Well done Henry didn't realise that we'ed seen so many species - cracking day.
Sid
Henry Cook said
Fri Apr 17 7:02 PM, 2009
17/04/2009 - An absolutely top day out on the wirral today included a spattering of rarities, scarcities and a great diversity of migrants and birds in general with 74 species seen in a leasurely day. An early start (5.30am) allowed us to be in position for the Red-rumped Swallow soon after first light. Flanked by 2 Barn Swallows, it was first picked up by us flying from its roost site and worringly off north. Soon later another birder pulled up and pointed it out to us from a distance, as the bird showed right next to him on power lines. What a bird, very approachable, and characterful although it wouldn't budge from its favourite perch even with the clatterings of joggers with poles in their hands! List of notable sightings:
Arrived at Carr lane, Moreton with Henry C at 06.30 and within a very short time had the Red-rumpded Swallow flying overhead next to the railway track. Then a short time later it was sitting on the phone lines next to the road back towards the A553 where it sat for a good while singing away until we left it with a Tree Pipit for company to go on what was a fantastic day's birding at Gilroy nature Park, Burton Marsh and then Inner Marsh Farm. We also called by Red Rocks but as expected there was little or no activity with tide being out.
The RR Swallow was a fantastic little bird, very confiding and a lifer for me.
I'll leave it to Henry to complete the list for the day as he had the pen and book
Rob Smallwood wrote:
Red-rumped Swallow present for second day today at Moreton. Currently drizzling so should linger...
Rob Smallwood said
Thu Apr 16 11:19 AM, 2009
Red-rumped Swallow present for second day today at Moreton. Currently drizzling so should linger...
Mike Baron said
Mon Apr 13 7:32 PM, 2009
2 Spoonbills on Decca pools this afternoon showing very well. Also female Marsh Harrier, Raven, Buzzard, Stonechat, 10+ Little Egrets and a fox.
sid ashton said
Fri Mar 13 8:40 PM, 2009
An impromptu Wirral Wander this afternoon produced 22 Purple Sands plus big numbers of Redshank, Dunlin and Turnstone on the pontoon on New Brighton marine lake - unfortunately no sign of the Med Gulls. We then had a cracking female Merlin on a post at Riverside Road, Heswall and finally at Parkgate male and ringtail Hen Harriers - (several sightings over an hour or so), 6 Short Eared Owls at one time and 2 Peregrine - one on a post on the marsh and one flying over the golf course.
brandon mulhern said
Sun Mar 1 9:56 PM, 2009
good day had on the wirral thanks for the help and advice, we saw at parkgate ( the old baths ) and hilbre 2 little egret 3 hen harriers 1m 2f 2 merlin f peregrin 7 buzzard ( 1 dead (roadkill)) on the cartrips around the area. grey heron 8 short eared owl little owl lesser black backed gull reed bunting long tail tits redwings stonechat kestrel cormorant knots redshank turnstone herring gulls coot, moorhen, mallard, bh gulls, pidgeon, rock doves, carrion and jackdaw
maybe a sparrowhawk, got a picture of it but inconclusive as on full zoom! (declans post kind of sways me it was!)
-- Edited by brandon mulhern at 22:06, 2009-03-01
declan savage said
Sun Mar 1 7:49 PM, 2009
Excellent late afternoon at Parkgate, from 4pm till dark today:
Short-eared Owl - 5 or 6, some very close, and scrapping with each other Hen Harrier - 3 coming in to roost (2 males) Merlin - 2, chasing Skylarks and pipits all afternoon Peregrine 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Kestrel 1 Jack Snipe 1 Common Snipe 6 Black-tailed Godwit - c40 Stonechat - male Little Egret - at least 10 plenty of Redshank, Curlew, Teal, Linnets etc
on nearby golf course: Barn Owl 2 Short-eared Owl 2 Green Woodpecker heard G S Woodpecker 1 Stock Dove 4 Redwing c20
a quick stop at Burton Marsh on way home, in almost total darkness produced another Barn Owl by the road
Henry Cook said
Thu Feb 19 6:43 PM, 2009
Hi Ian. Just saw the pic of the funny Shoveler species and thought what's the difference between an Australian Shoveler and a Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler hybrid? Cheers. Henry.
Ian Campbell said
Thu Feb 19 5:39 PM, 2009
Good day on the wirral today Started at inner marsh farm, 100's of Lapwing, Teal, many Pintail, Black Tailed Godwit, Shoveller(including an Australian Shoveller!), Wigeon, also Snipe, Golden Plover, Shelduck, Redshank, Dunlin and a Ruff. Then to Thurlaston where there were huge numbers of Oystercatcher, Knot, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, some Bar Tailed Godwit and Shelduck. Finally to Parkgate for 2 Hen Harrier, 1 Merlin and a Little Egret. Cheers Ian
Gary Gorner said
Mon Feb 9 7:16 AM, 2009
sunday 8.02.09 first stop new brighton counted 10 purple sandpipers,25+turnstone,100ish redshank all sat on the floating raft.6 sanderlings on the shoreline loads of gulls but couldnt pick anything out of the ordinary. west kirby marine lake had 6 red breasted mergansers posing for the photographers. inner marsh farm was pretty quiet only 1 black tailed godwit,2 spotted redshank,1 dunlin,10 curlew,2 buzzards,1 kestrel,200+teal,4 snipe,lapwings,wigeon,shovellors and pintail. denhall lane 1 kestrel,2 little egret,gadwal on the pools,2 stonechat,1 meadow pipit and a few curlew .no owls about but somone said they ha d merlin and ring tail harrier
1 Merlin (male) 5 Hen Harriers (3 Ring-tails and 2 males) 4 Little Egrets 4 Stonechats
Very cold and windy!
Paul Heaton said
Fri Jan 30 9:37 PM, 2009
Is this a plan for a picnic, at the parkgate spring tide Mr Warfy.
keep birding.
Simon Warford said
Thu Jan 29 6:21 PM, 2009
pete berry wrote:
Didn't realise Elton Ras was tidal,Warfy!!
Elton is stuck on permanent low tide Pete, cheers chaps.
sid ashton said
Thu Jan 29 12:36 PM, 2009
Simon
Looking at my Lavers Liverpool and Irish Sea Tide Table (c.£2.00 at Parkgate Postoffice or West Kirby beach shop) the next convenient high tides are Feb 11th (11.39 hours 10.1 m) and 12th (13.04 hours 10.0m). Then in March 12th (12.00 10.00m). Times vary slightly around the Wirral and Southport. If you are thinking of a Parkgate watch you would need to be there a couple of hours before the high tide. You also need to look to the forecast weather conditions - best activity is always when there is a good North West wind and low pressure. Then you might just see some water at Parkgate
pete berry said
Thu Jan 29 10:36 AM, 2009
Didn't realise Elton Ras was tidal,Warfy!!
JOHN TYMON said
Thu Jan 29 10:10 AM, 2009
hi simon you can get free tide tables ont tinternet,use google just put the place you want and tide predictions,and its there,i think the one i use is easy tide .com,but im at work so im not sure but they are there,just put the place say southport and they all come up.
Simon Warford said
Thu Jan 29 9:21 AM, 2009
Does anyone know the dates of the big spring tides in March?
Rob Smallwood said
Sun Jan 18 9:56 AM, 2009
Great stuff - I'm only jealous because I've missed three R-l's this winter so far!
sid ashton said
Sat Jan 17 8:59 PM, 2009
Rob I was in the hide with about 6 other folk and we all had good views yes I am happy - it had all of the features including black tipped white rear end and feathered legs. It was hovering when first seen by one of the local birders who had also seen the pale Buzzard to which you refer.
Rob Smallwood said
Sat Jan 17 8:31 PM, 2009
Hi Sid - great find.
Not wishing to poor cold water on your Rough-legged, but are you sure - I only ask because there have been several reports this year which have been traced back to a very pale buzzard.
Hope yours was the real thing!
sid ashton said
Sat Jan 17 6:50 PM, 2009
Had a wirral wander today - started at New Brighton where the main attraction was not the birds but the ships - the Ark Royal and a very large oil tanker the BW Bauhinia, from Hong Kong a doubled hulled ULCC (Ultra Large Crude Carrier) is 332 metres long with a beam of 58 metres reported to be the largest ship ever to have entered the Port of Liverpool - an amazing sight as it sailled past Fort Perch Rock lighthouse. There were some birds of course including Sanderling, Turnstone and Bar tailled Godwit. Then to Denhall Lane where I found a Merlin and a male Hen Harrier. Inner Marsh produced Spotted Redshank, 7 Whooper Swans, a Ring tail Hen Harrier, several Goldeneye and a ROUGH LEGGED BUZZARD. First seen by one of the local birders hovering over towards the fishing lake then good views of it in flight and perched for some time on a telegraph pole - a lifer for me
-- Edited by sid ashton at 20:04, 2009-01-17
Pete Lane said
Wed Jan 14 11:04 PM, 2009
Two hen harriers (1 male 1 ring tail) 2 short eared owl, at Parkgate and 2 buzzard feeding in field behind Baths car park.
3 spotted redshank plus hen harrier at Inner Marsh Farm.
Mark Rigby said
Fri Jan 2 5:47 PM, 2009
Black Redstart and Snow Bunting still at Red Rocks.
2 Red Breasted Mergansers at West Kirby.
2 Hen Harriers and Short Eared Owl at Parkgate
Mark Rigby said
Thu Jan 1 7:42 PM, 2009
UK self heard list-not good if your deaf!
Then again, UK self found list-how many blind people are on that!!
Paul Heaton said
Thu Jan 1 7:34 PM, 2009
Where else after Moore but the coast same crowd Snow bunting seen next to snow Black redstart, and points blooming points galoure all over the place Sanderling Knot Dunlin Brent Geese, among others,
Parkgate marshes just heaven short-eared owls and harriers what a sight and as we discussed the merits of the self found rules, the jem of an idea took place as we heard a water rail, the uk self heard list
Once agin the company was the best GM Birder out of town.
keep birding
sid ashton said
Wed Dec 31 4:21 PM, 2008
Decided that a quick spin around the Wirral bird sites was a better idea than shopping - didn't stay anywhere too long so didn't get that cold. Similar birds to Ian's list of yesterday - including Red-breasted Merganser and Turnstone at West Kirby, Snow Bunting (fem) and Black Redstart (fem) at Red Rocks, Little Egret, Short-eared Owl and a flock of 20 or so Twite at Parkgate and finally Kestrel. Buzzard and Merlin at Denhall Lane.
Sid A
Ian Campbell said
Tue Dec 30 4:42 PM, 2008
Spent quite a good, if very cold, day at various sites with Peter Johnson. Burton Marsh ; 9.30, 2 Peregrine and Little Egrets plus frostbite. Parkgate ; Marsh Harrier and more Little Egrets plus more frostbite!. Thurstaston ; 13 Twite, very close views, 2 Turnstone and Black Tailed Godwits, warming up a bit now, upto 0 Celcius. Hoylake ; dinner in Plasters Arms( GBGuide 2009 ) then to sea front. 600ish Cormorant, 1000's Knot and Dunlin, 60+ Ringed Plover, lots of Redshank, Shellduck and a hunting Peregrine. Red Rocks ; Black Redstart, at least 30 Pale Bellied Brent, Snow Bunting1st ever for me, Sanderling and lots more Knot. Burton Marsh ; returned here at 2.15 on way home to see 9 Short Eared Owl and 2 more Peregrine. Have to say it was a fabulous days birding Cheers Ian. ps What have I fogotten Peter?
Geoff Walton said
Sat Dec 6 3:29 PM, 2008
Had a good day at Innermarsh Farm. Then we went to Burton Marshes, but no SEO's despite reports of them every day this week Nice close up of a Buzzard, little Egret Flying and Merlis and Kestrel though. IMF had the usual stuff, plus Redshanks quite a few Curlew and 5 or so Snipe on the little island in front of the Hide. Had a nice view of a Hen Harrier as well.
Rob Thorpe said
Sun Nov 23 6:18 PM, 2008
Great Northern Diver still showing well on West Kirby Marine Lake this evening, along with 4 Red-breasted Merganser, a drake Goldeneye and a Great Crested Grebe.
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Wed Nov 19 2:34 PM, 2008
Great afternoons birding 18/11/08.
Parkgate 1250 to 1440.
Hen Harrier 1m 1 ringtail. Sparrowhawk 1 Kestrel 1 Peregrine 1 Little Egret 8+ Grey Heron 6+ Snipe 3 Stonechat 2m 2f Curlews, redshanks etc etc.
Burton Marsh 1450 to1610.
Hen Harrier 1 ringtail SE Owl 6+ Kestrel 1f Stonechat 1m Wigeon/Shoveler/Teal/Little Egrets etc etc.
Gary Gorner said
Tue Nov 18 6:39 PM, 2008
I too was there on Sunday first time ever sighting of short eared owl, been trying to get this bird for two years what a marvelous sight to see so many in one place at the same time.I to counted at least 16 from the decca pools. also managed another lifer as the great northern diver was showing very well on the marine lake . inner marsh farm was also good with green winged teal,2 stonechat, 3 ruff,1 buzzard,redwings and fieldfares,curlew,1 greenshank,1 spotted redshank, 7 snipe and a good flock of about 40 goldfinch.Best of all was a ring tailed hen harrier was showing very well and at one point we was only 20ft away as it hunted right infront of the hide.
Mike Baron said
Sun Nov 16 7:12 PM, 2008
"Only" 16 SEO's this afternoon at Burton marsh from the Decca Pools. I spoke to a couple of guys who had 24!!!
Also 3 more SEO's at Parkgate and 3 Ring-tailed Hen Harriers in the roost.
sid ashton said
Sat Nov 15 11:39 AM, 2008
Hi Henry
Even more incredibly 21 SOEs were counted on Burton Marsh earlier in the week by the local wardens in one session. Yep your right about the Wirral that's where I have been doing most of my winter birding since I started.
Sid
blockquote>Henry Cook wrote:
Nice one Sid. The wirral has some excellent birding all year round but winter is when things 'hot up' there! An incredible count of 17 Short-eared Owls was reported from Burton Marsh yesterday at 3pm. Thanks. Henry.
Henry Cook said
Sat Nov 15 10:31 AM, 2008
Nice one Sid. The wirral has some excellent birding all year round but winter is when things 'hot up' there! An incredible count of 17 Short-eared Owls was reported from Burton Marsh yesterday at 3pm. Thanks. Henry.
sid ashton said
Fri Nov 14 7:46 PM, 2008
For the second time this week I was on the Wirral this time to West Kirby - found the Great Northern Diver on the marine lake along with 2 Red breasted Merganser, a male Goldeneye and a Great Crested Grebe plus lots of Gulls of course. There was also a good selection of waders towards the southern end of the marina - Turnstone, Knot, Dunlin and Redshank included. Also met an Oldham birder - Paul Bowden - nice to meet you Paul. Hope that you found something worthwhile at Inner Marsh because my lucky birder status continued to be upheld with the discovery of 3 Snow Bunting on the Red Rocks reserve as well as Stonechat and Meadow Pipit. Over high tide there was a flock of 60+ Brent Geese off Middle Eye (the island next to Hilbre) and a single Bar-tailed Godwit with a small flock of Curlew.
sid ashton said
Wed Nov 12 8:35 PM, 2008
A pleasnt afternoon at Parkgate old baths produced two Short Eared Owls, (probably)two separate ring tail Hen Harriers, a Merlin sitting up nicely on a post, a pair of Kestrels, a Barn owl, several Little Egret - all on the marsh and just as we were leaving a Tawny Owl in the woods behind the car park in the area where the Little Owl used to sit for those who remember.
Sid A
Rob Smallwood said
Fri Nov 7 1:57 PM, 2008
Still there this morning.
What a cracking bird to see in North-west England, or at least I assume it must have been, as I arrived 15 minutes after it flew off high North (possibly North-west).
Rob Smallwood said
Thu Nov 6 10:16 PM, 2008
Rough-legged Buzzard for second day today - yesterday on Hilbre, then moved today to the golf course between Red Rocks and West Kirby and appeared to roost there.
M
John Rayner said
Thu Oct 30 9:25 AM, 2008
29/10/08
Denhall Lane/Decca Pools (Good for raptors)
Peregrine (2) Merlin (3) Buzzard Sparrowhawk Hen Harrier (ringtail) Kestrel (3) Short-eared Owl (3-5) Little Egret (18)
Sunday 19th October, 10am 3pm, Connahs Quay Reserve Open Day. Join the Deeside Naturalists Society for some spectacular high-tide birdwatching. (HW: 29.5ft, 13.57). Location: From A548 take the Connahs Quay turn, and follow the Power Station signs. A member of the society will greet you at the reserve entrance. Further information: D.N.S. - 01244 537440. Free.
Went a couple of years ago and had an excellent day - good birding and excellent bacon butties and mugs of tea !!!!
Connah's Quay is a private site that has an open day once a year.
Tim Wilcox said
Sun Oct 5 10:48 PM, 2008
Exellent raptor day on the Wirral:
Sparrowhawk flew in front of car en route.
Hobby in full view at 20ft at IMF on the path near the little bridge over the stream. It then flew around our heads affording great views. Ringtail Hen Harrier immediately on entering hide, 3 Buzzard and 5 Greenshank then the action tailed off.
Ringtail Hen Harrier again on Burton Marsh along with Peregrine, Buzzard 2, Kestrel 3. Huge flocks of Starlings and Lapwings.
Another Buzzard and Little Egret 2 at Parkgate though otherwise pretty quiet here. the Little Owls tree has alrgely fallen down.
Geoff Walton said
Sun Sep 28 11:15 AM, 2008
"We Three" went to Innermarsh Farm and then to Hilbre Island. Really enjoyed Hilbre, first time for us.
Loads of Oyster catchers Lapwings Knot
The odd Curlew Snipe,Ruff,Robin,Linnets,Godwits,Heron,Turnstone,Golden Plover,Redhanks,GC Grebe
Not a lot at IF, but saw a hobby and two Buzzards - loads of lapwing, and teal
Geoff
Craig Higson said
Wed Sep 24 8:46 PM, 2008
j meadows wrote:
Also seen on the cruise a craig higson on official duties last last seen going to a photo shoot and free handouts of fudge bar i think seen by myself and a Mr Woosey
It was a Ripple Jimmy - far classier than a fudge.
Jimmy Meadows said
Wed Sep 24 8:26 PM, 2008
Also seen on the cruise a craig higson on official duties last last seen going to a photo shoot and free handouts of fudge bar i think seen by myself and a Mr Woosey
Little Ringed Plover Green Sandpiper Curlew Little Egret Kingfisher Water Rail (Excellent views just in front of hide) Black Tailed Godwit Ruff Peregrine Buzzard Kestrel Blackcap Greylag Geese Canada Geese Pied Wagtail Stock Dove
Fields between saltmarsh and Burton Marsh Farm
Wheatear Yellow Wagtail Whinchat
This was my first visit and had a great day.
Duane.
Mike Baron said
Mon Aug 25 2:06 PM, 2008
Had a mooch around Burton marsh and Parkgate this morning
1 Barn Owl - caught 2 voles between 9am and 9-30am 1 Marsh Harrier (juv/female) - mobbed by a Kestrel on Burton marsh nr the Decca pools 1 Hen Harrier - ringtail giving spectacular views nr Boathouse flash 4 Kestrels 19 Greenshank on Boathouse flash
plus a range of common stuff. Very pleasant walk.
Mike
Gary Gorner said
Fri Aug 22 10:29 AM, 2008
21 .08.08 much the same as mike plus several gannet and 3 arctic skuaslifer
Mike Baron said
Sun Aug 17 4:32 PM, 2008
Had a mooch around Hoylake and West Kirby at high tide today.
No sign of the hoped for Skuas but lots of other birds - mostly on the WK shore:
1 Wheatear 1 Grey Plover (stonking bird still in summer plumage) 50 Knot 170 Dunlin 55 Ringed Plover 21 Sanderling (again some still largely in summer plumage) 3500 Oystercatchers (inc 1 partial leucistic bird) 400 Sandwich Terns 60 Common Terns 6 Little Terns 33 Bar-tailed Godwit (again one still summer plumage) 1 Med Gull (adult in winter plumage)
Couple of Grey Seals showing well - all in all a very enjoyable afternoon!
Sid
List of notable sightings:
Moreton
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW - 1
Tree Pipit - 1
Wheatear - 1
Red Rocks
Sparrowhawk - 1
Gilroy Nature Park
House Martin - 1
Sand Martins - 2
Greylag Geese - 7
Willow Warbler - 4
Chiffchaffs + Blackcaps + Swallows
Burton Marsh
Hen Harrier - 2 (ringtails)
Short-eared Owls - 3
Whimbrel - 1 (flew over north)
Grasshopper Warbler - 2 (reeling but one seen briefly)
Common Whitethroat - 1
Stock Doves - 2
Inner Marsh Farm
Green-winged Teal - 1 (male)
Garganey - 1 (elusive, male)
Spotted Redshanks - 9 (coming into summer plumage)
Ruff - 6
Common Sandpiper - 1
Black-tailed Godwit - 7
Avocet - 11
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 (an early returning bird)
Sedge Warbler - 1
Grasshopper Warbler - 1
Yellowhammer - 1 (singing)
loads of hirundines, warblers, ducks + black-headed gulls
Thanks. Henry.
The RR Swallow was a fantastic little bird, very confiding and a lifer for me.
I'll leave it to Henry to complete the list for the day as he had the pen and book
at parkgate ( the old baths ) and hilbre
2 little egret
3 hen harriers 1m 2f
2 merlin f
peregrin
7 buzzard ( 1 dead (roadkill)) on the cartrips around the area.
grey heron
8 short eared owl
little owl
lesser black backed gull
reed bunting
long tail tits
redwings
stonechat
kestrel
cormorant
knots
redshank
turnstone
herring gulls
coot, moorhen, mallard, bh gulls, pidgeon, rock doves, carrion and jackdaw
maybe a sparrowhawk, got a picture of it but inconclusive as on full zoom! (declans post kind of sways me it was!)
-- Edited by brandon mulhern at 22:06, 2009-03-01
Short-eared Owl - 5 or 6, some very close, and scrapping with each other
Hen Harrier - 3 coming in to roost (2 males)
Merlin - 2, chasing Skylarks and pipits all afternoon
Peregrine 1
Sparrowhawk 1
Kestrel 1
Jack Snipe 1
Common Snipe 6
Black-tailed Godwit - c40
Stonechat - male
Little Egret - at least 10
plenty of Redshank, Curlew, Teal, Linnets etc
on nearby golf course:
Barn Owl 2
Short-eared Owl 2
Green Woodpecker heard
G S Woodpecker 1
Stock Dove 4
Redwing c20
a quick stop at Burton Marsh on way home, in almost total darkness produced another Barn Owl by the road
Cheers. Henry.
Started at inner marsh farm, 100's of Lapwing, Teal, many Pintail, Black Tailed Godwit, Shoveller(including an Australian Shoveller!), Wigeon, also Snipe, Golden Plover, Shelduck, Redshank, Dunlin and a Ruff.
Then to Thurlaston where there were huge numbers of Oystercatcher, Knot, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, some Bar Tailed Godwit and Shelduck.
Finally to Parkgate for 2 Hen Harrier, 1 Merlin and a Little Egret.
Cheers Ian
first stop new brighton counted 10 purple sandpipers,25+turnstone,100ish redshank all sat on the floating raft.6 sanderlings on the shoreline loads of gulls but couldnt pick anything out of the ordinary.
west kirby marine lake had 6 red breasted mergansers posing for the photographers.
inner marsh farm was pretty quiet only 1 black tailed godwit,2 spotted redshank,1 dunlin,10 curlew,2 buzzards,1 kestrel,200+teal,4 snipe,lapwings,wigeon,shovellors and pintail.
denhall lane 1 kestrel,2 little egret,gadwal on the pools,2 stonechat,1 meadow pipit and a few curlew .no owls about but somone said they ha d merlin and ring tail harrier
Burton Marsh - noon:
2 Ring-tail Hen Harriers
1 Merlin (female)
2 Short-eared Owls
3 Stonechat
32 Whooper Swans
800+ Lapwing
47 Fieldfare
1 Buzzard
1 Kestrel
2 Little Egrets
1 Snipe
Thurstaston/Heswall shore mid afternoon:
1 Peregrine
1 Ring-tail Hen Harrier
150+ Fieldfare
13 Twite
200+ Shelduck
21 Pintail
200+ Dunlin
30+ Knot
250+ Blackwit
4 Barwit
Parkgate late afternoon:
1 Merlin (male)
5 Hen Harriers (3 Ring-tails and 2 males)
4 Little Egrets
4 Stonechats
Very cold and windy!
keep birding.
Elton is stuck on permanent low tide Pete,
cheers chaps.
Looking at my Lavers Liverpool and Irish Sea Tide Table (c.£2.00 at Parkgate Postoffice or West Kirby beach shop) the next convenient high tides are Feb 11th (11.39 hours 10.1 m) and 12th (13.04 hours 10.0m). Then in March 12th (12.00 10.00m). Times vary slightly around the Wirral and Southport. If you are thinking of a Parkgate watch you would need to be there a couple of hours before the high tide. You also need to look to the forecast weather conditions - best activity is always when there is a good North West wind and low pressure. Then you might just see some water at Parkgate
you can get free tide tables ont tinternet,use google just put the place you want and tide predictions,and its there,i think the one i use is easy tide .com,but im at work so im not sure but they are there,just put the place say southport and they all come up.
Not wishing to poor cold water on your Rough-legged, but are you sure - I only ask because there have been several reports this year which have been traced back to a very pale buzzard.
Hope yours was the real thing!
-- Edited by sid ashton at 20:04, 2009-01-17
3 spotted redshank plus hen harrier at Inner Marsh Farm.
2 Red Breasted Mergansers at West Kirby.
2 Hen Harriers and Short Eared Owl at Parkgate
Then again, UK self found list-how many blind people are on that!!
Snow bunting seen next to snow
Black redstart, and points blooming points galoure all over the place Sanderling Knot Dunlin Brent Geese, among others,
Parkgate marshes just heaven short-eared owls and harriers what a sight and as we discussed the merits of the self found rules, the jem of an idea took place as we heard a water rail, the uk self heard list
Once agin the company was the best GM Birder out of town.
keep birding
Sid A
Burton Marsh ; 9.30, 2 Peregrine and Little Egrets plus frostbite.
Parkgate ; Marsh Harrier and more Little Egrets plus more frostbite!.
Thurstaston ; 13 Twite, very close views, 2 Turnstone and Black Tailed Godwits, warming up a bit now, upto 0 Celcius.
Hoylake ; dinner in Plasters Arms( GBGuide 2009 ) then to sea front. 600ish Cormorant, 1000's Knot and Dunlin, 60+ Ringed Plover, lots of Redshank, Shellduck and a hunting Peregrine.
Red Rocks ; Black Redstart, at least 30 Pale Bellied Brent, Snow Bunting1st ever for me, Sanderling and lots more Knot.
Burton Marsh ; returned here at 2.15 on way home to see 9 Short Eared Owl and 2 more Peregrine.
Have to say it was a fabulous days birding
Cheers Ian.
ps What have I fogotten Peter?
IMF had the usual stuff, plus Redshanks quite a few Curlew and 5 or so Snipe on the little island in front of the Hide.
Had a nice view of a Hen Harrier as well.
Parkgate 1250 to 1440.
Hen Harrier 1m 1 ringtail.
Sparrowhawk 1
Kestrel 1
Peregrine 1
Little Egret 8+
Grey Heron 6+
Snipe 3
Stonechat 2m 2f
Curlews, redshanks etc etc.
Burton Marsh 1450 to1610.
Hen Harrier 1 ringtail
SE Owl 6+
Kestrel 1f
Stonechat 1m
Wigeon/Shoveler/Teal/Little Egrets etc etc.
also managed another lifer as the great northern diver was showing very well on the marine lake .
inner marsh farm was also good with green winged teal,2 stonechat, 3 ruff,1 buzzard,redwings and fieldfares,curlew,1 greenshank,1 spotted redshank, 7 snipe and a good flock of about 40 goldfinch.Best of all was a ring tailed hen harrier was showing very well and at one point we was only 20ft away as it hunted right infront of the hide.
Also 3 more SEO's at Parkgate and 3 Ring-tailed Hen Harriers in the roost.
Hi Henry
Even more incredibly 21 SOEs were counted on Burton Marsh earlier in the week by the local wardens in one session. Yep your right about the Wirral that's where I have been doing most of my winter birding since I started.
Sid
blockquote>Henry Cook wrote:
Nice one Sid. The wirral has some excellent birding all year round but winter is when things 'hot up' there!
An incredible count of 17 Short-eared Owls was reported from Burton Marsh yesterday at 3pm.
Thanks. Henry.
An incredible count of 17 Short-eared Owls was reported from Burton Marsh yesterday at 3pm.
Thanks. Henry.
Sid A
What a cracking bird to see in North-west England, or at least I assume it must have been, as I arrived 15 minutes after it flew off high North (possibly North-west).
M
Denhall Lane/Decca Pools (Good for raptors)
Peregrine (2)
Merlin (3)
Buzzard
Sparrowhawk
Hen Harrier (ringtail)
Kestrel (3)
Short-eared Owl (3-5)
Little Egret (18)
Walk from West Kirby - Hilbre (Good for waders)
Knot, Oyster Catchers (1000s)
Redshank, Dunlin, Curlew, Grey Plover, Cormorant (100s)
Bar-tailed Godwit (37)
Black-tailed Godwit (2)
Sanderling (8)
Ringed Plover (40)
Turnstone (50 - 100)
Purple Sandpiper (4)
Pale-bellied Brent Goose (67)
Merlin, Peregrine, Shag (singles)
Sunday 19th October, 10am 3pm, Connahs Quay Reserve Open Day.
Join the Deeside Naturalists Society for some spectacular high-tide birdwatching. (HW: 29.5ft, 13.57). Location: From A548 take the Connahs Quay turn, and follow the Power Station signs. A member of the society will greet you at the reserve entrance. Further information: D.N.S. - 01244 537440.
Free.
Went a couple of years ago and had an excellent day - good birding and excellent bacon butties and mugs of tea !!!!
Connah's Quay is a private site that has an open day once a year.
Sparrowhawk flew in front of car en route.
Hobby in full view at 20ft at IMF on the path near the little bridge over the stream. It then flew around our heads affording great views. Ringtail Hen Harrier immediately on entering hide, 3 Buzzard and 5 Greenshank then the action tailed off.
Ringtail Hen Harrier again on Burton Marsh along with Peregrine, Buzzard 2, Kestrel 3. Huge flocks of Starlings and Lapwings.
Another Buzzard and Little Egret 2 at Parkgate though otherwise pretty quiet here. the Little Owls tree has alrgely fallen down.
Loads of Oyster catchers
Lapwings
Knot
The odd Curlew
Snipe,Ruff,Robin,Linnets,Godwits,Heron,Turnstone,Golden Plover,Redhanks,GC Grebe
Not a lot at IF, but saw a hobby and two Buzzards - loads of lapwing, and teal
Geoff
It was a Ripple Jimmy - far classier than a fudge.
Peregrine
8 Little Egret
1 Turnstoneone
3 Bar Tailed Godwit
35+ Dunlin
40+ Curlew
30+ Lapwing
80+ Redshank
100+ Oystercatcher
1 Shag
4 Grey Heron
6 Skylark
3 Meadow Pipet
2 Stonechat
24th Sept PM - RSPB Bird Cruise - River Mersey & Liverpool Bay
1 Sparrowhawk
25+ Cormarant
20 Pink Foot Geese
5 Spoonbill (Crosby Beach)
1 Peregrine (Hamilton Tower)
20+ Sanderling
Little Ringed Plover
Green Sandpiper
Curlew
Little Egret
Kingfisher
Water Rail (Excellent views just in front of hide)
Black Tailed Godwit
Ruff
Peregrine
Buzzard
Kestrel
Blackcap
Greylag Geese
Canada Geese
Pied Wagtail
Stock Dove
Fields between saltmarsh and Burton Marsh Farm
Wheatear
Yellow Wagtail
Whinchat
This was my first visit and had a great day.
Duane.
1 Barn Owl - caught 2 voles between 9am and 9-30am
1 Marsh Harrier (juv/female) - mobbed by a Kestrel on Burton marsh nr the Decca pools
1 Hen Harrier - ringtail giving spectacular views nr Boathouse flash
4 Kestrels
19 Greenshank on Boathouse flash
plus a range of common stuff. Very pleasant walk.
Mike
much the same as mike plus several gannet and 3 arctic skuaslifer
No sign of the hoped for Skuas but lots of other birds - mostly on the WK shore:
1 Wheatear
1 Grey Plover (stonking bird still in summer plumage)
50 Knot
170 Dunlin
55 Ringed Plover
21 Sanderling (again some still largely in summer plumage)
3500 Oystercatchers (inc 1 partial leucistic bird)
400 Sandwich Terns
60 Common Terns
6 Little Terns
33 Bar-tailed Godwit (again one still summer plumage)
1 Med Gull (adult in winter plumage)
Couple of Grey Seals showing well - all in all a very enjoyable afternoon!