The Wirral

Mike Chorley · Status: Offline

RE: The Wirral

Barry Brett · Status: Offline

2 Short Eared Owls Denhall Quay 4.15 pm

Phil Oddy · Status: Offline

3 Little Gulls & 5 Guillemots off leasowe gunsite this afternoon also two Shags at East Float dock, Birkenhead

Anthony Robinson · Status: Offline

I love going around the Wirral. Today, I went to Hilbre Island, RSPB Burton Mere & Burton Marsh. I was planning on Parkgate too, but the wind & rain made me come home!

I wanted to add to my year list, which stood at 108 birds & with this being my first visit of the year to the Wirral, I was guaranteed some new year ticks.

Hilbre Island

At West Kirby Marine Lake was very quiet, with only 1 Redshank, 1 Turnstone & 2 Oystercatcher of note! Walking across the sand, the wind was blowing from Wales & it was very quiet all the way to Middle Eye. There was a Wren on Middle Eye & nothing else! Around Hilbre though, it got better - Brent Geese were a year tick, which were around the West Side as I approached. At the old lifeboat station, I got Purple Sandpiper, they were hard to see today but there were at least 4. 2 Eider Ducks were floating about, plus lots of Cormorants. Also from here, Rock Pipit, Turnstone, Redshank, Oystercatcher & gulls. In the gutter there were Sanderling, Dunlin & a lone Bar-tailed Godwit.

RSPB Burton Mere

Marsh Harriers were displaying though, over the main scrape. Pretty much all the usual was seen, as well as Ruff & a single Knot. I saw Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Cetti's Warbler & Great White Egret too.

Burton Marsh

Here I hot Egyptian Goose & Ruddy Shelduck on the marsh. I walked uo to the Little Owl, which ended up flying off as a cronking Raven got a bit too close. I got back to my car just as the wind & rain started.

A great day, 120 birds seen in January!

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

A windy Parkgate old baths car park from 14:00-15:00 today.

Ringtail Hen Harrier, 6 Marsh Harrier, Woodcock, 3 Great White Egret, Peregrine Falcon put up 400+ Lapwing. Also many Pink Footed Geese, Little Egret and Curlew. Possible distant Merlin.

Phil Oddy · Status: Offline

GNDiver & Shag on West Kirby ML (also Black Redstart & 3 Snow Buntings at Red Rocks not seen by me tho), a couple of Hen Harriers, Peregrine and Merlin sparring at Parkgate then finally a Short-eared Owl at Neston Old Quay

-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 29th of November 2023 08:52:30 PM

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

Following our visit to Hilbre Island, a brief stop at Parkgate Marsh gave 2, possibly 3 Hen Harrier, 4 Marsh Harrier, 3 Great White Egret, and 2 Red Legged Partridge at 15:50.

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

Highlights of today's High Peak RSPB group trip to West Kirkby and Hilbre Island 11:30-15:25

Great Northern Diver, 6 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Snow Bunting, 3 Red Throated Diver, 2 Red Breasted Merganser, 4 Common Scoter, 2000+Knot, Grey Plover, 300+Pale Bellied Brent Geese

A few images from members attached.

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

Parkgate Marsh from 15:00-16:30

12 Spoonbill, Hobby, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Great White Egret, 5 Stonechat

Phil Oddy · Status: Offline

yesterday:- Quail singing off Parkgate by old baths car park. been present for a few days

Ian Moran · Status: Offline

Wallasey: 4 Snow Buntings showing well on fences in the sand dunes by the Derby Pool. Sanderlings and Turnstones.

New Brighton: 2 Purple Sandpipers on the wooden things at the end of the lighthouse. None on the pontoons.

Hilbre: 5 Purple Sandpipers at the end of the island. Lots of Brent geese.

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

2.30-3.30 Parkgate Old Baths

3 Hen Harrier (1 male), 7 Marsh Harrier, 2 Great White Egret, good numbers of Golden Plover with Lapwings, 20 Skylark

malcolm roach · Status: Offline

Hoylake snow bunting next to lifeboat station goosander west Kirby marine lake

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

Popped over onto the Wirral again with Parkgate the late afternoon destination today in bright sunshine.

A male Hen Harrier showed well off the Old Baths car park as well as at least 3 Marsh Harriers. A distant Peregrine sat for ages on a post out on the horizon but even at distant she (probably a female) looked big. A Great White Egret and a couple of Little Egrets were also seen.

Simon Gough · Status: Offline

Saturday 8th January

It was a pleasure to be out with the Stockport Birdwatching Society for the first time in ages, for the traditional run over to the Wirral to begin the year's set of outdoor meetings. There was some trepidation considering the wet weather but this is not a group to let some rain put them off...as long as a reasonable cafe is nearby!

We started at New Brighton with the tide coming in, but far enough out that the small waders were still feeding on the beach and breakwater, but some keen eyes picked up 2 Purple Sandpipers with decent numbers of Turnstones, as well as more abundant Redshanks and Oystercatchers.

Normally the Society isn't too twitchy but we decided to stop at the Derby Pool to try our luck with the Snow Buntings mentioned by Doc Brewster below. This was a comical interlude in the end, the rain was truly lashing down as we trotted onto the beach and I was literally thinking 'this is silly' as someone spotted the 5 birds, which then flew onto a sandbank right in front of us and hopped about cheerfully. The hardiness of this species is no surprise but it is still fairly amazing to think they were going to be quite comfortable there.

Next stop was Parkgate and a slight break in the weather allowed a great view of a male Hen Harrier along with the expected Great White Egret and Marsh Harriers, and large numbers of ducks and geese further out. 1 juvenile Marsh Harrier was perched up showing well from the Donkey Stand. It was also nice to note common birds like Little Grebe and Snipe around the flash there when it wasn't hammering down with rain.

We then headed for Burton Mere, see that thread for sightings there. See https://stockportbirders.blogspot.com/ for more information on upcoming trips and indoor meetings; February's outdoor meeting is scheduled for Slimbridge WWT, an exciting prospect indeed.

-- Edited by Simon Gough on Sunday 9th of January 2022 11:36:54 AM

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

Headed Wirral Way again today for my second trip this year away from my patch. Sun, rain, drizzle, a bit of everything but warm thoughout.

I started off up the top at Wallasey. After a bit of a search I managed to see 4 Snow Buntings of the 5 that have been here. It was pretty difficult and I had to view from the top of the fenced-off compound below the Derby Pool Pub, looking down at the back edge of the sand dunes that could not be seen from the coast path. I was told that earlier they were on the beach but that was now awash with dogwalkers hence them hopping over into a no access area for peace and quiet! On the tideline when I arrived there was a cracking little flock of about 20 Sanderlings, but these were chased by dogs and departed. A few Turnstones and an Oystercatcher were present too.

Next I headed along the prob to New Brighton Marine Lake. Here on the pontoon amongst a mass of mixed waders were 5 Purple Sandpipers. Also on the pontoon were Dunlin, Redshank and Turnstone.

I then headed down the coast to Hoylake prom and on the tideling scoped the one distant wader flock (other than several groups of Oystercatchers) which included 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Knot and several Grey Plover as well as lots of Dunlin. Just round the corner at Red Rocks I scoped Hilbre Island where Pale-bellied Brent Goose and Shelduck were added to my 2022 Yearlist.

I departed pretty quickly as Red Rocks was packed with day trippers and headed next to Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB (see that thread for post).

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

A great late afternoon visit to the lower Wirral marshes. I based myself at Denhall Quay near the Harp Inn. At least 5 Short-eared Owls hunted the marsh very close in.... despite at least 30 photographers being out on the marsh amongst them! Also out there were 2 (ad male & subad male) Hen Harriers, both showing well. A Merlin perched on a post and hunted to the left of the quay whilst 3+Marsh Harriers also hunted the marsh. Two Kestrels completed the cast of raptors today. Lots of Pink-footed Geese fed way out on the marsh. The full set of UK egrets was on the marsh including 1 Cattle Egret, 1 Great White Egret and several Little Egrets.

A Stock Dove was seen as well as a male Stonechat. All these species brought my 2022 yearlist lotal to 65 so far. biggrin

-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 2nd of January 2022 10:10:58 PM

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Went back to Parkgate Old Baths Car Park, mainly to try and get better photographs of the Barn Owl(s) that have been showing well for a while now. Unfortunately, only one showed this afternoon and it kept fairly distant, off to the right. Spent just short of two hours from 14.00 hrs, dull conditions with a bit of drizzle towards the end, when the light was very poor. Amongst others :-

Pink-footed Goose (250)
Shoveler (4)
Wigeon (6)
Teal (2)
Water Rail (1)
Lapwing (75)
Curlew (12)
Snipe (1)
Redshank (2)
Marsh Harrier (5)
Hen Harrier (2 r/t)
Sparrowhawk (1)
Barn Owl (1)
Green Woodpecker (1)
Kestrel (2)
Merlin (1)
Skylark (1)
Redwing (2)
Stonechat (1)

Decent views of a female Merlin perched up on a thick branch in the marsh.

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

Parkgate Old Baths 15:00-16:30 with High Peak RSPB group

3 Hen Harrier(1 male), very showy Barn Owl close in, 7+Marsh Harrier, 2 Spoonbill, Cettis Warbler, Green Woodpecker, 350 Pink Footed Geese over, Black Tailed Godwit, Stonechat, 3 Great White Egret, 7 Little Egret, 4 Redwing

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Parkgate Old Baths Car Park, 13.00-16.30 hrs, weather cloudy, then sunny spells, 13*c, windy. Amongst others :-

Hen Harrier (1m, 2 r/t)
Marsh Harrier (6)
Barn Owl (2)
Peregrine (1)
Kestrel (2)
Raven (1)
Water Rail (1)
Great Egret (1)
Little Egret (c.15)
Redshank (1)
Curlew (15)
Skylark (2)
Linnet (35)
Pink-footed Goose (1000)

Apparently, there were also 3 Short-eared Owl on the marsh at Little Neston, near the Harp Inn.

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

After not being out due to lots of days at work covering illness I took the chance for a bit of a run out today. Headed up to the north coast to Meols Parade, at the NW end to be precise.

The weather wasn't as bad as forecast, strong squally winds and grey clouds but at least it was dry. I headed off along the coast path NW in the direction of Leasowe and after only 100m came across the reported Snow Bunting on the slope on the seaward side. The bird was buffeted by the wind and was always on the move except when it hunkered down to feed in the clumps of grass. It came ont the path itself and on both sides too showing down to a few feet at times. I struggled to digiscope it as it was moving so much but did manage it in the end, despite joggers, dog walkers and cyclists flushing it too. Lots of waders out on the mud too but I really didn't have time to hang around so headed home happy with the pictures that I had managed to get (just 1 attached as I never swamp a post with unnecesary repeat shots!!). Nice to get under my belt after missing the Audenshaw one with Tim the other week.

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

Parkgate Old Baths and Boathouse pools 1.30-3.15pm with High Peak RSPB group.

3 Spoonbill, 6 Kestrel, 4 Marsh Harrier, Great White Egret, 20 Dunlin, 10 Redshank, 5 Stonechat, 7 Curlew.

PHIL GREENWOOD · Status: Offline

Belated report of some highlights from Wednesday, August 11th.

Yellow Wagtail...2 at sheep farm near Station Road, plus 3 Meadow Pipits, 4 Linnets and 8 Pied Wagtails.

Hoylake, next to lifeboat station at high tide.

Oystercatchers
Dunlins
Curlews
Ringed Plovers
Sanderlings
1 Bar-tailed Godwit
2 Knot
Sandwich Terns
4 Common Terns
1 adult Yellow-legged Gull
Common, Herring, Black-headed, Lesser Black-backed and Great Black-backed Gulls.
Cormorants
1 Gannet diving for fish.
2 Great White Egrets flying over.
Large flock of Linnets.

Followed by a nice coffee in Popsys cafe.

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

Two national 'scarcities' turned up on The Wirral yesterday but prior commitments meant that I couldn't make the journey to try to see them, it would have to wait until Sunday. Both birds were waders, both American and I was pretty confident of them being around today since this is the usual case for 'Autumn' passage as opposed to the one-day birds usual in Spring.

First news came from the top of The Wirral, Hoylake to be precise so after breakfast I set off to try to commect with the first scarcity. On arrival I was told that it had flown just 5 minutes earlier but a search with a birding pal seen relocated it not far from where it had been. The wind was very, very strong so I had to hunker down to keep my scope steady and soon I was watching the first-summer American Golden Plover (pictured) amongst a number of Dunlin and Ringed Plover out on the beach. Before most folk got on it it flew again, heading NE due to dog walkers out on the beach. A short search revealed no sign so I decided to extend the search to the south. Leaving the main group of birders I headed down the beach towards Red Rocks and as I scanned I picked the plover up again but very distant. I alerted the closest birders and we headed off eventually reching the area in which it was feeding. Here it was the closest bird and gave fantastic prolonged views. News was put out and eventually the hordes descended! At least 40 birders came along so I headed back to the prom giving all the new arrivals instructions as to where I had found it. I then decided to leave windy Hoylake behind and head south to Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB where the second yankee visitor had now been reported as present. For that one please head over to the BMW RSPB thread!!

PHIL GREENWOOD · Status: Offline

A few highlights from a visit today:

Burton Mere NR:

Snipe 1
Swift 1
Green Woodpecker 1
Green Sandpiper 2
Black-tailed Godwits
Cetti's Warbler 3
Raven 1

Parkgate:

Spoonbill 1 adult.
Little Egret 5
Grey Heron 3
Greenshank 7
Redshank 3
Black-tailed Godwit 1
Snipe 1
Kestrel 1
Pink-footed Goose 1
Oystercatcher 2 adults plus 1 juvenile.

Net's Cafe, Burton Marsh:

Swallow 25+
House Martin 10+
Raven 2
Kestrel 2

etc.etc.etc.

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

I was busy all am but news of a scarcity had me travelling up to the top of The Wirral this afternoon. Following instructions I parked at the end of Park Lane/Park Road, Meols (accessed by a turn just after Meols train station) and walked down Park Lane in the direction of Leasowe. After quite a walk a track on the right hand side leading inland was my next bit of the route. This was obvious due to a group of birders part way up it!! The good news as soon as I arrived was that the bird was showing and pals already on site let me squint through their scopes. On fenceposts quite a distance over the field was a stunning adult male Red-backed Shrike. The bird actively fed as we watched always favouring an area around one domed bramble clump and showing well but a scope was really needed for best views. A very distant digiscoped shot is attached.

Farm work was going on in the fields in which it was in and a surveyor approached the bird to c.2m, almost certainly not noticing it, and the bird moved away from him and us along the fenceline out of view. It was reported later so must have returned and he carries no blame at all, he was doing his job, we were just lucky to be able to view it in these private fields. The grid ref for where the shrike was was approx. SJ244907.

John Doherty · Status: Offline

Really pleasant stroll from West Kirkby to Thurstaston Slipway and back.

Redshank, Oystercatcher, Whimbrel, Curlew, Little Egret, Buzzard, Whitethroat, Blackcap

1 Female Wheatear on the shoreline near the West Kirkby marina.

Nothing blockbuster but really nice birding

-- Edited by John Doherty on Tuesday 27th of April 2021 12:25:15 AM

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

Quick visit to New Brighton this afternoon.

4 Purple Sandpiper were on the pontoon in the lake, with a single Sanderling and 30 Turnstone and Redshank. Many Oystercatcher feeding on the shoreline.

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Three hours at the Old Baths Car Park from 9.30 in cold and clear weather. Hoping for a lucky, close in harrier to photograph but, as per last week, those seen were either distant, or very distant.

It was a 9.32 High Tide but other factors were against the waters coming right in. A male Hen Harrier, together with two females (all separate sightings) were seen well out. Marsh Harrier were more in evidence. Several sightings throughout and, at one time, four were up together, straight out from the car park, albeit fairly distant.

A couple of cropped Marsh Harrier shots attached.

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Spent a few hours on the Wirral today to try and photograph any decent birds that were about. There were a minimum of seven Goosander on West Kirby Marine Lake. I later arrived at the Old Baths Car Park, Parkgate to be told that I had just missed a close in fly by male Hen Harrier, by five minutes. It didnt return but I had a distant Ring-tailed Hen Harrier plus a male Marsh Harrier and a first winter Marsh Harrier. Also around were plenty of Pink-footed Goose, male & female Stonechat, Raven, Linnet, Greenfinch, Wigeon, Great Egret, many Little Egret, Redshank, Curlew and Peregrine. Not really birding as such but a few good birds about.

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

As my only day off at the end of this week I decided on New Brighton as my destination today, especially with a 40mph wing gusting into the Mersey mouth around midday.

I spent 3 hours scanning in the sunshine but not much to show for my efforts. An adult Little Gull was my best bird, seen in a flock of Black-headed Gulls feeding over the river on the far side. Earlier this week 5 were off the Great Orme so worth watching out on our inland waters too if they are moving back west. Also towards the far shore but more towards the middle of the river was an adult Kittiwake. A Sandwich Tern was closer, on the near side of the river and even over the sand on the near shore. I could say that a small black bird low over the water made my heart miss a beat to build the excitement, but it didn't as it was an obvious auk, a Guillemot, looking blacker than normal due to the bright sunshine lighting it. A drake Red-breasted Merganser flew out of the river too. Other than that all I saw were the usual Cormorants, Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

The winds were not blowing long enough to have an effect, let's hope better will come later this autumn.

Dave Ousey · Status: Offline

The Wirral and Cheshire. 6^th & 11^th September 2020

With the last couple of weeks producing easterly winds a sudden change to westerlies had us thinking about a trip onto The Wirral to try to find Leach`s Petrel`s. A few had been seen the day previously so our hopes were up as four of us left Castleton. We knew the tide was around 2pm on The Wirral leaving us lots of time to check out the waders etc. The wind was fairly strong but the rain soon stopped which seemed to lessen our chances of seeing any petrels. There were lots of waders at Hoylake as we watched from the lifeboat station which included: - 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Grey Plovers (still in breeding plumage) Ringed Plover, Redshank and Curlew. Some small flocks of Common Scoter, Cormorants and the regular gulls kept us entertained as the tide began to come in.

At this point we observed a Peregrine Falcon that landed on a sandbar looking a bit bedraggled and just wanting to rest, maybe it had managed a good feed? A small flock of Sandwich Terns arrived ahead of the tide, then a winter plumaged Common Guillemot swam by us. A Sanderling on its own then another 6 or so joined it, the first we had all seen this year. Unfortunately no sightings of the petrels were made but news that a Peregrine had taken a Leach`s Petrel off the water, seen from New Brighton, had us thinking had we seen the perpetrator? We had a trip to Burton Mere to try to have another look for the Spotted Crakes that had bred there, but without any success. A pleasant days birdwatching we all agreed.

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

Hoylake lifeboat station from 11.45-14.00

1, possibly 2 Sabines Gull at 13.15 flying SW, Fulmar, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Gannet, 5 Sandwich Tern, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 10 Grey Plover, Sanderling, 15 Knot, 1+ Peregrine Falcon, Great White Egret, 3 Little Egret, 1000's of Dunlin and 100's of Ringed Plover, Guillemot, 100 Common Scoter, Wheatear.

No Leach's past unfortunately but still a lovely few hours, with some of the waders extremely close in.

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Decided on the Wirral today in view of the reasonable north westerlies and a quite convenient high tide in the middle of the day. Started at Parkgate to connect with the Spoonbill present for some time now at Boathouse Flash. Also here were two Curlew Sandpiper and a single Greenshank. First thing, ten Greenshank had been reported plus an additional Curlew Sandpiper and a Spotted Redshank which were no longer around. A half hour spell at Hoylake next, nothing unusual amongst the good numbers of commoner waders, then on to New Brighton after hearing of a report of a Sabine's Gull close to Perch Rock Lighthouse. Nothing doing and also nothing on the river during a thirty minute watch. Around one hundred Turnstone were seen on the boating lake pontoon. Nice to meet John Watson next, a few yards away at the end of the prom, who got me on to my first Leach's petrel, west of the lighthouse. My second was seen after he had left. Great views of this bird flying purposefully out of the river mouth and making good ground westerly. Further revisits to Hoylake and Parkgate didn't throw up anything unusual but a great day had been had. Amongst others :-

Leach's Petrel (2)
Great Egret (3)
Little Egret
Spoonbill (7)
Shelduck (3)
Teal
Mallard
Marsh Harrier (1)
Buzzard (1)
Oystercatcher (c.750)
Ringed Plover (c.150)
Grey Plover (2)
Lapwing
Red Knot (10)
Curlew Sandpiper (2)
Dunlin (min 750)
Snipe (2)
Curlew (c.35)
Redshank
Greenshank (1)
Turnstone (100)
Sandwich Tern (8)
Swallow (c.50)
Pied Wagtail (2)

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Two hour sea watch over high tide today at Leasowe, just in front of the lighthouse. Any hoped for skuas never materialised, although there was a steady Sandwich Tern passage throughout, in small groups :-

Gannet (1)
Kittiwake (1)
Sandwich Tern (c.250)
Red Knot (c.50)
Oystercatcher (9)
Ringed Plover (11)
Curlew (1)
Cormorant (c.50)
Swallow (7)

A nice selection of commoner gulls of varying ages, many juveniles. All birds moving west.

Nick Hilton · Status: Offline

This afternoon, 4 Spoonbill, 2 Great Egret and a Marsh Harrier of note in the area of Boathouse Flash, Parkgate.

Raven over Thurstaston

Tony Coatsworth · Status: Offline

Wood Sandpiper at Decca Pools today. I nearly gave up on it, as it was staying really hidden in the reeds.

Steven Nelson · Status: Offline

Sea-watch from Wallasey lifeguard station over high tide today:

1 Storm Petrel
2 Manx Shearwater
1 Gannet
A few Common Terns

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

After a late morning on my patch I ventured further afield this afternoon. To Burton Marsh on the Wirral in fact.

Here near Decca Pools along the track between Denhall Lane and Neston Harp Inn a lot of searching eventually paid dividends with a male Quail calling on the marsh approx 100m past the flagpole when walking from the Denhall Lane end. Also out on the marsh was a Marsh Harrier and at least 2 Great White Egrets.

Steven Nelson · Status: Offline

1 Spoonbill on Boathouse Flash from Old Baths car park this afternoon

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

Popped up to Parkgate this afternoon for a quick hours birding between other things.

First port of call was the prom by the pub to look out at Boathouse Flash. On here, as had been reported was a Spoonbill, looking fabulous in breeding plumage with mad professor hairstyle due to its head plumes! It was standing with a Little Egret and several Redshank and at one point a Great White Egret flew past and landed further out on the marsh.

Next I drove to the southern end of the prom and checked the tidal debris. Here amongst lots of Meadow Pipits were a male and female Wheatear, my first of the year. Before leaving I pointed these out to another birder who hadn't seen them. There was also a Marsh Harrier quartering the marsh a bit further out.

Dave Steel · Status: Offline

A 'none' birdwatching hour in the Parkgate area 1330-1430 before the long promised lunch....

1 Hen Harrier...male

1 Marsh Harrier

1 Merlin

1 Great White Egret

3 Short Eared Owl..

you just couldn't write it...

PHIL GREENWOOD · Status: Offline

Friday, February 14th. After morning at Burton.

New Brighton pontoon:

Purple Sandpiper 3. Difficult to pick out amongst the crowd.
Dunlin 1
Knot 5+
Turnstones
Redshanks

Hoylake at HT:

Peregrine 1
Grey Plover 1
Bar-tailed Godwits
Oystercatchers
Light-bellied Brent Geese 4
Dunlin... Large flocks.
Redshanks
Knot... Large flocks.
Common Scoter 6 only.
Plenty of Gulls.
etc.

Parkgate:

Hen Harrier 1 ringtail.
Marsh Harrier 4
Kestrel 1
Great White Egret 2
Grey Heron 3
Little Egret 5+
Skylarks
etc.

Andrea Wilson · Status: Offline

Yes Paul I went and had a lovely day. Unfortunately I missed the owls but did see my first male hen harrier and a very distant Merlin (Thanks to the gentleman who let me look through his scope). The skylarks were a nice bonus as we're the marsh harriers. A male stonechat was flirting around near the wall too.

Thanks

Andrea

-- Edited by Andrea Wilson on Thursday 13th of February 2020 06:23:41 PM

Paul Flackett · Status: Offline

Sorry, link didn't paste properly. Try again:

pic.twitter.com/YAk6UgiGg6

Paul Flackett · Status: Offline

Hi Andrea,

Did you go? We did and it turned out to be rather a lovely day. The tide was a little lower than forecast so no flooding but we've seen it upto the walls such that many of the resident rodents are forced to seek refuge on the pavement and road! Apparently this happened on Sunday when the storm hit and concerned local residents had to conduct a rescue mission. Found this on twitter:

Storm Ciara caught the wildlife by surprise at #Parkgate. Hundreds of voles, shrews & harvest mice stranded on the Parade and residents out rescuing them. Just released these into a safer place by the Old Baths with @Komaruoutdoors and trying to warm up the few last frozen ones. pic.twitter.com/YAk6UgiGg6

Highlights for us today were the frequent visits by Marsh Harriers, the constant movement of flocks of Pink-footed Geese and the 100's of Skylarks on the washed-up vegetation - the latter being a real surprise. After high tide we took a walk along the path beyond Parkgate and were put onto a Short-eared Owl hunkered down on the marsh. Later we had fantastic views of two of them hunting over the adjacent golf course, totally unconcerned about the active & brightly coloured golfers in their path!

cheers,

Paul.

sid ashton · Status: Offline

Andrea Wilson wrote:
Thanks Sid. How I can keep track of what's around.

Andrea, lots of useful information on http://www.deeestuary.co.uk/

Also for completion Riverbank Road post code is CH60 4SQ.

Andrea Wilson · Status: Offline

Thanks Sid. How I can keep track of what's around.

sid ashton · Status: Offline

Andrea Wilson wrote:
I was hoping to make my first visit to Parkgate tomorrow but have noticed a flood alert. Are the car parks likely to flood? Or can someone suggest an alternative ( apart from staying in bed).
Regards
Andrea

Hi Andrea you could try the car park at Riverbank Road, Heswall - it's quite elevated so you shouldn't get wet feet. wink wink

High tide is about 13.00 so you would need to be there late morning to watch the water pushing up the marsh. Good luck.

Andrea Wilson · Status: Offline

I was hoping to make my first visit to Parkgate tomorrow but have noticed a flood alert. Are the car parks likely to flood? Or can someone suggest an alternative ( apart from staying in bed).

Regards

Andrea