Page 5 - Out Birding Spring 2024

to climb onto the front of the boat to reduce the weight in the back, and, eventually, the captain managed to get us off the sand bank. We went back out to wait until the tide had sufficiently risen to allow us safe access to the harbour - a bit of excitement to end our trip. When we got ashore, we went to a cafe for a cup of tea to calm our nerves. A great day out. Thanks to Graeme for organising and for the bird list. Maureen
RSPB Marshside 23/09/2023
Three of us met in the car park on an overcast morning and opted to start with the vast area of saltmarsh bordering the southern banks of the Ribble Estuary. We made our way out along the path spotting Meadow Pipits, Sky Larks and a few Swallows. A Buzzard sat on a post and many Pink-footed Geese flew overhead.
We made our way over the road to the hide which overlooks the pools and brackish water marshland. Joining two more members enjoying the view and varied bird life here. We had a good view of a Common Sandpiper in front of the hide along with Little Stint, Ringed Plover many Wigeon and Shoveler and many other duck species. We also spotted a Ruff and Kestrel.
We had a walk around the back of the reserve on a path new to me before returning to the car park.
We drove to Out Marsh in the afternoon with a slight diversion due to my bad naviga- tion! We walked along the sea wall here adding Little and Great Egret and Cormorant. A fairly quiet day but worth a return in a few months as the Ribble Estuary is known to be one of the top UK hotspots for passing wader migrants.
We parted ways as it had become fairly cold but Paul reported seeing a Merlin and a flock of Golden Plover later on Out Marsh.
Thank you Louise and Paul for your company and expertise. Jan
Fingringhoe Wick, Essex, 15/10/2023
Sunday gave, for many of us in the south the first, really autumnal day of the year. Seven members assembled in the car park at Fingringhoe Wick to brilliant sunshine and a clear blue sky, but with a dis􏰀nct chill in the air. We checked in at the Visitors Centre, where the wood-burning stove was very welcoming, but the wildlife wai􏰀ng on the reserve called to us.
Mar􏰀n made introduc􏰀ons and told us about the reserve and the plan for the day. From the centre, we recorded Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, and Pheasant, and moving across to the look over the lake, added Moorhen and Mallard.
Crawshaw Hide overlooks the shallow pools on the Geedon Sal􏰀ngs and provided views of Curlew, Li􏰁le Egret, Greenshank, Li􏰁le Grebe and Lapwing. A li􏰁le further on, from Geedon Hide, we saw Dunlin, Cormorant, Marsh Harrier, Shelduck, Common Redshank, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover and Great Crested Grebe.
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