Last sunny day before I'm back in work & then the storm hits, so went out to The Wirral, starting at The Old Baths car park, Parkgate.
Not a bad few hours in the company of two lovely folk from Prenton. Highlights were a very brief show by the male Hen Harrier, up all of 8 seconds but in that time I managed to get the other 2 onto it. Also a distant Short-eared Owl up towards Heswall. Two Merlins were seen as well as a Peregrine, three Marsh Harriers, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel. Only one confirmed Great White Egret was present, although many egrets were so distant in the heat haze and only showing the tops of their heads that there could have been more. Lots of definite Little Egrets were seen though. Hundreds of Pink-footed Geese were on the marsh, many up pretty close.
The tides are not really good at the moment. Wrong times for the high tides and not that big, but getting later and rising, unfortunately though the storm may hit and make watching very difficult from Sunday onwards.
Hoylake, Kings Gap Good numbers of waders including Knot Grey Plover Dunlin Sanderling Ringed Plover Pale - bellied Brent Goose
New Brighton Marine Lake 2 Purple Sandpiper C120 Redshank c20 Dunlin 11 Turnstone
Doc Brewster said
Thu Jan 23 10:23 PM, 2020
Latest half day out:
Up to New Brighton where after high tide there were 2 Purple Sandpipers on the Marine Lake pontoon along with several Knot, and lots of Turnstones, Dunlin and Redshanks. Then down to Meols but apart fro, distant Sanderling, Dunlin, Knot, Curlew and a Grey Plover most stuff was way too far out as high tide had long gone. Next a pop into Old baths, Parkgate where I had 2 Marsh Harriers in a very short watch, fellow birders had a probable Merlin (but I needed the harrier for my year list and not that so I concentrated on my bird!!). Finally I called in at Denhall Quay where 2 Great White Egrets were seen along with several Little Egrets. A tantalising white goose was miles out on the marsh with other geese, but too far to positively ID, however if a Snow Goose comes out in the next few days then I'm having it
Steven Nelson said
Sun Jan 12 9:08 PM, 2020
Late morning to sunset visit today Highlights:
New Brighton Marine Lake: 7 Purple Sandpipers with lots of Turnstone, Redshank and Dunlin on the pontoon at high tide
Hoylake: Large flocks of Knot and Dunlin
West Kirby Marine Lake: 1 Red-breasted Merganser- female 2 Grey Plover c.30 Pale-bellied Brent Geese - seen distantly towards Hilbre
Parkgate: 3 Hen Harrier- 1 male, 2 ringtail c.8 Marsh Harrier 2 Short-eared Owl 1 Merlin 3 Kestrel Large numbers of Pink-footed Geese 1 Stonechat 3 Great White Egret Numerous Little Egret 2 Water Rail - heard only
John Rayner said
Mon Dec 16 11:07 AM, 2019
15th Dec. Denhall Quay: Short-eared Owl hunting at 2.45 in between the squally showers Marsh Harrier 2
Parkgate Baths: Great White Egret Marsh Harrier 5 Merlin
Neston Reed Bed: Marsh Harriers - at least 9 roosting Bittern flew in to roost at 15.59
Cheers John
-- Edited by John Rayner on Monday 16th of December 2019 11:10:23 AM
Dave Steel said
Fri Nov 29 11:08 PM, 2019
Visit with Team Friday starting at Denhall Lane...highlights
2 Great (White) Egret
1 Ring Tailed Hen Harrier
1 Peregrine (immature female) this hounded the Ring Tailed Harrier mercilessly
1 Male Hen Harrier
3 Marsh Harrier
Raven---in good number especially as there seemed to be plenty of Carrion for them to feed upon.
Burton Mere of note
1 Dunlin
1 Black Swan
a flock of 20 plus Siskin
several hundred Lapwing
Adam Jones said
Fri Nov 29 9:36 PM, 2019
Early morning visit today. West Kirby marine lake: 1 Rock Pipit 1 Red-breasted Merganser 25 Brent Geese 3 Goosander 2 Dunlin 15 Knot 2 Cormorant 25 Common Redshank
Thurstaston Shore: c300 Pintail (quite a sight)
Mike Chorley said
Mon Nov 25 12:35 AM, 2019
Called in at Neston on our way home from North Wales to view the marsh from the vicinity of The Harp Inn. Fairly misty conditions, so not much seen, with one skein of Pink-footed Geese over, a couple of harrier sightings (probably one Marsh and one Hen on jizz, but no conclusive views) and a passage of at least 81 Little and 3 Great Egrets south towards the roost at Burton Marsh.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 25th of November 2019 08:19:21 AM
Dave Steel said
Tue Nov 12 8:25 PM, 2019
1000-1530 with Team Tuesday...highlights
Denhall Lane
1 Merlin...female
2 Great (White) Egret
Parkgate
2 Marsh Harrier
1 Merlin...female
1 Hen Harrier...Male.
Jeff Gorse said
Sun Nov 10 6:57 PM, 2019
1 x short-eared owl at Parkgate around 3pm, giving decent views as it perched out on the saltmarsh
Stonechat on the fenceline near the golf course
Several marsh harriers cruising around further out on the marsh
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Sep 4 6:25 PM, 2019
A productive two hours over the high tide today at King's Gap, Hoylake. Fifty mph westerlies, generally fine but three or four heavy showers as well.
Started off with an Arctic Skua on the tide line followed by a superb adult Pomarine Skua that hung around for ages. Settled down for periods on the beach and also gave great flight views. A few Gannets were also seen together with fifty odd Sandwich Tern and a few Common Tern. Plenty of waders around including Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and Dunlin.
Just before the Pomarine Skua flew in, I very briefly got on a gull and immediately thought Sabine's. I was stood in a group of ten or so people, behind most of them and up against the wall, sheltering from the strong winds. Consequently, I was only on the gull for a couple of seconds max before it continued flying west, out of view. In view of this I didn't call it out, although a guy to my right then shouted 'Sabine's.' I put it on the Cheshire WhatsApp group but won't be submitting any records.
Deciding to head for the Lifeboat Station to look for Petrels, I learnt, on arrival, that I had missed a west flying Long-tailed Skua by one minute!
When I was in the info services Rob there were lots of reasons news didn't go out immediately including the observer not having a phone, not having reception, running out of charge, or just delaying til they got home. Sometimes texted in news didn't have a time given so was transmitted when we got it, without a time, better that than not transmitting at all I think we all agree
p.s. I think Ian will probably prefer this to go back to bird news rather than a discussion, so here's a bit of news from today to help!
6 Spoonbills on lagoon behind Donkey Stand Flash, Parkgate, for 2nd day.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 10th of July 2019 10:40:15 PM
Rob Creek said
Wed Jul 10 2:21 PM, 2019
I wasnt saying theyd made the sighting up John, on the contrary I was saying there was a possibility of 2 birds. I was stood with a few people who were under the same impression as me, if we were watching the bird at the sailing club then was there another bird visiting Burton and Shotwick at virtually the same time?
The question it does beg though, is...if no actual sighting times are put on, and youve only got the time the report was made to go off... then what time could it have been referring to, as the bird was at the sailing club slipway before I arrived and didnt leave the immediate area whilst I was there. So was it a lot earlier in the morning perhaps, and if thats the case then they took a long time to put that news out assuming they received that news. Certainly confused a few people anyway.
John Watson said
Tue Jul 9 11:10 AM, 2019
Seems to me that they can only broadcast what they've been told. If someone neglects to mention the time of observation, even if rather late, the services don't make one up
The many times I've reported something, they quote my words exactly, so it's not their fault if I get it wrong. I always try to provide precisely what's needed for the next guy to follow up
One thing few observers report is that, if a bird is seen to fly off, which way did it go ? (not talking about the GBT here)
Doc Brewster said
Mon Jul 8 10:45 PM, 2019
Rob Creek wrote:
The guy asked me what times were on my photos, one of my digiscope shots said 10.42am and the Burton Mere sighting was virtually the same time so we believe there was a good chance of 2 birds.
I've worked in the Bird News services Rob and if a bird comes on the pager without a time given in the message then the time it comes through isn't the time it is being seen. Yes, the sighting did get transmitted at 10.54am on my RBA feed (I still have access to the messages) but with no time given it refers to an earlier sighting. The RBA daily round-up states that the bird was a single one moving up and down that coast. A number of other authorities say the same (e.g. Alan Davies, ex Birdline and Conwy RSPB Head Warden). I too believe it to be a single individual which had started to range further afield, as they do later in their stay. Two would have been nice, but RBA and no doubt BBRC (Chris Batty of RBA is a BBRC member) are treating it as a single individual.
Rob Creek said
Mon Jul 8 1:44 PM, 2019
Sunday 7th July.
Flying visit to Thurstaston / Dee Sailing Club on Sunday morning, lovely area, and nice to see Paul Baker and his Mrs.
Gull-billed Tern (Lifer) A beautiful looking Tern that I picked up on flying low over the beach virtually on arrival, it landed for a brief spell then was up again flying around the slipway area of the sailing club and then out towards the red boat out on the mud flats. It went down behind the boat for a couple of minutes but was back up again and headed back over towards the few of us present.
Following on from what Paul says below, a strange series of reports as the Burton Mere sighting came on a guys pager who was stood with me while we were watching the Tern at the sailing club. He said it looks like theres another one at Burton Mere mate ...I replied... well if the Tern is here, then unless theyve got the times wrong its got to be a different bird as Burton Mere is a good 20 minutes away by car Then whilst we were watching the Tern again, another report came in from Shotwick boating lake, which is just south of Burton Mere so was it another bird flying between Shotwick and Burton??? The guy asked me what times were on my photos, one of my digiscope shots said 10.42am and the Burton Mere sighting was virtually the same time so we believe there was a good chance of 2 birds.
Just an update, again for anyone planning a visit. The Gull-billed Tern now seems to be ranging even further afield. Today it was around the Thurstaston Dee Sailing Club slipway area, then turned up at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB, even being seen in Flintshire over Shotwich Boating Lake. Later on it was back off the slipway and a final unconfirmed report at 2pm had it off Heswall. Since 2pm no reports that I can find on any info service or chat groups.
Tim Wilcox said
Sat Jul 6 2:09 PM, 2019
Doc Brewster wrote:
Craig Higson wrote:
The Gull-billed Tern was present again this morning. I arrived at about 06:50 and had my first view of it at 07:15 before it flew off north. There had been suggestions on social media that the bird has a circuit that takes about an hour
The exception that proves the rule - the tern was present all the time I was there on Thursday morning, from c.9.30am-11am when I left. Colin's post suggests it stayed for 2hrs or so whilst he was there. On those earlier days it seems to have just stayed off the slipway area until the high tide, but now I wonder whether it its habits are changing. It certainly sounds like it, from experience the longer birds stay the further they range & become harder to see. An interesting & very relevant observation for visitors to take into consideration Craig.
Another consideration for folk going this weekendis that there is a regatta planned ( https://www.dee-sc.co.uk/dart-18/dee-and-west-kirby-regattas-weekend/ ) and access and parking to Dee Sailing Club may be difficult, so parking at the Wirral CP and walking may be best ( https://www.wirral.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-events/parks-beaches-and-countryside/wirral-country-park )
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 6th of July 2019 12:12:20 PM
Yesterday when I arrived it was high tide and someone called a bird flying up the estuary as the tern. As the tide began to ebb it was picked up flying back towards the sailing club from the saltmarsh at 3.40pm as Colin says. Initially it hung around the tideline area to the left of the slipway as viewed from the sailing club car park area. It worked its way over the slipway and flew along the shoreline picking up maybe small crabs before working its way round the headland. A group of us dropped down to the beach after other birders had gone and it came back for a bit around 4.30pm before disappearing further north. By this time the tide was well out and the waterline much further off. It wasn't seen to depart much from the tideline.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Jul 6 12:08 PM, 2019
Craig Higson wrote:
The Gull-billed Tern was present again this morning. I arrived at about 06:50 and had my first view of it at 07:15 before it flew off north. There had been suggestions on social media that the bird has a circuit that takes about an hour
The exception that proves the rule - the tern was present all the time I was there on Thursday morning, from c.9.30am-11am when I left. Colin's post suggests it stayed for 2hrs or so whilst he was there. On those earlier days it seems to have just stayed off the slipway area until the high tide, but now I wonder whether it its habits are changing. It certainly sounds like it, from experience the longer birds stay the further they range & become harder to see. An interesting & very relevant observation for visitors to take into consideration Craig.
Another consideration for folk going this weekendis that there is a regatta planned ( https://www.dee-sc.co.uk/dart-18/dee-and-west-kirby-regattas-weekend/ ) and access and parking to Dee Sailing Club may be difficult, so parking at the Wirral CP and walking may be best ( https://www.wirral.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-events/parks-beaches-and-countryside/wirral-country-park )
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 6th of July 2019 12:12:20 PM
Craig Higson said
Sat Jul 6 10:40 AM, 2019
The Gull-billed Tern was present again this morning. I arrived at about 06:50 and had my first view of it at 07:15 before it flew off north. There had been suggestions on social media that the bird has a circuit that takes about an hour and, sure enough, at around 08:15 the bird reappeared and gave another show for about 15 minutes before heading north again. It didn't come really close, but still had great views through the bins and scope. It struck me that the bird seemed to fly with its legs dangling quite a lot, a la Storm Petrel or Marsh Harrier. Its behaviour was a dead giveaway to spotting it when it appeared - flying quite low and constantly dropping onto the beach.
colin davies said
Fri Jul 5 9:49 PM, 2019
The gull-billed tern showed well today, eventually. It showed at about 15:40 after having been missing for about 4.5 hours and continued to show on and off until we left at about 17:45. It seems to be very much a low tide bird, feeding by picking crabs and other invertebrates off the exposed beach rather than diving into the sea for fish as you might expect from a typical tern. It certainly seems to go missing at high tide and perhaps it moves onto the saltmarsh to rest up or feed, or maybe even goes inland. A cracking bird and a great day at a beautiful location. Good to meet John Tymon, Austin Morley and Tim Wilcox.
-- Edited by colin davies on Friday 5th of July 2019 09:50:46 PM
I stayed a bit longer Mark & the Gull-billed Tern did a couple of pretty close fly-pasts viewed from the Dee Sailing Club. It was close enough that at one point I saw it apparently cough up a pellet from its undigested food items! Tried to work it out & think it was my 5th UK Gull-billed Tern and my 3rd in the Northwest! Great to see another so close to home. Good to bump into so many birding pals too, good atmosphere and banter helped by sunshine and a bird showing most of the time we were there!
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 4th of July 2019 10:54:06 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Jul 4 1:23 PM, 2019
Gull-billed Tern still present this morning, showing well at times. Preening and flight views. Although reasonably distant, still ok to pick up the bird easily enough. View from the slipway by the Dee Sailing Club.
sid ashton said
Wed Jul 3 10:49 PM, 2019
A real coincidence today with the Gull-billed Tern showing up at Thurstatson on the Wirral exactly 4 years to the day since the Burton Mere Wetlands bird
Paul Beachcroft said
Sun May 26 6:36 PM, 2019
Back to Thurstaston visitor centre in Wirral Country Park first thing this morning, then on to Burton Mere RSPB, then on to Parkgate, Old Baths car park. Thurstaston: House and Tree Sparrow, Coot, Moorhen, Swallows, Swift, House Martin, Blackbird, Robin, Eider and Shelduck, Carrion Crow, Raven, Whitethroat, Buzzard, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, Stick Dove, Skylark, Magpie, Goldfinch, Song Thrush, Blue, Coal and Great Tit, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Wren, Linnet, Little Egret, Oystercatcher; Parkgate: Little Egret, Hen Harrier, Meadow Pipit, Grey Heron, Redshank.
Paul Beachcroft said
Sat May 25 7:46 PM, 2019
An enjoyable day spent at Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston between 09.00 and 16.00. Walked the circular route to West Kirkby and back to Thurstaston visitors centre, then spent an hour in the hide at the visitor centre and a further hour walking a short way along the beach towards Parkgate and back. Whilst out I spotted the following: House and Tree Sparrow, Coot, Moorhen, Pheasant, Swallow, Swift, House Martin, Jay, Blackbird, Robin, Eider Duck, Shelduck, Carrion Crow, Raven, Whitethroat, Buzzard, Chiffchaff, Common, Herring, Lesser, Greater Black Back Gull, Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Collared Dove, Magpie, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Song Thrush, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer, Wren, Coal, Long Tail, Great and Blue Tit, Starling, Little Egret and Oyster Catcher.... Despite the weather forecast, intending to go back tomorrow to do the circular walk from Thurstaston to Parkgate and back. Will report all sightings tomorrow....
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Mar 15 4:07 PM, 2019
A few photos of a very confiding Short-eared Owl from a visit to Parkgate yesterday afternoon. Spent two hours split between the Old Baths car park and the path adjacent to Heswall Golf Course. Forty odd miles an hour winds and not a great deal seen other than a couple of distant Marsh Harrier and a ring tailed Hen Harrier. I then intended to make my way to the Harp Inn area to check for Barn Owl but could see a few photographers on the front around 400 yards south of the Boat House. The Short-eared Owl was flying back and forth only a few yards out from The Parade (promenade) giving excellent views as it dropped into the long grass several times. A Kestrel was also present and a Barn Owl flew south, also very close in.
After having to head to near Queensferry to pick up a car part I called at Two Mills at the bottom of the Wirral today. Here in a field by the A540/A550 crossroads opposite the Tudor Rose Pub I saw at least 1 Cattle Egret with a dozen or so Little Egrets. Viewing is difficult, through a high hedge and there isn't really any convenient parking either.
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Feb 22 7:57 PM, 2019
Parkgate Old Baths car park, 10.40 until 14.00 then just over an hour down by the Harp Inn. Sunny and pleasant, quite warm at times. A 10.2mtr high tide but the water failed to come to the wall (it did yesterday apparently) staying around twenty yards further out than the large pool which is straight out from the car park. Plenty of nearer water in other spots but that was possibly leftovers from yesterday.
Hen Harrier (2m) Marsh Harrier (10) Short eared Owl (1) Peregrine (1) Kestrel (1) Great Egret (3)
A real bonus today was the two male Hen Harrier that flew in from the right and continued flying south down the Marsh, one only a few minutes after the first. Multiple sightings of Marsh Harrier whilst at Parkgate, could possibly have been more than ten, that was a conservative estimate but its difficult to determine duplication. A Peregrine flew past north, putting everything up and a Kestrel was present for long periods. Also around were good numbers of Redshank, a Stonechat and the usual Pink footed Geese amongst others.
Nothing of note to mention down near the Harp Inn but a birder, several hundred yards out on to the marsh, probably kept birds more distant than they needed to be. I actually got closer and better photos of the birds of prey a few weeks ago despite todays high tide. The Guinness at the Harp was spot on
Spent a great day out on the Wirral around high tide, should have taken the suntan oil though? Parkgate, Burton Mere & Denhall Lane highlights included:
Short-eared Owl - 3
Barn Owl - 2 possibly 3
Marsh Harrier - 3
Hen Harrier - 1
Spotted Redshank
Jack Snipe
Kingfisher
Avocet
plus multiple regular bird species on these areas.
Added interest included Harvest Mice, Field Voles (many taken by gulls etc), basking common lizard
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Wed Feb 6 6:41 PM, 2019
An nice trip out to Wirral today.
Hoylake at high tide:
Bar-tailed Godwits, Grey Plovers, Dunlins, Sanderlings, Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Knots, Common Scoters, Cormorants and all usual five Gull species.
New Brighton pontoon:
7 Purple Sandpipers, Turnstones, Redshanks and 2 Dunlins.
Hen Harrier 1 male and 2 imm/females. Marsh Harrier 4 Short-eared Owl 2 Great White Egret 2 Little Egret 1 Pinkfeet Geese Lapwings, etc.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Feb 5 10:23 PM, 2019
Having half a day today to venture out I decided to go to the Dee Estuary, firstly to Neston Old Quay. Off the quay I had great views of an actively hunting ringtail Hen Harrier, a Great White Egret and lots of Little Egrets and the usual array of waders and ducks. In the marshy areas which I walked I found one Common Snipe and one Jack Snipe. Finally I did a vigil at the sewage works fence. On arrival a water company van had just arrived and a Grey Wagtail and a brown 'pipit' flushed off the beds, darn it! The worker departed and about 20mins later birds started to return, firstly 2 Pied Wagtails, then the Grey Wagtail shortly followed by a stunning Water Pipit, success! Other birds around were over 50 Goldfinches, lots of Greenfinch, a couple of Reed Buntings and several Redwings.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 5th of February 2019 10:23:45 PM
Doc Brewster said
Thu Jan 24 10:13 PM, 2019
I took advantage of the high tide for a second day today, nipping up the Wirral post-farrier visit to the horses!
Firstly I headed to Meols prom to check out the waders and like the other birders I met there was really disappointed. In previous years there have been big flocks including Knot, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and Bar-tailed Godwits, but today the only waders in any numbers were Oystercatchers and Redshank. The tide did sweep in really fast, covering the whole shore but only small numbers of Knot, Grey Plover and Dunlin were seen, over 50 Sanderling were the largest gathering of a single species other than Redshank and Oystercatcher. Not a single Bar-tailed Godwit was seen, a few Curlew being the other species present. A Peregrine sitting on the mud/sand was nice to see and when it got up it shifted everything, as did the constant stream of dogwalkers out on the shore!
Next destination was New Brighton. Here on the Marine Lake Pontoon were 4 Purple Sandpipers along with lots of Turnstones and Redshank. A nice aside was showing a couple of women the waders through my scope, explaining what they were and phoneskoping a record piccy for both with their phones. Maybe I've converted a couple of members of the public into birders! Finally I called into West Kirby for a shameless yeartick of Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a flock of up to 20 birds was seen flying out near Hilbre Island and Middle Eye. A single drake Common Scoter was on the water off the Marine Lake.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Jan 23 10:30 PM, 2019
I headed to the Wirral marshes today with the forecast of a 9.99m tide giving hope of a spectacular watch. In reality the expected influx of water never happened, just a trickle came up the gulleys and the marsh never became fully waterlogged. The watch however did not disappoint with most of the target species seen. I joined the group of local birders at the end of Cottage Lane, Heswall, my usual venue for these tides.
Our watch turned up two Hen Harriers including a stunning adult male which I first picked up on the ground not far out from where we were watching. It eventually got up and started to hunt, very spectacular. A Short-eared Owl was also seen as well as a Merlin which gave great views on several perches on the marsh. A distant Peregrine stayed put for most of the high tide, not hunting at all. Five or six Marsh Harriers were also seen, one devouring prey not far out and then carrying it off when harassed by a crow. The final raptors here were a Sparrowhawk on a post and a Buzzard over. Two Great White Egrets were also out in the gutters from our watchpoint. Huge flocks of Redshank and Oystercatchers were spooked by a Fox trotting across the marsh.
After high tide and a hot chocolate or two I headed to Neston Old Quay where a Barn Owl showed superbly well on a fence post close in and then hunted over the inner marsh giving tremendous views. My final destination was the far side of the river at Shotwick Fields where 3 Bewick's Swans fed with 7 Whooper Swans, 2 Black Swans (!!!) and 15+ Mute Swans.
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Jan 17 7:19 PM, 2019
Just short of three and a half hours this afternoon, split between Parkgate Old baths car park and Burton Marsh near the Harp Inn. Weather very cold, sunny and clear. Amongst others :-
Hen Harrier (2) Marsh Harrier (5-6+) Short-eared Owl (2) Barn Owl (2) Kestrel (1) Great Egret (1)
Was rather quiet at Parkgate with a few sightings of Marsh Harrier and just one ring tailed Hen Harrier. Decided to go down to the Harp Inn area and hang around for any Barn Owl. A continual procession of dog walkers intent on going way out onto the marsh kept the Marsh Harrier and Short-eared Owl sightings rather distant. Just after 4pm, a Barn Owl put in an appearance with some great fly arounds which lasted for thirty minutes, on and off. Another was noted a quarter of a mile further south and which kept to its own area. Unfortunately, by then the sun had been obscured by clouds and it was more gloomy than I had thought. What appeared to be half decent photographs were quite grainy. A few are attached.
Okay it was supposed to be very windy on the Wirral as me and Steve B set off but, it felt like gale force at times! A leisurely start of 9am had us heading towards our various destinations reaching a little stop at Moore N.R. It soon became apparent that even inland the wind would be keeping the birds down so, after checking the usually productive feeders, we carried on with a Nuthatch being the star bird. A Black Redstart that had been showing fairly well on and off at Shotwick boating lake earlier in the week, this had us visiting a place we hadnt been to for a number of years. There is now a large area given up to solar energy with lots of places for a small bird to shelter under. After 20 minutes here the bird was not seen at all so we moved on.
At Burton Point RSPB the car park was very full and we found out that a members group had decided to visit, all in their cars! As we entered the main hide we met Kevin Hughes and little Marie from Macclesfield, we had our usual catch up and worked out our strategy of which area to visit. At this point one of the volunteer wardens told us not to visit the actual Burton Point as it was very windy there! We managed to see Pintail, Marsh Harrier and Spotted Redshank but in the main conditions were quite difficult for the birds and watchers.
We called at Parkgate and West Kirby but as before the wind got the better of us. At Meols (late of Pied Wheatear fame) the tide was coming in so, a few waders were seen mainly Oystercatcher, Redshank also lots of gulls. As high tide got nearer we called in at New Brighton to search the pontoons for Turnstone and Purple Sandpiper in amongst the masses of Redshank that roost here at high tide. By this time it had started raining and conditions were poor, so we sheltered under the area near the various food and coffee outlets. The smell was gorgeous as we watched around 8 Purple Sandpipers and Steve managed to get some pictures. We picked a bad time to return to the car as a sudden shower soaked us. We headed for home through the tunnel and marvelled at the various new buildings that have sprung up in Liverpool (it looks nice now)
Dave O.
Curt Whitby said
Sat Jan 12 9:08 PM, 2019
Went to burton mere with the family and a quick mooch about. Don't get much of a chance to have a proper look but managed to see a few nice birds. The Mrs saw a sparrowhawk attack the feeders and snatch a blue tit. Exciting stuff but unfortunately I missed it. We also saw a marsh harrier quartering the reed beds, a g.s.woodpecker, numerous godwits amongst others all in all a nice stroll after a walk round New Brighton.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 12th of January 2019 11:37:53 PM
Steven Nelson said
Mon Jan 7 9:29 PM, 2019
Sunday 6th Jan
My first birding trip for a long trip time to the Wirral after an unsuccessful stop-off at Frodsham Marsh for the White-fronted Geese on the way.
First destination was Parkgate for the high tide (which wasnt very high!). Highlights here in included at least 5 Marsh Harriers, 1 male Hen Harrier, 1 Peregrine, 4 Great White Egrets, numerous Little Egrets, 2 Raven over, hundreds of Pink-feet as well as the usual supporting cast of waders and wildfowl. Also a Weasel hunting.
Then a squelchy walk to Neston Old Quay reedbed. Highlights here were a couple of squealing Water Rail heard only, 1 Snipe, a few Reed Buntings and Meadow Pipits, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker over plus another Marsh Harrier.
Then on to Burton Marsh RSPB. The last time I visited here it was Inner Marsh Farm!! I was amazed by the incredible changes that have been made since my last visit. I even turned into the track to the old reserve entrance before eventually following the sign posts to the new entrance!!! Highlights here included a Peregrine putting everything up, 2 Egyptian Geese, 1 Cettis Warbler that showed close to the path plus others bursting into song, Buzzard, 2 Raven, a few Siskins, a distant mixed flock of Swans feeding in the fields contained 3 species - Mute, Whooper and 2 Black but unfortunately the Bewicks reported the previous day had gone. Unfortunately the 6 Bearded Tits remained elusive whilst I was there but had been seen a few times earlier. Rather surprisingly I only saw 1 Pintail. I cant deny I was impressed by the changes to the place since my last visit but it did seem as though it has lost a bit of its old charm. And its got much busier! And the car park gets locked at 4.30pm - whats that all about?
Whilst driving home down the A540 back to the motorway huge skiens of Pink-feet were flying over in the near darkness heading to roost on the saltmarsh. I estimated at least 4,000 birds.
A good day though.
-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Monday 7th of January 2019 09:30:22 PM
Simon Gough said
Sun Jan 6 11:08 AM, 2019
Saturday 5th January
The first trip of the year for Stockport Birdwatching Society is normally to the Wirral, a nice combination of a short journey to make the most of the daylight with a great opportunity to see a decent haul of winter birds. We set off with high hopes thanks to a good forecast and lots of sightings from recent weeks, including the recent appearance of Bearded Tits at Burton Mere.
With helpful tides this January we started at New Brighton and everyone was delighted to see as many as 7 Purple Sandpipers on the pontoon with their usual friends Dunlin, Redshank and Turnstone. Not a lot else about though.
On to Parkgate and arriving at around 11 the group split with some choosing to head for the Old Baths and others to the Donkey Stand. I think we edged it at the Donkey Stand with raptors showing constantly and hundreds of waders and wildfowl on the alert as a result. We picked up Marsh Harrier, Merlin and Peregrine immediately and then the showy male Hen Harrier cruised by heading for Neston. When it had passed over the Flashes, suddenly a Short-eared Owl popped up as if in response, and we had a glorious few minutes watching both birds hunting in the same scope views, with the perched falcons sat quietly in the meantime. Kestrel and Sparrowhawk sightings rounded off the raptor species. Snipe were much in evidence on the Flash and five Little Grebe was the most I've seen together there. Also numerous views of Great White Egrets lurking at various points out in the distance, but none came close. A final flyby by the Hen Harrier rounded things off well, what a bird...
The final stop was Burton Mere. We did OK here, the first good bird was a Bewick's Swan picked out of the Whoopers down in the distance by the railway line, but many of the group headed straight to the reedbed screen to look for the Bearded Tits. It was a mixed bag as some were successful and others weren't, but personally I was lucky enough to see one bird which sat still long enough for a few people to get on a kind man's scope and have a look. Nobody saw more than 1 or 2 birds though as far as I knew. Up on the hill looking over Burton Point we found 2 more Merlin around the MOD shooting range but the marsh at that end was quiet in comparison to Parkgate.
We left at 4pm having had a cracking day; I managed 72 species for the day, with 49 at the reserve, which is a great tally considering the relaxed pace and starts the yearlist off nicely.
Forgive the plug but the Society is always happy to welcome guests or new members on the trips and there is lots to see at the website here: http://stockportbirders.blogspot.com/
1st January - A trip out to the Wirral - via a quick diversion to Frodsham marshes, with Ian Greaves & managing to record a total of 65 species to get the New Year off to a 'flying start'
Burton Marsh for many of the regular winter birds & then onto Parkgate & the following highlights:
Short eared Owl - 5 Marsh Harrier - 5 Hen Harrier - 1 ring tail Merlin - 1 Great White Egret - 2
Tawny Owl - seen flying low alongside the road at dusk shortly after we left Parkgate which was an unexpected bonus?
Mark Jarrett said
Sat Dec 29 6:03 PM, 2018
Just over two hours at Parkgate, Old Baths car park from 2pm in cloudy but dry weather. Had bins and camera with me, no scope.
Three or four Marsh harrier on show together with a Ring Tail Hen Harrier. A fine male Hen Harrier did a fly past, roughly in line with the pool that's a hundred yards or so out from the car park. Would have been a superb view through a scope. A few photos attached. Raven, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, a couple of thousand Lapwing, Little Egret, Greylag Goose, Pink-footed Goose also about.
A long staying Great Northern Diver on the Marine Lake at West Kirby on the Wirral managed to lure me and Bob K into the great outdoors. With an 8-30am start and fair, breezy weather promised, what could go wrong? On the way to the Marine Lake news that the diver was still present reached us, upon arrival the bird was soon seen and a few distant pictures were taken. The diver was moving around the lake as the stiff breeze kept pushing it around. Lots of other birders were present and eventually enjoyed a few closer looks at the bird. As the tide came in, the brave walkers around the lakes perimeter path, were hit with some waves and got a good soaking for their efforts!
A move to the old baths at Parkgate managed to reveal Short Eared Owl, Marsh Harrier hunting out on the marsh. All of a sudden a dark weather front hit us and as we quickly retreated to the car, the heavens really opened, time to leave here then. We called in at Burton Point RSPB reserve and were told about a Russian White Fronted Goose that had been seen from the point. We hurried on up to the site of an ancient hill fort (Burton Point) and began scanning the Pink Footed Goose flocks out on the marsh. After about 20 minutes searching we found the distant White Fronted Goose. Now as the sky began to look a bit unsettled again, we returned to the old baths at Parkgate and enjoyed a good raptor watch along with about 40 other birders. We managed to see: - Merlin, 3 Marsh Harriers, 3 Hen Harriers (all ringtails) 1 distant Short Eared Owl, 2 Barn Owls (one of which hunted in front of us all for about 40 minutes) as the light began to fail we headed home after a good days birding.
Dave O
Carl Fletcher-Poole said
Tue Dec 4 2:58 PM, 2018
Noticed no one had put on anything about the adult Great Northern Diver at West Kirby Marine Lake. It has been there for about four days. Sadly I got there about 11.00am and it was patrolling up and down right in the middle, seeing off Goosanders, Little Grebe and Cormorants that happen to be in its way. Apparently if you get there around 9ish before the walkers it comes in really close but way to early for me as I called while working. I have put some shots on from distance.
Good news reported on Dee Estuary (http://www.deeestuary.co.uk) today "Currently we have at least six Hen Harriers on the estuary - 2 juv females, 1 adult female, 2 juv males and 1, possibly 2, adult males".
Dave Ousey said
Tue Nov 20 4:16 PM, 2018
Meols and Burton Point, Cheshire. Friday 9th November 2018
A Pied Wheatear had been identified on Tuesday evening and has been entertaining all comers on the promenade at Meols, Wirral, Cheshire ever since. Steve B, Kevin C and myself headed towards The Wirral early on Friday morning. Going under the tunnel from Liverpool, after Steve had directed us through what is left of Old Liverpool and towards the promenade in Meols. We had a sat-nav 15 minutes as we tried hard to find the exact spot, but guess what, we had already been there a few minutes before?? As we pulled up the Pied Wheatear was sat on the sea wall looking at us, it then flew towards the toilet block (conveniently, get it?) closed. What followed was a magical 1.5 hours admiring and photographing this far from shy bird. At one stage it sat on a bench not 10 feet from myself. Lots of admirers came and went some with mealworms others with cameras, people passed by with dogs, husbands, wifes, kids none of these seemed to phase the smart little Wheatear. As a postscript the bird was not seen again after Friday afternoon.
A Water Pipit has been present at RSPB Burton Point for a few days and we all thought it would be nice to see it. A quick call at the Old Baths at Neston revealed: - 3 Hen Harriers, 2 Marsh Harriers, very nice place to have our breakfast to. At Burton Point we had a good look around from the various hides and screens and were told that the Water Pipit could usually be seen from the Inner Marsh Farm hide. Upon arrival lots of birds could be seen: - Dunlin, Lapwing, Snipe, various wildfowl. After around half an hour there was no sign of the Water Pipit, so we headed for home. A quick check of the bird news as we neared Manchester Airport revealed that 30 minutes after we left the Water Pipit had been seen, bad luck or what?
Dave O.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Nov 11 9:53 AM, 2018
Great Grey Shrike at Denhall Quay 09:15 this morning.
200 metres to the north of the quay, from the first car park, in a hawthorn then flew to by the metal kissing gate.
Info thanks to Graham Roberts
Phil Hampson said
Sun Nov 11 9:33 AM, 2018
Yesterday, as noted Pied Wheatear gone.
Parkgate 10:30 - 12:30. 5 Marsh Harriers, 1 male Hen Harrier, 3 Peregrine (2 in air together), 1 Merlin and a very close Bittern. All from the Old Baths.
Phil
Doc Brewster said
Sat Nov 10 2:06 PM, 2018
Just because I haven't seen it mentioned onhere:
The Pied Wheatear seems to have moved on, there has been no sign of it today from birders there at dawn and since. From a local watcher was the info that its favoured roost hole in the seawall would have been underwater at times overnight due to winds and tide surges, so no surprise that it moved.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 10th of November 2018 02:06:59 PM
Last sunny day before I'm back in work & then the storm hits, so went out to The Wirral, starting at The Old Baths car park, Parkgate.
Not a bad few hours in the company of two lovely folk from Prenton. Highlights were a very brief show by the male Hen Harrier, up all of 8 seconds but in that time I managed to get the other 2 onto it. Also a distant Short-eared Owl up towards Heswall. Two Merlins were seen as well as a Peregrine, three Marsh Harriers, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel. Only one confirmed Great White Egret was present, although many egrets were so distant in the heat haze and only showing the tops of their heads that there could have been more. Lots of definite Little Egrets were seen though. Hundreds of Pink-footed Geese were on the marsh, many up pretty close.
The tides are not really good at the moment. Wrong times for the high tides and not that big, but getting later and rising, unfortunately though the storm may hit and make watching very difficult from Sunday onwards.
Burton Marsh
3 Great Egret
2 Raven
2 Merlin
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Marsh Harrier
1 Ringtail Hen Harrier
C1200 Pink-footed Goose
Hoylake, Kings Gap
Good numbers of waders including
Knot
Grey Plover
Dunlin
Sanderling
Ringed Plover
Pale - bellied Brent Goose
New Brighton Marine Lake
2 Purple Sandpiper
C120 Redshank
c20 Dunlin
11 Turnstone
Latest half day out:
Up to New Brighton where after high tide there were 2 Purple Sandpipers on the Marine Lake pontoon along with several Knot, and lots of Turnstones, Dunlin and Redshanks. Then down to Meols but apart fro, distant Sanderling, Dunlin, Knot, Curlew and a Grey Plover most stuff was way too far out as high tide had long gone. Next a pop into Old baths, Parkgate where I had 2 Marsh Harriers in a very short watch, fellow birders had a probable Merlin (but I needed the harrier for my year list and not that so I concentrated on my bird!!). Finally I called in at Denhall Quay where 2 Great White Egrets were seen along with several Little Egrets. A tantalising white goose was miles out on the marsh with other geese, but too far to positively ID, however if a Snow Goose comes out in the next few days then I'm having it
Highlights:
New Brighton Marine Lake:
7 Purple Sandpipers with lots of Turnstone, Redshank and Dunlin on the pontoon at high tide
Hoylake:
Large flocks of Knot and Dunlin
West Kirby Marine Lake:
1 Red-breasted Merganser- female
2 Grey Plover
c.30 Pale-bellied Brent Geese - seen distantly towards Hilbre
Parkgate:
3 Hen Harrier- 1 male, 2 ringtail
c.8 Marsh Harrier
2 Short-eared Owl
1 Merlin
3 Kestrel
Large numbers of Pink-footed Geese
1 Stonechat
3 Great White Egret
Numerous Little Egret
2 Water Rail - heard only
Denhall Quay:
Short-eared Owl hunting at 2.45 in between the squally showers
Marsh Harrier 2
Parkgate Baths:
Great White Egret
Marsh Harrier 5
Merlin
Neston Reed Bed:
Marsh Harriers - at least 9 roosting
Bittern flew in to roost at 15.59
Cheers John
-- Edited by John Rayner on Monday 16th of December 2019 11:10:23 AM
Visit with Team Friday starting at Denhall Lane...highlights
2 Great (White) Egret
1 Ring Tailed Hen Harrier
1 Peregrine (immature female) this hounded the Ring Tailed Harrier mercilessly
1 Male Hen Harrier
3 Marsh Harrier
Raven---in good number especially as there seemed to be plenty of Carrion for them to feed upon.
Burton Mere of note
1 Dunlin
1 Black Swan
a flock of 20 plus Siskin
several hundred Lapwing
West Kirby marine lake:
1 Rock Pipit
1 Red-breasted Merganser
25 Brent Geese
3 Goosander
2 Dunlin
15 Knot
2 Cormorant
25 Common Redshank
Thurstaston Shore:
c300 Pintail (quite a sight)
Called in at Neston on our way home from North Wales to view the marsh from the vicinity of The Harp Inn. Fairly misty conditions, so not much seen, with one skein of Pink-footed Geese over, a couple of harrier sightings (probably one Marsh and one Hen on jizz, but no conclusive views) and a passage of at least 81 Little and 3 Great Egrets south towards the roost at Burton Marsh.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 25th of November 2019 08:19:21 AM
1000-1530 with Team Tuesday...highlights
Denhall Lane
1 Merlin...female
2 Great (White) Egret
Parkgate
2 Marsh Harrier
1 Merlin...female
1 Hen Harrier...Male.
1 x short-eared owl at Parkgate around 3pm, giving decent views as it perched out on the saltmarsh
Stonechat on the fenceline near the golf course
Several marsh harriers cruising around further out on the marsh
Started off with an Arctic Skua on the tide line followed by a superb adult Pomarine Skua that hung around for ages. Settled down for periods on the beach and also gave great flight views. A few Gannets were also seen together with fifty odd Sandwich Tern and a few Common Tern. Plenty of waders around including Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and Dunlin.
Just before the Pomarine Skua flew in, I very briefly got on a gull and immediately thought Sabine's. I was stood in a group of ten or so people, behind most of them and up against the wall, sheltering from the strong winds. Consequently, I was only on the gull for a couple of seconds max before it continued flying west, out of view. In view of this I didn't call it out, although a guy to my right then shouted 'Sabine's.' I put it on the Cheshire WhatsApp group but won't be submitting any records.
Deciding to head for the Lifeboat Station to look for Petrels, I learnt, on arrival, that I had missed a west flying Long-tailed Skua by one minute!
A couple of photos of the Pomarine Skua attached.
When I was in the info services Rob there were lots of reasons news didn't go out immediately including the observer not having a phone, not having reception, running out of charge, or just delaying til they got home. Sometimes texted in news didn't have a time given so was transmitted when we got it, without a time, better that than not transmitting at all I think we all agree
p.s. I think Ian will probably prefer this to go back to bird news rather than a discussion, so here's a bit of news from today to help!
6 Spoonbills on lagoon behind Donkey Stand Flash, Parkgate, for 2nd day.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 10th of July 2019 10:40:15 PM
I was stood with a few people who were under the same impression as me, if we were watching the bird at the sailing club then was there another bird visiting Burton and Shotwick at virtually the same time?
The question it does beg though, is...if no actual sighting times are put on, and youve only got the time the report was made to go off... then what time could it have been referring to, as the bird was at the sailing club slipway before I arrived and didnt leave the immediate area whilst I was there. So was it a lot earlier in the morning perhaps, and if thats the case then they took a long time to put that news out assuming they received that news.
Certainly confused a few people anyway.
The many times I've reported something, they quote my words exactly, so it's not their fault if I get it wrong. I always try to provide precisely what's needed for the next guy to follow up
One thing few observers report is that, if a bird is seen to fly off, which way did it go ? (not talking about the GBT here)
I've worked in the Bird News services Rob and if a bird comes on the pager without a time given in the message then the time it comes through isn't the time it is being seen. Yes, the sighting did get transmitted at 10.54am on my RBA feed (I still have access to the messages) but with no time given it refers to an earlier sighting. The RBA daily round-up states that the bird was a single one moving up and down that coast. A number of other authorities say the same (e.g. Alan Davies, ex Birdline and Conwy RSPB Head Warden). I too believe it to be a single individual which had started to range further afield, as they do later in their stay. Two would have been nice, but RBA and no doubt BBRC (Chris Batty of RBA is a BBRC member) are treating it as a single individual.
Flying visit to Thurstaston / Dee Sailing Club on Sunday morning, lovely area, and nice to see Paul Baker and his Mrs.
Gull-billed Tern (Lifer)
A beautiful looking Tern that I picked up on flying low over the beach virtually on arrival, it landed for a brief spell then was up again flying around the slipway area of the sailing club and then out towards the red boat out on the mud flats. It went down behind the boat for a couple of minutes but was back up again and headed back over towards the few of us present.
Following on from what Paul says below, a strange series of reports as the Burton Mere sighting came on a guys pager who was stood with me while we were watching the Tern at the sailing club.
He said it looks like theres another one at Burton Mere mate ...I replied... well if the Tern is here, then unless theyve got the times wrong its got to be a different bird as Burton Mere is a good 20 minutes away by car
Then whilst we were watching the Tern again, another report came in from Shotwick boating lake, which is just south of Burton Mere so was it another bird flying between Shotwick and Burton???
The guy asked me what times were on my photos, one of my digiscope shots said 10.42am and the Burton Mere sighting was virtually the same time so we believe there was a good chance of 2 birds.
Just an update, again for anyone planning a visit. The Gull-billed Tern now seems to be ranging even further afield. Today it was around the Thurstaston Dee Sailing Club slipway area, then turned up at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB, even being seen in Flintshire over Shotwich Boating Lake. Later on it was back off the slipway and a final unconfirmed report at 2pm had it off Heswall. Since 2pm no reports that I can find on any info service or chat groups.
Yesterday when I arrived it was high tide and someone called a bird flying up the estuary as the tern. As the tide began to ebb it was picked up flying back towards the sailing club from the saltmarsh at 3.40pm as Colin says. Initially it hung around the tideline area to the left of the slipway as viewed from the sailing club car park area. It worked its way over the slipway and flew along the shoreline picking up maybe small crabs before working its way round the headland. A group of us dropped down to the beach after other birders had gone and it came back for a bit around 4.30pm before disappearing further north. By this time the tide was well out and the waterline much further off. It wasn't seen to depart much from the tideline.
The exception that proves the rule - the tern was present all the time I was there on Thursday morning, from c.9.30am-11am when I left. Colin's post suggests it stayed for 2hrs or so whilst he was there. On those earlier days it seems to have just stayed off the slipway area until the high tide, but now I wonder whether it its habits are changing. It certainly sounds like it, from experience the longer birds stay the further they range & become harder to see. An interesting & very relevant observation for visitors to take into consideration Craig.
Another consideration for folk going this weekendis that there is a regatta planned ( https://www.dee-sc.co.uk/dart-18/dee-and-west-kirby-regattas-weekend/ ) and access and parking to Dee Sailing Club may be difficult, so parking at the Wirral CP and walking may be best ( https://www.wirral.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-events/parks-beaches-and-countryside/wirral-country-park )
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 6th of July 2019 12:12:20 PM
The gull-billed tern showed well today, eventually. It showed at about 15:40 after having been missing for about 4.5 hours and continued to show on and off until we left at about 17:45. It seems to be very much a low tide bird, feeding by picking crabs and other invertebrates off the exposed beach rather than diving into the sea for fish as you might expect from a typical tern. It certainly seems to go missing at high tide and perhaps it moves onto the saltmarsh to rest up or feed, or maybe even goes inland. A cracking bird and a great day at a beautiful location. Good to meet John Tymon, Austin Morley and Tim Wilcox.
-- Edited by colin davies on Friday 5th of July 2019 09:50:46 PM
I stayed a bit longer Mark & the Gull-billed Tern did a couple of pretty close fly-pasts viewed from the Dee Sailing Club. It was close enough that at one point I saw it apparently cough up a pellet from its undigested food items! Tried to work it out & think it was my 5th UK Gull-billed Tern and my 3rd in the Northwest! Great to see another so close to home. Good to bump into so many birding pals too, good atmosphere and banter helped by sunshine and a bird showing most of the time we were there!
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 4th of July 2019 10:54:06 PM
A real coincidence today with the Gull-billed Tern showing up at Thurstatson on the Wirral exactly 4 years to the day since the Burton Mere Wetlands bird
Back to Thurstaston visitor centre in Wirral Country Park first thing this morning, then on to Burton Mere RSPB, then on to Parkgate, Old Baths car park. Thurstaston: House and Tree Sparrow, Coot, Moorhen, Swallows, Swift, House Martin, Blackbird, Robin, Eider and Shelduck, Carrion Crow, Raven, Whitethroat, Buzzard, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, Stick Dove, Skylark, Magpie, Goldfinch, Song Thrush, Blue, Coal and Great Tit, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Wren, Linnet, Little Egret, Oystercatcher; Parkgate: Little Egret, Hen Harrier, Meadow Pipit, Grey Heron, Redshank.
An enjoyable day spent at Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston between 09.00 and 16.00. Walked the circular route to West Kirkby and back to Thurstaston visitors centre, then spent an hour in the hide at the visitor centre and a further hour walking a short way along the beach towards Parkgate and back. Whilst out I spotted the following: House and Tree Sparrow, Coot, Moorhen, Pheasant, Swallow, Swift, House Martin, Jay, Blackbird, Robin, Eider Duck, Shelduck, Carrion Crow, Raven, Whitethroat, Buzzard, Chiffchaff, Common, Herring, Lesser, Greater Black Back Gull, Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Collared Dove, Magpie, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Song Thrush, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer, Wren, Coal, Long Tail, Great and Blue Tit, Starling, Little Egret and Oyster Catcher.... Despite the weather forecast, intending to go back tomorrow to do the circular walk from Thurstaston to Parkgate and back. Will report all sightings tomorrow....
After having to head to near Queensferry to pick up a car part I called at Two Mills at the bottom of the Wirral today. Here in a field by the A540/A550 crossroads opposite the Tudor Rose Pub I saw at least 1 Cattle Egret with a dozen or so Little Egrets. Viewing is difficult, through a high hedge and there isn't really any convenient parking either.
Hen Harrier (2m)
Marsh Harrier (10)
Short eared Owl (1)
Peregrine (1)
Kestrel (1)
Great Egret (3)
A real bonus today was the two male Hen Harrier that flew in from the right and continued flying south down the Marsh, one only a few minutes after the first. Multiple sightings of Marsh Harrier whilst at Parkgate, could possibly have been more than ten, that was a conservative estimate but its difficult to determine duplication. A Peregrine flew past north, putting everything up and a Kestrel was present for long periods. Also around were good numbers of Redshank, a Stonechat and the usual Pink footed Geese amongst others.
Nothing of note to mention down near the Harp Inn but a birder, several hundred yards out on to the marsh, probably kept birds more distant than they needed to be. I actually got closer and better photos of the birds of prey a few weeks ago despite todays high tide. The Guinness at the Harp was spot on
Short-eared Owl - 3
Barn Owl - 2 possibly 3
Marsh Harrier - 3
Hen Harrier - 1
Spotted Redshank
Jack Snipe
Kingfisher
Avocet
plus multiple regular bird species on these areas.
Added interest included Harvest Mice, Field Voles (many taken by gulls etc), basking common lizard
Hoylake at high tide:
Bar-tailed Godwits, Grey Plovers, Dunlins, Sanderlings, Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Knots, Common Scoters, Cormorants and all usual five Gull species.
New Brighton pontoon:
7 Purple Sandpipers, Turnstones, Redshanks and 2 Dunlins.
West Kirby Marine Lake:
3 Light-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers, 5 Turnstones, 1 Redshank and 4 Oystercatchers.
Parkgate, 1510-1600:
Hen Harrier 1 male and 2 imm/females.
Marsh Harrier 4
Short-eared Owl 2
Great White Egret 2
Little Egret 1
Pinkfeet Geese
Lapwings, etc.
Having half a day today to venture out I decided to go to the Dee Estuary, firstly to Neston Old Quay. Off the quay I had great views of an actively hunting ringtail Hen Harrier, a Great White Egret and lots of Little Egrets and the usual array of waders and ducks. In the marshy areas which I walked I found one Common Snipe and one Jack Snipe. Finally I did a vigil at the sewage works fence. On arrival a water company van had just arrived and a Grey Wagtail and a brown 'pipit' flushed off the beds, darn it! The worker departed and about 20mins later birds started to return, firstly 2 Pied Wagtails, then the Grey Wagtail shortly followed by a stunning Water Pipit, success! Other birds around were over 50 Goldfinches, lots of Greenfinch, a couple of Reed Buntings and several Redwings.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 5th of February 2019 10:23:45 PM
I took advantage of the high tide for a second day today, nipping up the Wirral post-farrier visit to the horses!
Firstly I headed to Meols prom to check out the waders and like the other birders I met there was really disappointed. In previous years there have been big flocks including Knot, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and Bar-tailed Godwits, but today the only waders in any numbers were Oystercatchers and Redshank. The tide did sweep in really fast, covering the whole shore but only small numbers of Knot, Grey Plover and Dunlin were seen, over 50 Sanderling were the largest gathering of a single species other than Redshank and Oystercatcher. Not a single Bar-tailed Godwit was seen, a few Curlew being the other species present. A Peregrine sitting on the mud/sand was nice to see and when it got up it shifted everything, as did the constant stream of dogwalkers out on the shore!
Next destination was New Brighton. Here on the Marine Lake Pontoon were 4 Purple Sandpipers along with lots of Turnstones and Redshank. A nice aside was showing a couple of women the waders through my scope, explaining what they were and phoneskoping a record piccy for both with their phones. Maybe I've converted a couple of members of the public into birders! Finally I called into West Kirby for a shameless yeartick of Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a flock of up to 20 birds was seen flying out near Hilbre Island and Middle Eye. A single drake Common Scoter was on the water off the Marine Lake.
I headed to the Wirral marshes today with the forecast of a 9.99m tide giving hope of a spectacular watch. In reality the expected influx of water never happened, just a trickle came up the gulleys and the marsh never became fully waterlogged. The watch however did not disappoint with most of the target species seen. I joined the group of local birders at the end of Cottage Lane, Heswall, my usual venue for these tides.
Our watch turned up two Hen Harriers including a stunning adult male which I first picked up on the ground not far out from where we were watching. It eventually got up and started to hunt, very spectacular. A Short-eared Owl was also seen as well as a Merlin which gave great views on several perches on the marsh. A distant Peregrine stayed put for most of the high tide, not hunting at all. Five or six Marsh Harriers were also seen, one devouring prey not far out and then carrying it off when harassed by a crow. The final raptors here were a Sparrowhawk on a post and a Buzzard over. Two Great White Egrets were also out in the gutters from our watchpoint. Huge flocks of Redshank and Oystercatchers were spooked by a Fox trotting across the marsh.
After high tide and a hot chocolate or two I headed to Neston Old Quay where a Barn Owl showed superbly well on a fence post close in and then hunted over the inner marsh giving tremendous views. My final destination was the far side of the river at Shotwick Fields where 3 Bewick's Swans fed with 7 Whooper Swans, 2 Black Swans (!!!) and 15+ Mute Swans.
Hen Harrier (2)
Marsh Harrier (5-6+)
Short-eared Owl (2)
Barn Owl (2)
Kestrel (1)
Great Egret (1)
Was rather quiet at Parkgate with a few sightings of Marsh Harrier and just one ring tailed Hen Harrier. Decided to go down to the Harp Inn area and hang around for any Barn Owl. A continual procession of dog walkers intent on going way out onto the marsh kept the Marsh Harrier and Short-eared Owl sightings rather distant. Just after 4pm, a Barn Owl put in an appearance with some great fly arounds which lasted for thirty minutes, on and off. Another was noted a quarter of a mile further south and which kept to its own area. Unfortunately, by then the sun had been obscured by clouds and it was more gloomy than I had thought. What appeared to be half decent photographs were quite grainy. A few are attached.
Hen Harrier (2-3 Ring tail plus the Male)
Marsh Harrier (min 6)
Short-eared Owl (4)
Merlin (1)
Peregrine (1)
Kestrel (1)
Great Egret (2)
Pink-footed Goose (1000+)
Twite (c.8)
Waited until almost 16.30 but yesterday's Barn Owl failed to show.
Windy Wirral. Sunday 12th January 2019
Okay it was supposed to be very windy on the Wirral as me and Steve B set off but, it felt like gale force at times! A leisurely start of 9am had us heading towards our various destinations reaching a little stop at Moore N.R. It soon became apparent that even inland the wind would be keeping the birds down so, after checking the usually productive feeders, we carried on with a Nuthatch being the star bird. A Black Redstart that had been showing fairly well on and off at Shotwick boating lake earlier in the week, this had us visiting a place we hadnt been to for a number of years. There is now a large area given up to solar energy with lots of places for a small bird to shelter under. After 20 minutes here the bird was not seen at all so we moved on.
At Burton Point RSPB the car park was very full and we found out that a members group had decided to visit, all in their cars! As we entered the main hide we met Kevin Hughes and little Marie from Macclesfield, we had our usual catch up and worked out our strategy of which area to visit. At this point one of the volunteer wardens told us not to visit the actual Burton Point as it was very windy there! We managed to see Pintail, Marsh Harrier and Spotted Redshank but in the main conditions were quite difficult for the birds and watchers.
We called at Parkgate and West Kirby but as before the wind got the better of us. At Meols (late of Pied Wheatear fame) the tide was coming in so, a few waders were seen mainly Oystercatcher, Redshank also lots of gulls. As high tide got nearer we called in at New Brighton to search the pontoons for Turnstone and Purple Sandpiper in amongst the masses of Redshank that roost here at high tide. By this time it had started raining and conditions were poor, so we sheltered under the area near the various food and coffee outlets. The smell was gorgeous as we watched around 8 Purple Sandpipers and Steve managed to get some pictures. We picked a bad time to return to the car as a sudden shower soaked us. We headed for home through the tunnel and marvelled at the various new buildings that have sprung up in Liverpool (it looks nice now)
Dave O.
Went to burton mere with the family and a quick mooch about. Don't get much of a chance to have a proper look but managed to see a few nice birds. The Mrs saw a sparrowhawk attack the feeders and snatch a blue tit. Exciting stuff but unfortunately I missed it. We also saw a marsh harrier quartering the reed beds, a g.s.woodpecker, numerous godwits amongst others all in all a nice stroll after a walk round New Brighton.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 12th of January 2019 11:37:53 PM
My first birding trip for a long trip time to the Wirral after an unsuccessful stop-off at Frodsham Marsh for the White-fronted Geese on the way.
First destination was Parkgate for the high tide (which wasnt very high!). Highlights here in included at least 5 Marsh Harriers, 1 male Hen Harrier, 1 Peregrine, 4 Great White Egrets, numerous Little Egrets, 2 Raven over, hundreds of Pink-feet as well as the usual supporting cast of waders and wildfowl. Also a Weasel hunting.
Then a squelchy walk to Neston Old Quay reedbed. Highlights here were a couple of squealing Water Rail heard only, 1 Snipe, a few Reed Buntings and Meadow Pipits, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker over plus another Marsh Harrier.
Then on to Burton Marsh RSPB. The last time I visited here it was Inner Marsh Farm!! I was amazed by the incredible changes that have been made since my last visit. I even turned into the track to the old reserve entrance before eventually following the sign posts to the new entrance!!! Highlights here included a Peregrine putting everything up, 2 Egyptian Geese, 1 Cettis Warbler that showed close to the path plus others bursting into song, Buzzard, 2 Raven, a few Siskins, a distant mixed flock of Swans feeding in the fields contained 3 species - Mute, Whooper and 2 Black but unfortunately the Bewicks reported the previous day had gone. Unfortunately the 6 Bearded Tits remained elusive whilst I was there but had been seen a few times earlier. Rather surprisingly I only saw 1 Pintail. I cant deny I was impressed by the changes to the place since my last visit but it did seem as though it has lost a bit of its old charm. And its got much busier! And the car park gets locked at 4.30pm - whats that all about?
Whilst driving home down the A540 back to the motorway huge skiens of Pink-feet were flying over in the near darkness heading to roost on the saltmarsh. I estimated at least 4,000 birds.
A good day though.
-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Monday 7th of January 2019 09:30:22 PM
The first trip of the year for Stockport Birdwatching Society is normally to the Wirral, a nice combination of a short journey to make the most of the daylight with a great opportunity to see a decent haul of winter birds. We set off with high hopes thanks to a good forecast and lots of sightings from recent weeks, including the recent appearance of Bearded Tits at Burton Mere.
With helpful tides this January we started at New Brighton and everyone was delighted to see as many as 7 Purple Sandpipers on the pontoon with their usual friends Dunlin, Redshank and Turnstone. Not a lot else about though.
On to Parkgate and arriving at around 11 the group split with some choosing to head for the Old Baths and others to the Donkey Stand. I think we edged it at the Donkey Stand with raptors showing constantly and hundreds of waders and wildfowl on the alert as a result. We picked up Marsh Harrier, Merlin and Peregrine immediately and then the showy male Hen Harrier cruised by heading for Neston. When it had passed over the Flashes, suddenly a Short-eared Owl popped up as if in response, and we had a glorious few minutes watching both birds hunting in the same scope views, with the perched falcons sat quietly in the meantime. Kestrel and Sparrowhawk sightings rounded off the raptor species. Snipe were much in evidence on the Flash and five Little Grebe was the most I've seen together there. Also numerous views of Great White Egrets lurking at various points out in the distance, but none came close. A final flyby by the Hen Harrier rounded things off well, what a bird...
The final stop was Burton Mere. We did OK here, the first good bird was a Bewick's Swan picked out of the Whoopers down in the distance by the railway line, but many of the group headed straight to the reedbed screen to look for the Bearded Tits. It was a mixed bag as some were successful and others weren't, but personally I was lucky enough to see one bird which sat still long enough for a few people to get on a kind man's scope and have a look. Nobody saw more than 1 or 2 birds though as far as I knew. Up on the hill looking over Burton Point we found 2 more Merlin around the MOD shooting range but the marsh at that end was quiet in comparison to Parkgate.
We left at 4pm having had a cracking day; I managed 72 species for the day, with 49 at the reserve, which is a great tally considering the relaxed pace and starts the yearlist off nicely.
Forgive the plug but the Society is always happy to welcome guests or new members on the trips and there is lots to see at the website here: http://stockportbirders.blogspot.com/
Purple Sandpiper 1
Turnstone 20+
Redshank 30+
Dunlin 6
West Kirby Marine Lake:
Red-breasted Merganser 2
Goldeneye 1 male.
Burton Mere NR:
Bearded Tit 5
Merlin 1
Marsh Harrier 2
Peregrine 1
Kestrel 1
Dunlin 3
Curlew 25+
Redshanks
Black-tailed Godwits
Whooper Swan 2
Siskin 20+
etc.etc.etc.
Burton Marsh for many of the regular winter birds & then onto Parkgate & the following highlights:
Short eared Owl - 5
Marsh Harrier - 5
Hen Harrier - 1 ring tail
Merlin - 1
Great White Egret - 2
Tawny Owl - seen flying low alongside the road at dusk shortly after we left Parkgate which was an unexpected bonus?
Three or four Marsh harrier on show together with a Ring Tail Hen Harrier. A fine male Hen Harrier did a fly past, roughly in line with the pool that's a hundred yards or so out from the car park. Would have been a superb view through a scope. A few photos attached. Raven, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, a couple of thousand Lapwing, Little Egret, Greylag Goose, Pink-footed Goose also about.
Wirral Winter Wonderland. 9th December 2018
A long staying Great Northern Diver on the Marine Lake at West Kirby on the Wirral managed to lure me and Bob K into the great outdoors. With an 8-30am start and fair, breezy weather promised, what could go wrong? On the way to the Marine Lake news that the diver was still present reached us, upon arrival the bird was soon seen and a few distant pictures were taken. The diver was moving around the lake as the stiff breeze kept pushing it around. Lots of other birders were present and eventually enjoyed a few closer looks at the bird. As the tide came in, the brave walkers around the lakes perimeter path, were hit with some waves and got a good soaking for their efforts!
A move to the old baths at Parkgate managed to reveal Short Eared Owl, Marsh Harrier hunting out on the marsh. All of a sudden a dark weather front hit us and as we quickly retreated to the car, the heavens really opened, time to leave here then. We called in at Burton Point RSPB reserve and were told about a Russian White Fronted Goose that had been seen from the point. We hurried on up to the site of an ancient hill fort (Burton Point) and began scanning the Pink Footed Goose flocks out on the marsh. After about 20 minutes searching we found the distant White Fronted Goose. Now as the sky began to look a bit unsettled again, we returned to the old baths at Parkgate and enjoyed a good raptor watch along with about 40 other birders. We managed to see: - Merlin, 3 Marsh Harriers, 3 Hen Harriers (all ringtails) 1 distant Short Eared Owl, 2 Barn Owls (one of which hunted in front of us all for about 40 minutes) as the light began to fail we headed home after a good days birding.
Dave O
Good news reported on Dee Estuary (http://www.deeestuary.co.uk) today "Currently we have at least six Hen Harriers on the estuary - 2 juv females, 1 adult female, 2 juv males and 1, possibly 2, adult males".
Meols and Burton Point, Cheshire. Friday 9th November 2018
A Pied Wheatear had been identified on Tuesday evening and has been entertaining all comers on the promenade at Meols, Wirral, Cheshire ever since. Steve B, Kevin C and myself headed towards The Wirral early on Friday morning. Going under the tunnel from Liverpool, after Steve had directed us through what is left of Old Liverpool and towards the promenade in Meols. We had a sat-nav 15 minutes as we tried hard to find the exact spot, but guess what, we had already been there a few minutes before?? As we pulled up the Pied Wheatear was sat on the sea wall looking at us, it then flew towards the toilet block (conveniently, get it?) closed. What followed was a magical 1.5 hours admiring and photographing this far from shy bird. At one stage it sat on a bench not 10 feet from myself. Lots of admirers came and went some with mealworms others with cameras, people passed by with dogs, husbands, wifes, kids none of these seemed to phase the smart little Wheatear. As a postscript the bird was not seen again after Friday afternoon.
A Water Pipit has been present at RSPB Burton Point for a few days and we all thought it would be nice to see it. A quick call at the Old Baths at Neston revealed: - 3 Hen Harriers, 2 Marsh Harriers, very nice place to have our breakfast to. At Burton Point we had a good look around from the various hides and screens and were told that the Water Pipit could usually be seen from the Inner Marsh Farm hide. Upon arrival lots of birds could be seen: - Dunlin, Lapwing, Snipe, various wildfowl. After around half an hour there was no sign of the Water Pipit, so we headed for home. A quick check of the bird news as we neared Manchester Airport revealed that 30 minutes after we left the Water Pipit had been seen, bad luck or what?
Dave O.
Great Grey Shrike at Denhall Quay 09:15 this morning.
200 metres to the north of the quay, from the first car park, in a hawthorn then flew to by the metal kissing gate.
Info thanks to Graham Roberts
Yesterday, as noted Pied Wheatear gone.
Parkgate 10:30 - 12:30. 5 Marsh Harriers, 1 male Hen Harrier, 3 Peregrine (2 in air together), 1 Merlin and a very close Bittern. All from the Old Baths.
Phil
Just because I haven't seen it mentioned onhere:
The Pied Wheatear seems to have moved on, there has been no sign of it today from birders there at dawn and since. From a local watcher was the info that its favoured roost hole in the seawall would have been underwater at times overnight due to winds and tide surges, so no surprise that it moved.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 10th of November 2018 02:06:59 PM