.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Feb 6 10:23 PM, 2020
After a morning at Parkgate I popped into Burton Mere Wetlands to catch up with many birding pals and have a mooch.
Best birds included a Spotted Redshank that was with 10 Black-tailed Godwits on Reception Pool, and a Green Sandpiper and 3 Ruff, all on a pool on the wet grassland far left of Reception Pool. Two Stonechats around Bunker Hide were a yeartick but no sign of any Water Pipits in the field opposite here. The visit had to be short but nice to get there for the first time in 2020.
John Rayner said
Mon Dec 16 11:03 AM, 2019
15th Dec. Best birds were: Great White Egret on Reception Pool Water Pipit distantly in field opposite Bunker Hide
Cheers John
-- Edited by John Rayner on Monday 16th of December 2019 11:09:13 AM
As expected after yesterday's deluge the water level on all the pools was very high,
leaving almost no exposed mud for waders.
A few Redshanks and Black Tailed Godwits though were probing for worms on the wet
pasture/embankment in front of the Bunker hide. Apart from these and a few Lapwings the
only other wader I found was a single Snipe near the IMF hide.
Teal though were in abundance, which was especially evident when they were spooked by a
female Marsh Harrier, clouds of the little ducks together with a few Shoveler and Gadwall
erupted from the marsh, the raptor though just ignored them and glided calmly off towards Shotton.
Apart from the single harrier, 2 Kestrels and 1 Buzzard were seen over the reserve. One of the Kestrels
seemed to show an interest in a flock of 40+ Linnets that were feeding in the specially seeded field near the railway.
1 Great White Egret was in the SE corner of the reserve, near the barn, whilst 2 more were on the nearby salt marsh.
4 Meadow Pipits were amongst the sheep near the hill fort.
Around a dozen highly vocal Ravens were seen over the reserve, some in display flight. Also seen around the reserve
were 1 Goldcrest and 5 Little Egrets. Today's sun also brought out the insects, please see seperate thread.
sid ashton said
Wed Jul 10 1:12 PM, 2019
Doc Brewster wrote:
Doc Brewster wrote:
Just in case folk haven't heard, it has been put out this evening on the Cheshire Whatsapp Group that there is a Terek Sandpiper at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB. Posters on the same group have provided info that the reserve will open at 7am tomorrow.
Update:
Bird present pre 7am this morning but soon after it flew off high over Shotwick and hadn't returned by early afternoon.
I arrived a few minutes after 7 to be given the unwelcome news -"the Terek's just flown". I waited around for a couple of hours, meeting some old mates on a pleasant morning weatherwise.
Species present on the scrape included Common Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Ruff, Spotted Redshank and several Avocets that had apparently been giving the Terek some grief before it flew off.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Thursday 11th of July 2019 12:52:30 PM
Doc Brewster said
Wed Jul 10 12:09 PM, 2019
Doc Brewster wrote:
Just in case folk haven't heard, it has been put out this evening on the Cheshire Whatsapp Group that there is a Terek Sandpiper at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB. Posters on the same group have provided info that the reserve will open at 7am tomorrow.
Update:
Bird present pre 7am this morning but soon after it flew off high over Shotwick and hadn't returned by early afternoon.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Jul 9 9:49 PM, 2019
Just in case folk haven't heard, it has been put out this evening on the Cheshire Whatsapp Group that there is a Terek Sandpiper at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB. Posters on the same group have provided info that the reserve will open at 7am tomorrow.
Curt Whitby said
Fri May 31 11:03 PM, 2019
Went today with the family for a quick visit. Saw 4 spoonbill, amazing! A first for the uk but I did see one when I lived in Sydney in a dirty, tiny pool next to a railway station nr the city centre. In addition there were a huge number of avocet, a little egret and lots of black tailed godwit. A quick visit to parkgate for an ice cream each revealed a closeup of a marsh harrier quartering the marsh. A nice couple of hours and the boys enjoyed themselves too.
Chris Harper said
Tue May 28 8:58 PM, 2019
11-12.45 today mainly to look at the Spoonbills which you could see quite well at times from the viewing area.
Also 3 Cettis Warbler, Cattle Egret, 4 Little Egret, 60 Black Tailed Godwit, many Avocet with young. Heard Bearded Tit but failed to spot.
A quick visit today, in between time spent at Thurstaston visitor centre in Wirral country park and Parkgate, old baths car park. Unfortunately missed both the Little Stint and the White Winged Black Tern, but did get to see the Spoonbills, Cattle Egret plus Avocet, Cettis Warbler, Little Egret, Curlew, Black Tailed Godwit, Canada Goose, Greenshank, Grey Heron, Swift, Swallow.
Doc Brewster said
Sat May 25 10:25 PM, 2019
After driving a mere 376 miles back from The Highlands today I got straight out of Carys's car which I had been driving and switched to my car to drive the 37 miles to Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB
It was all done to see the summer plumaged adult White-winged Black Tern that had lingered for a second day. Even though the Reception was shut we were able to scope the bird really well from the boarwalk next to the building thanks to the side gates being left open. I was also going to check on the reported Little Stint from earlier in the day but was informed by birders returning from marsh Covert Hide that it hadn't been seen since lunchtime.
After heading home I had racked up 450 miles of continuous driving but it was worth the extra miles to see this stunningly smart bird
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 25th of May 2019 10:26:01 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Sat May 25 12:42 PM, 2019
Brief visit to the reserve this morning to UK tick the White-winged Black Tern that is still present. Was able to scope view the bird from the boardwalk to the right of the reception hide. The Tern was circuiting the Border Pool, as previously.
John Williams said
Thu May 2 8:38 PM, 2019
10.30-15.00
1 Black Tern (Viewable from Marsh Covert hide and screen), 5 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Ravens, 1m Linnet,
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 4 Dunlin. Cetti's Warblers were heard calling at 2 points on the reserve.
5 Reed Warblers were showing really well in front of the Reedbed screen as they chased each other around the edge of the reeds.
The Black Tern was associating with hirundines, mostly Sand Martins, and hawked insects over the pool in a very similar way to them too.
There appeared to have been a fall of Common Whitethroats, at least a dozen were observed around the reserve, 7 were seen together.
Paul Beachcroft said
Mon Apr 22 4:46 PM, 2019
Five hours here today, Monday 22nd April 2019 between 10am and 15.00. Weather sunny, dry and very warm: Grey Herons; Cattle Egrets; Avocets; Black Tailed Godwits; Ruff; Canada, Egyptian and Greylagg Geese, Gadwalls, Jackdaws, Moorhens, Coots, Shovelers, Lesser Black Backed, Black Headed and Mediterranean Gulls, Mallards, Goldfinches, Chiffchaff, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Dunnock, Buzzard, Whitethroat, Blue, Coal, Gt and Long Tailed Tits, Spoonbill, Treecreeper, Crows, Rooks, Wood Pigeons, Swallows, Blackcap, Cettis and Reed Warbler, Little Grebe, Pheasants, Blackbird, Mute Swans, Teal, Magpies, Jays, Lapwings, Pied Wagtail. Redshank, Robin, Pintail, Garden Warbler, Nuthatch, Wren.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 22nd of April 2019 08:37:10 PM
Doc Brewster said
Sun Mar 24 9:50 PM, 2019
I had an afternoon free whilst waiting for a cake I baked to cool before icing it so I headed to Burton Mere Wetlands.
My plans were slightly scuppered as the wind got up and was far too strong to make looking for the Bearded Tits next to useless. They had been seen am but not pm in the strong wind. 20+Sand Martins, over pools from the Bridge Pool Screen and the patch near the setaside, were my first for 2019. Two Cattle Egrets were in low trees behind the 'Mere Pool' right of the path from the Reception Centre to Marsh Cover Hide. These two are obviously a pair and give hope for a repeat of the breeding of two years ago. Also on the reserve, but not seen by me - a Long-tailed Duck on Border Pool (I couldn't be bothered to go into a rammed hide to look for it!) and this morning a Wheatear from the viewpoint accessed over the railway bridge looking down on Burton Point.
First day out any distance away since ,y hospital stay.
The biggest highlight was a fly through Short-eared Owl, something I've seen on the coastal marshes plenty of times but never on the reserve itself. Also over the reserve were 2 Marsh Harriers. Two Egyptian Geese were quite hard to pick out looking into the sun q.a way out with the Pink-footed Geese and Canada Geese. A Spotted Redshank showed well from Bridge Screen amongst Common Redshank and two Black-tailed Godwits were seen. At least 10 Whooper Swans were amongst the Mutes out beyond the fenceline from the Reception Centre.
A visit down to Denhall Quay added Little Egret to my yearlist which is slowly reaching a res[ectable total after a dismal start!
Steve Costa said
Thu Dec 27 11:54 PM, 2018
Burton Mere Wetlands 26/12/2018
Wigeon
An aberrant or hybrid male seen from Inner Marsh Farm hide
This was a typical Eurasian wigeon in every respect, except for the sides of the face which had the bottle-green colouration present in some other Anas species. The green extended from the eye, in a cleanly defined band, along the cheek and upper face towards the back of the head. It particularly recalled Eurasian teal/green-winged teal in its density and extent. Other parental candidates might be American wigeon or even exotic escapes e.g. Chiloe wigeon. It's another duck for conjecture I think!
-- Edited by Steve Costa on Thursday 27th of December 2018 11:56:22 PM
John Williams said
Sat Dec 8 5:25 PM, 2018
10.30-14.30
1m Stonechat (On top of reeds viewed from former IMF Hide), 1f Marsh Harrier, A flock of 18 Linnets on the specially seeded field by the railway and
2 Goldcrests in the alder carr by the railway.
Also on the reserve : 1 Buzzard, 6 Little Egrets and 1m Pintail.
steven burke said
Sat Nov 3 5:34 PM, 2018
Thanks Ian, glad you got it. It was a bit distant from marsh covert hide for photos but luckily enough when I eventually went around to the inner marsh farm hide I picked up the water pipit there ( unless there is more than one) a bit closer. No signs of the bearded tits though.
A big thanks to Steven Burke(remembered your name this time) for finding the Water Pipit, a lifer for me and my wife ! this afternoon. Cheers Ian
Carl Fletcher-Poole said
Fri Oct 5 8:26 AM, 2018
Had a few hours here on the 4th October (sorry its late) Marsh Harrier came in twice, Sparrowhawk twice and a kestrel lots of times before it got a mouse. All three types of Egrets showing well with the cattle egret on its island in the furthest hide (see pictures) Curlew Sandpiper x 4 Golden Plover x 4 Snipe x 3 Dunlin x 12 Redshank x 4 Ruff x 4 and many lapwing and teal. Didn't see the Garganey or Spoonbills but was told they were there at weekend showing well, maybe the amount of raptors moved them into the marsh for now.
Having visited Burton Marsh and Parkgate old baths car park this morning in search of the juvenile Pallid Harrier I eventually caught up with it at Burton Mere Wetlands where it was seen quartering the reserve, Also of note Marsh Harrier 2 Sparrowhawk And a Hobby was seen hunting hirundines (Unsuccessfully)
Tony Coatsworth said
Sat Aug 11 4:09 PM, 2018
Cattle Egret and Hobby but no sign of Spotted Crake this morning.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Aug 4 3:22 PM, 2018
! saw the Wood Sandpiper at Burton Mere RSPB this morning, it was showing very well from Marsh Covert Hide with a Green Sandpiper. Yesterday eveing the Spotted Crake was seen again on Reception Lagoon, but no sign am in a concerted search by numerous birders.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Aug 3 1:34 PM, 2018
Another text to say that a Wood Sandpiper there today
Another text from Tony Lovatt to tell me that a Curlew Sandpiper was at Burton Mere Wetlands today, showing well from the Reception Centre.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Jul 25 9:54 PM, 2018
I had a text earlier today from 'Mr BMW' himself, Tony Lovatt, to say that a Spotted Crake has been found at Burton Mere Wetlands and is showing from the Reception Centre.
sid ashton said
Thu May 24 9:37 PM, 2018
Doc Brewster wrote:
Late news from yesterday, for which I apologise, but my bad back is stopping me from sitting at a pc much of the time. A Gull-billed Tern, a real Mega, dropped into the reserve yesterday evening. At first it was on the Inner Marsh Farm part of the reserve but later led twitchers a merry dance over the whole area. It has not been seen at all today unfortunately.
The Gull-billed Tern has been reported as being back again this evening. It may hang around this time, cloudy and wet overnight. I was lucky enough to see the July 2015 bird so if it stays it would be worthwhile anyone making the effort to get over there, we don't get many chances to see this species.
Doc Brewster said
Thu May 24 2:48 PM, 2018
Late news from yesterday, for which I apologise, but my bad back is stopping me from sitting at a pc much of the time. A Gull-billed Tern, a real Mega, dropped into the reserve yesterday evening. At first it was on the Inner Marsh Farm part of the reserve but later led twitchers a merry dance over the whole area. It has not been seen at all today unfortunately.
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Sat May 5 9:06 PM, 2018
Highlights today:
Spotted Redshank 3 Whinchat 1f. Great White Egret 1 flying over showing reddish tibia. Redshank 2 Avocets Cetti's/Sedge/Reed Warblers. etc.etc.etc.
Mike Chorley said
Mon Apr 23 12:36 AM, 2018
With no sight or sound of the Wood Warbler, an initial visit between 8.20 and 8.55 was cut short with the news of a Ring-necked Duck at RSPB Conway, but not before three of the four of us had had a good view of a Cetti's Warbler. In case the Wood Warbler had moved on we headed down to Decca Pools for the pair of Garganey, ticking off Common and Lesser Whitethroats and a very showy Sedge Warbler en route. A lingering Fieldfare in the sheep fields at Burton Wetlands and some remaining Pink-footed Geese on the Dee foreshore carried wintry overtones to match the sky, despite reeling Grasshopper Warblers and the first Swallows of the year for some of us. The Garganey eventually woke up and showed a little better, so we headed off to North Wales.
Having successfully twitched the Ring-necked Duck and enjoyed some vis mig on the Great Orme we decided to head back here for the apparently late-rising Phylloscopus. Delayed by a couple of accidents along the A55, we arrived around 16.45 and were told that the bird had been seen at the top end of the Gorse Covert trail, which conflicted with an alert saying it had been singing at the car park end 25 minutes earlier. A search along said trail proving to be inconclusive, Mike A and I headed off to find a Cetti's while Holly and John stayed around the start of the woodland trail. With almost perfect timing we both found our target species at the same time. Mike and I hurried back and had neck-crinking views of the bird high in a sycamore near the wooden wigwam, bringing our warbler tally for the day to nine and a half species ( we never managed to see a Grasshopper Warbler). All in all a reasonable day with a group tally of 73 species seen and four heard between the three sites without giving any of them an extensive search.
Paul Beachcroft said
Sat Apr 21 6:16 PM, 2018
Spent all day here today 10.00 - 17.00. Dry, warm, sunny, calm. Avocets; Blackcap; Buzzard; Chaffinch; Coot; Tufted Duck; Dunnock; Little Egret; Black Tailed Godwit; Goldfinch; Canada Goose; Black Headed Gull; Grey Heron; Red Kite; Lapwing; Linnet; Moor Hen; Oystercatcher; Grey Partridge; Redshank; Spotted Redshank; Ruff; Shoveler; Mute Swan; Green Winged Teal; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Pied Wagtail; white Wagtail; Cettis Warbler; Sedge Warbler; Wood Warbler; Whimbrel.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Apr 12 8:41 PM, 2018
Headed down for a prolonged visit today that involved some work and some play!
The highlights on the reserve itself were 2 pairs of adult Mediterranean Gulls from the Reception, 2 Spotted Redshanks from Marsh Covert Hide, a Ruff from the path near the pool, down on the wetlands, a very showy Cetti's Warbler in brambles and trees by the path by the pool and over 100 Avocets. Blackcap and Chiffchaff were noted as well as Swallows, Sand Martins and 2 House Martins. A couple of Gadwall were also seen as well as lots of Teal.
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Wed Mar 14 10:17 PM, 2018
Highlights:
Great White Egret 1 Merlin 1 Marsh Harrier 2 Peregrine 2 Kestrel 1 Ruff 2 Goosander 1f. Avocet 93...quoted by the staff. Pintail 1m 1f.
etc.etc.etc.
John Watson said
Tue Feb 20 9:03 AM, 2018
Velvet Scoter would be incredibly unusual
Maybe Gadwall in winter plumage ?
Rene Griffiths said
Sat Feb 17 5:20 PM, 2018
Hi Rob, sorry for the late reply, I also had a message from another member of the forum so I can see this sighting might not be as straight-forward as it seemed at the time to the 4 of us who saw it! :) The bird caught our eye when flying directly and quite close by the reception hide and it had distinctive white on it's wing only really visible as it flew, 4 of us saw it and although we are regular birders for years we are certainly amateur/casual level so we did not know what it was, only that it was something none of us recognised so not one of the usuals. After consulting books whilst in the hide after it landed (and we could still see it but quite far in the distance now and none of us had a scope, only binos) we came to the conclusion definitely Velvet Scoter but we didn't realise how rare a sighting that would be so we didn't discuss with the staff there unfortunately. So whilst I can't think what else it would have been, now I see the interest in this mention of Velvet Scoter I am questioning if that was indeed what we saw. I've no idea what sex it was, obviously I better study the birdbooks a bit more ;)
Rob Creek said
Mon Jan 15 10:03 AM, 2018
Hi Rene, the Velvet Scoter from Reception hide, was it a Drake? I'm surprised it wasn't reported on Dee Estuary sightings.
Tim Wilcox said
Sun Jan 14 7:56 PM, 2018
A pair of Little Owls were in the crack in the second left tree from the barn looking down from the top of Puddington Lane today - sheltering from the freezing wind. Nothing much of interest at Burton Mere Wetlands other than 2 Marsh Harriers (a further 2-3 diwn on the marsh) but 5 Bewicks Swans on Burton Marsh scoped from the Hillfort and 2 further birds later with Steve Burke. Merlin, Peregrine and Raven too but no Hen Harriers on that part of the marsh. Strangely few Little Egrets and no Great White Egrets on Burton Marsh today
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Sunday 14th of January 2018 07:58:20 PM
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Sunday 14th of January 2018 08:05:49 PM
Rene Griffiths said
Sun Jan 14 8:43 AM, 2018
Had a really good afternoon at Burton Mere in cloudy but dry conditions, around 5 degrees. Of note were Stonechat on the wildflower meadow area, Green Woodpecker as soon as you arrive ground feeding on the field next to the entrance to the car park. A small number of Black Tailed Godwit were dotted about. Great views of a Marsh Harrier from several spots on the reserve, also a small flock of Wigeon from Reception hide and a single Velvet Scoter.
In addition to usuals of course like Blue, Great, Coal and LT Tits, Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Coot Moorhen, Mallard that kind of thing!
Doc Brewster said
Sat Jan 13 1:15 PM, 2018
A very brief visit last Thursday but with a few species seen that folk may be interested in:
From the visitor centre I walked out to the left on the path over the bridge and past the 'bunker' hide. Not far after there looking back inland towards the farm there are two bare oak trees. The first one right of the farm has a good covering of ivy, in the next one to the right a Little Owl was sitting atop a vertical dead branch on the right had side of the tree. This has been a regular site for this bird over the past week, so worth having a look at this now scarce species in Cheshire. Just along from there towards the end of the path if you look over past the feeders towards the D-Barn and the harvested potato field there are usually a few Whooper Swans feeding there. I saw 4 adult birds which walked off out of sight behind the barn, so if they are not on view then persevere and they may come out. On reception lagoon a good array of waterfowl included a nice drake Pintail.
1 Spotted Crake - juv showed from Bunker Hide for a minute or two after 1 hour wait.
8 Ruff
2 Avocet
A few Black-tailed Godwit
2 Egyptian Geese
2 Wheatear
1 Marsh Harrier over estuary from Burton Point
2 Reed Warbler - 1 seen carrying food
1 Cettis Warbler - singing but not seen
1 Green Woodpecker- heard only
2 Raven
1 Kingfisher
2 Buzzard
1 Kestrel
1 Chiffchaff - singing
A few Willow Warbler heard
1 Great White Egret - estuary
2 Little Egret
1 White Wagtail
1 Yellow Wagtail
-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Monday 24th of August 2020 08:33:56 PM
More Wirral Adventures 16/8/20
After various trips to the east coast area it was time to check out one of our best birding areas on the west coast, RSPB Burton Mere, on the Wirral. A leisurely 8am start had us heading along the M56 on a grey but dry morning. An adult Spotted Crake had been seen on the reserve during the week, it was later revealed that 2 juvenile Spotted Crakes had been seen, so possible breeding had taken place. We arrived just as the reserve opened at 9am and headed for the Bunker hide and new eastern viewing area. The crake was not seen after a good search, then we went up to the reed bed area and Bridge Pool to search for a Garganey. We know how difficult Garganey can be to find and after about an hour no sign of the bird, was it going to be one of those days? Then as always seems to happen the bird swam out from behind an island and showed itself and promptly disappeared again! Now a birding friend of ours lives on the Wirral, Mark G or Whipper as he is known in these parts had agreed to join us. As we waited Kevin Hughes from Macclesfield could be seen walking along the path towards us, after our customary greeting he told us that the Spotted Crake was showing at Bunker hide. Mark G joined us and we all enjoyed good views of a sometimes difficult bird to observe as it walked around the edges of the reed bed. Also bumped into Ian Evans from North Wales, other birds included: - Peregrine taking a Lapwing for breakfast, Snipe, Black tailed Godwits, Gadwall, Teal, Marsh Harrier, and Water Rail. All in all a successful walk around the reserve.
Dave O.
Another really notable record for the reserve this year with Spotted Crakes breeding here again folowing on from success a few years ago. One adult for certain and 2 juveniles have been seen on the visitor centre lagoon.
After a couple of visits not seeing them (when I went last week just one juv was showing though!) I returned today with Carys as we both had a free afternoon. The car park has had spaces roped off and is reduced capacity to limit numbers on the reserve. Only a few spaces were free but we got in OK. After filling in the Track & Trace form we headed to Bunker Hide where we were told one had showed only 10-15mins earlier. Within 5mins a juvenile Spotted Crake popped out of the reed edge and stood there occasionally preening for around 10mins. It then turned and disappeared from whence it came! We waited a short while but with no further sign we vacated the hide to let others use it with social distancing (the official line is 5 people in at a time but no one obeys this, we were 3rd & 4th folk in there but when we left there were 8-10 people using it!). Whilst we were in the hide we spotted a Green Sandpiper on the closest pool which I pointed out to everyone and Carys got a few year ticks in the form of 1 Avocet, several Ruff and a Marsh Harrier.
We next headed to the Mere on a tip off from patch guru Tony, here we soon found the Egyptian Goose that he had said was on, but it, too, soon disappeared under overhanging vegetation. A walk up to Bridge Screen produced an adult and juvenile Little Egret together on Bridge Pool and a Great White Egret fishing close to the path.
Not a bad short afternoon visit, we thanked all the staff and vols for keeping the place open and headed home.
A very distant record shot of the crake attached!!
09.45-12.00 today. No hides but screens and seating and small loo.
Marsh Harrier(breeding on site this year) with prey.
Peregrine Falcon putting up birds near visitor centre including 8 Avocet and young, 40 Black Tailed Godwit, 30 Lapwing, 5 Shoveler amongst others.
Great Egret on fishing pool, 15 Little Egret, 7 Grey Heron.
Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 2 Cettis Warbler and young, 3 Common Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Juvenile Green Woodpecker near railway bridge, 3 Linnet, 2 Raven.
Toilet facilities are available.
Took a drive to the reserve again today and arrived at 9am. I was the first visitor vehicle there, the RSPB vols & staff were there too. As statedn I entered through the side gate onto the reserve.
First I headed to the Reedbed Screen, where later I ws joined by 3 other birders. Soon after I spotted a male Bearded Tit on the reed edge and he and a female flew across the channel. A while later I noticed movement low in the reeds right in front of the screen, and there was the female Bearded Tit and straight after the male, both showing fantastically well. Earlier in the same place a Cetti's Warbler had showed well too. Bearded Tits and Cetti's (in flight now) continued to show for the next half hour when I decided to press on. I next headed up to the crop field path and myself and my pals used our bins to start searching down in the Dell. Our quarry, a Woodcock was found, showing well sitting in a relatively open area. Later it just walked off to go into deeper cover, just as another birder was approaching, such unlucky timing! Several Chiffchaffs were seen and heard around the reserve and a Marsh Harrier and two Buzzards were overhead. On the Visitor Centre Lagoon were a nice pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls (one of the vols told me that 4 were present). Several Avocets were scattered on the pools too.
Next I travelled the short distance down to Burton Point, off Denhall Lane. Here at least 4 Wheatears were in the sheep fields, showing really well. Out on the Marsh I picked out 3 Great White Egrets too. Lots of Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits were around as well as a few Linnets and a pair of Stonechats. Near the Burton Mere viewpoint we found a Little Owl, hiding in a hawthorn, great to catch up with this declining species.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 19th of March 2020 09:04:48 PM
The Burton Mere Wetlands Visitor Centre has closed due to Covid-19. The toilets here are also shut. Access to the reserve is still possible as the side gates will be left open, for free access to all. The toilets on the trail towards Marsh Covert Hide will also remain open. The situation will be under continuous assessment but this is the situation at present.
Long-billed Dowitcher Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB from Inner Marsh Farm Hide this afternoon, from my bird group :)
Highlights:
Great White Egret 2
Water Pipit 1
Green Woodpecker 1
Avocet 1
Snipe 1
Marsh Harrier 1 female.
Oystercatcher 2
Egyptian Geese 2
Golden Plover 150+
etc.etc.
45 species.
After a morning at Parkgate I popped into Burton Mere Wetlands to catch up with many birding pals and have a mooch.
Best birds included a Spotted Redshank that was with 10 Black-tailed Godwits on Reception Pool, and a Green Sandpiper and 3 Ruff, all on a pool on the wet grassland far left of Reception Pool. Two Stonechats around Bunker Hide were a yeartick but no sign of any Water Pipits in the field opposite here. The visit had to be short but nice to get there for the first time in 2020.
Great White Egret on Reception Pool
Water Pipit distantly in field opposite Bunker Hide
Cheers John
-- Edited by John Rayner on Monday 16th of December 2019 11:09:13 AM
As expected after yesterday's deluge the water level on all the pools was very high,
leaving almost no exposed mud for waders.
A few Redshanks and Black Tailed Godwits though were probing for worms on the wet
pasture/embankment in front of the Bunker hide. Apart from these and a few Lapwings the
only other wader I found was a single Snipe near the IMF hide.
Teal though were in abundance, which was especially evident when they were spooked by a
female Marsh Harrier, clouds of the little ducks together with a few Shoveler and Gadwall
erupted from the marsh, the raptor though just ignored them and glided calmly off towards Shotton.
Apart from the single harrier, 2 Kestrels and 1 Buzzard were seen over the reserve. One of the Kestrels
seemed to show an interest in a flock of 40+ Linnets that were feeding in the specially seeded field near the railway.
1 Great White Egret was in the SE corner of the reserve, near the barn, whilst 2 more were on the nearby salt marsh.
4 Meadow Pipits were amongst the sheep near the hill fort.
Around a dozen highly vocal Ravens were seen over the reserve, some in display flight. Also seen around the reserve
were 1 Goldcrest and 5 Little Egrets. Today's sun also brought out the insects, please see seperate thread.
I arrived a few minutes after 7 to be given the unwelcome news -"the Terek's just flown". I waited around for a couple of hours, meeting some old mates on a pleasant morning weatherwise.
Species present on the scrape included Common Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Ruff, Spotted Redshank and several Avocets that had apparently been giving the Terek some grief before it flew off.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Thursday 11th of July 2019 12:52:30 PM
Update:
Bird present pre 7am this morning but soon after it flew off high over Shotwick and hadn't returned by early afternoon.
Just in case folk haven't heard, it has been put out this evening on the Cheshire Whatsapp Group that there is a Terek Sandpiper at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB. Posters on the same group have provided info that the reserve will open at 7am tomorrow.
11-12.45 today mainly to look at the Spoonbills which you could see quite well at times from the viewing area.
Also 3 Cettis Warbler, Cattle Egret, 4 Little Egret, 60 Black Tailed Godwit, many Avocet with young. Heard Bearded Tit but failed to spot.
A quick visit today, in between time spent at Thurstaston visitor centre in Wirral country park and Parkgate, old baths car park. Unfortunately missed both the Little Stint and the White Winged Black Tern, but did get to see the Spoonbills, Cattle Egret plus Avocet, Cettis Warbler, Little Egret, Curlew, Black Tailed Godwit, Canada Goose, Greenshank, Grey Heron, Swift, Swallow.
After driving a mere 376 miles back from The Highlands today I got straight out of Carys's car which I had been driving and switched to my car to drive the 37 miles to Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB
It was all done to see the summer plumaged adult White-winged Black Tern that had lingered for a second day. Even though the Reception was shut we were able to scope the bird really well from the boarwalk next to the building thanks to the side gates being left open. I was also going to check on the reported Little Stint from earlier in the day but was informed by birders returning from marsh Covert Hide that it hadn't been seen since lunchtime.
After heading home I had racked up 450 miles of continuous driving but it was worth the extra miles to see this stunningly smart bird
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 25th of May 2019 10:26:01 PM
Brief visit to the reserve this morning to UK tick the White-winged Black Tern that is still present. Was able to scope view the bird from the boardwalk to the right of the reception hide. The Tern was circuiting the Border Pool, as previously.
10.30-15.00
1 Black Tern (Viewable from Marsh Covert hide and screen), 5 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Ravens, 1m Linnet,
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 4 Dunlin. Cetti's Warblers were heard calling at 2 points on the reserve.
5 Reed Warblers were showing really well in front of the Reedbed screen as they chased each other around the edge of the reeds.
The Black Tern was associating with hirundines, mostly Sand Martins, and hawked insects over the pool in a very similar way to them too.
There appeared to have been a fall of Common Whitethroats, at least a dozen were observed around the reserve, 7 were seen together.
Five hours here today, Monday 22nd April 2019 between 10am and 15.00. Weather sunny, dry and very warm: Grey Herons; Cattle Egrets; Avocets; Black Tailed Godwits; Ruff; Canada, Egyptian and Greylagg Geese, Gadwalls, Jackdaws, Moorhens, Coots, Shovelers, Lesser Black Backed, Black Headed and Mediterranean Gulls, Mallards, Goldfinches, Chiffchaff, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Dunnock, Buzzard, Whitethroat, Blue, Coal, Gt and Long Tailed Tits, Spoonbill, Treecreeper, Crows, Rooks, Wood Pigeons, Swallows, Blackcap, Cettis and Reed Warbler, Little Grebe, Pheasants, Blackbird, Mute Swans, Teal, Magpies, Jays, Lapwings, Pied Wagtail. Redshank, Robin, Pintail, Garden Warbler, Nuthatch, Wren.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 22nd of April 2019 08:37:10 PM
I had an afternoon free whilst waiting for a cake I baked to cool before icing it so I headed to Burton Mere Wetlands.
My plans were slightly scuppered as the wind got up and was far too strong to make looking for the Bearded Tits next to useless. They had been seen am but not pm in the strong wind. 20+Sand Martins, over pools from the Bridge Pool Screen and the patch near the setaside, were my first for 2019. Two Cattle Egrets were in low trees behind the 'Mere Pool' right of the path from the Reception Centre to Marsh Cover Hide. These two are obviously a pair and give hope for a repeat of the breeding of two years ago. Also on the reserve, but not seen by me - a Long-tailed Duck on Border Pool (I couldn't be bothered to go into a rammed hide to look for it!) and this morning a Wheatear from the viewpoint accessed over the railway bridge looking down on Burton Point.
First day out any distance away since ,y hospital stay.
The biggest highlight was a fly through Short-eared Owl, something I've seen on the coastal marshes plenty of times but never on the reserve itself. Also over the reserve were 2 Marsh Harriers. Two Egyptian Geese were quite hard to pick out looking into the sun q.a way out with the Pink-footed Geese and Canada Geese. A Spotted Redshank showed well from Bridge Screen amongst Common Redshank and two Black-tailed Godwits were seen. At least 10 Whooper Swans were amongst the Mutes out beyond the fenceline from the Reception Centre.
A visit down to Denhall Quay added Little Egret to my yearlist which is slowly reaching a res[ectable total after a dismal start!
Wigeon
An aberrant or hybrid male seen from Inner Marsh Farm hide
This was a typical Eurasian wigeon in every respect, except for the sides of the face which had the bottle-green colouration present in some other Anas species. The green extended from the eye, in a cleanly defined band, along the cheek and upper face towards the back of the head. It particularly recalled Eurasian teal/green-winged teal in its density and extent. Other parental candidates might be American wigeon or even exotic escapes e.g. Chiloe wigeon. It's another duck for conjecture I think!
-- Edited by Steve Costa on Thursday 27th of December 2018 11:56:22 PM
1m Stonechat (On top of reeds viewed from former IMF Hide), 1f Marsh Harrier, A flock of 18 Linnets on the specially seeded field by the railway and
2 Goldcrests in the alder carr by the railway.
Also on the reserve : 1 Buzzard, 6 Little Egrets and 1m Pintail.
It was a bit distant from marsh covert hide for photos but luckily enough when I eventually went around to the inner marsh farm hide I picked up the water pipit there ( unless there is more than one) a bit closer.
No signs of the bearded tits though.
Cheers Ian
Spotted Crake 1
Spoonbill 3
Hen Harrier 1
Marsh Harrier 1
Kestrel 1
Ruff 1
Green Sandpiper 1
Snipe
Pintail
Black-tailed Godwit
Also of note
Marsh Harrier 2
Sparrowhawk
And a Hobby was seen hunting hirundines (Unsuccessfully)
Cattle Egret and Hobby but no sign of Spotted Crake this morning.
! saw the Wood Sandpiper at Burton Mere RSPB this morning, it was showing very well from Marsh Covert Hide with a Green Sandpiper. Yesterday eveing the Spotted Crake was seen again on Reception Lagoon, but no sign am in a concerted search by numerous birders.
Another text to say that a Wood Sandpiper there today
Reception Hide;
Cattle Egret 1
Green Sandpiper 1
IMF;
Spotted Redshank 3
Redshank 1
Little Ringed Plover 5
Avocet 1 ad + 1 juv
Oystercatcher 3
Snipe 1
Peregrine 1
Marsh Harrier (f) 1
Chris
Another text from Tony Lovatt to tell me that a Curlew Sandpiper was at Burton Mere Wetlands today, showing well from the Reception Centre.
I had a text earlier today from 'Mr BMW' himself, Tony Lovatt, to say that a Spotted Crake has been found at Burton Mere Wetlands and is showing from the Reception Centre.
The Gull-billed Tern has been reported as being back again this evening. It may hang around this time, cloudy and wet overnight. I was lucky enough to see the July 2015 bird so if it stays it would be worthwhile anyone making the effort to get over there, we don't get many chances to see this species.
Late news from yesterday, for which I apologise, but my bad back is stopping me from sitting at a pc much of the time. A Gull-billed Tern, a real Mega, dropped into the reserve yesterday evening. At first it was on the Inner Marsh Farm part of the reserve but later led twitchers a merry dance over the whole area. It has not been seen at all today unfortunately.
Spotted Redshank 3
Whinchat 1f.
Great White Egret 1 flying over showing reddish tibia.
Redshank 2
Avocets
Cetti's/Sedge/Reed Warblers.
etc.etc.etc.
With no sight or sound of the Wood Warbler, an initial visit between 8.20 and 8.55 was cut short with the news of a Ring-necked Duck at RSPB Conway, but not before three of the four of us had had a good view of a Cetti's Warbler. In case the Wood Warbler had moved on we headed down to Decca Pools for the pair of Garganey, ticking off Common and Lesser Whitethroats and a very showy Sedge Warbler en route. A lingering Fieldfare in the sheep fields at Burton Wetlands and some remaining Pink-footed Geese on the Dee foreshore carried wintry overtones to match the sky, despite reeling Grasshopper Warblers and the first Swallows of the year for some of us. The Garganey eventually woke up and showed a little better, so we headed off to North Wales.
Having successfully twitched the Ring-necked Duck and enjoyed some vis mig on the Great Orme we decided to head back here for the apparently late-rising Phylloscopus.
Delayed by a couple of accidents along the A55, we arrived around 16.45 and were told that the bird had been seen at the top end of the Gorse Covert trail, which conflicted with an alert saying it had been singing at the car park end 25 minutes earlier. A search along said trail proving to be inconclusive, Mike A and I headed off to find a Cetti's while Holly and John stayed around the start of the woodland trail. With almost perfect timing we both found our target species at the same time. Mike and I hurried back and had neck-crinking views of the bird high in a sycamore near the wooden wigwam, bringing our warbler tally for the day to nine and a half species ( we never managed to see a Grasshopper Warbler). All in all a reasonable day with a group tally of 73 species seen and four heard between the three sites without giving any of them an extensive search.
Spent all day here today 10.00 - 17.00. Dry, warm, sunny, calm. Avocets; Blackcap; Buzzard; Chaffinch; Coot; Tufted Duck; Dunnock; Little Egret; Black Tailed Godwit; Goldfinch; Canada Goose; Black Headed Gull; Grey Heron; Red Kite; Lapwing; Linnet; Moor Hen; Oystercatcher; Grey Partridge; Redshank; Spotted Redshank; Ruff; Shoveler; Mute Swan; Green Winged Teal; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Pied Wagtail; white Wagtail; Cettis Warbler; Sedge Warbler; Wood Warbler; Whimbrel.
Headed down for a prolonged visit today that involved some work and some play!
The highlights on the reserve itself were 2 pairs of adult Mediterranean Gulls from the Reception, 2 Spotted Redshanks from Marsh Covert Hide, a Ruff from the path near the pool, down on the wetlands, a very showy Cetti's Warbler in brambles and trees by the path by the pool and over 100 Avocets. Blackcap and Chiffchaff were noted as well as Swallows, Sand Martins and 2 House Martins. A couple of Gadwall were also seen as well as lots of Teal.
Great White Egret 1
Merlin 1
Marsh Harrier 2
Peregrine 2
Kestrel 1
Ruff 2
Goosander 1f.
Avocet 93...quoted by the staff.
Pintail 1m 1f.
etc.etc.etc.
Maybe Gadwall in winter plumage ?
the Velvet Scoter from Reception hide, was it a Drake? I'm surprised it wasn't reported on Dee Estuary sightings.
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Sunday 14th of January 2018 07:58:20 PM
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Sunday 14th of January 2018 08:05:49 PM
Snipe
Cormorant
Teal
Shoveler
Grey Heron
Little Egret
Pied Wagtail
Snipe
Canada Geese
Greylag Goose
Redshank
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Treecreeper
Buzzard
In addition to usuals of course like Blue, Great, Coal and LT Tits, Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Coot Moorhen, Mallard that kind of thing!
A very brief visit last Thursday but with a few species seen that folk may be interested in:
From the visitor centre I walked out to the left on the path over the bridge and past the 'bunker' hide. Not far after there looking back inland towards the farm there are two bare oak trees. The first one right of the farm has a good covering of ivy, in the next one to the right a Little Owl was sitting atop a vertical dead branch on the right had side of the tree. This has been a regular site for this bird over the past week, so worth having a look at this now scarce species in Cheshire. Just along from there towards the end of the path if you look over past the feeders towards the D-Barn and the harvested potato field there are usually a few Whooper Swans feeding there. I saw 4 adult birds which walked off out of sight behind the barn, so if they are not on view then persevere and they may come out. On reception lagoon a good array of waterfowl included a nice drake Pintail.