Page 6 - Out Birding Winter 2024

seen flying, and our small bird haul included Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch and Great Tit.
51 species were seen on another great day out with our knowledgeable and very so- ciable North-West group. Thanks to everybody who came along.
Pat Blundell
The Hudsonian Godwit is new for the GBC List. Well done Pat and your group. Ed.
RSPB Burton Mere 14/07/2024
Seven members met at RSPB Burton Mere, on the Wirral overlooking the Dee estuary. The weather was pleasant and dry, fortunately. This reserve is always worth a visit even in the quiet 􏰀mes of the year, and we spo􏰁ed 38 different bird species.
We met at the visitor centre where the wardens told us that a Kingfisher had been seen on the Sand Mar􏰀n bank to the le􏰂 of the centre, and before we moved off, we were lucky to see this beau􏰀ful bird across the Recep􏰀on Pool, showing well and diving for fish.
The Scrape was hos􏰀ng a big flock of Lapwing, several Black-tailed Godwit, a couple of Ruff, also Snipe, Avocet, Oystercatcher and Common Sandpiper. Not many ducks around and mostly in eclipse plumage, but we saw Gadwall and Mallard, Coot and Moorhen.
A walk around The Mere revealed Shoveler and Tu􏰂ed Duck on the water, a Great Spo􏰁ed Woodpecker, Jay, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Chiffchaff, Dunnock, Wren, Great Tit, and Robin. Excellent woodland for the smaller birds. A common lizard was sunning herself on an old wooden gate post and several species of bu􏰁erfly were seen including Gatekeeper, Red Admiral, Small White and possibly Speckled Wood.
From the Marsh Covert hide looking on to the Bridge Pool, we saw Teal in eclipse and plenty of Shoveler, one male Pintail without a tail, and Li􏰁le Grebe. There were up to twenty young Li􏰁le Egret hanging out together, and several adults could be seen roos􏰀ng in the tops of the trees. A number of Grey Heron were around.
From the Border Hide looking onto the other side of the Bridge Pool, we saw Mute Swan, plenty of godwits, a single scruffy Shelduck, Black-headed Gull with grown chicks and Greylag Geese. One member saw a Marsh Harrier in the distance.
Finally, a stroll along the marsh road towards Neston, the air full of House Mar􏰀n, Swi􏰂, Swallow and the hedges alive with House Sparrow and Goldfinch. A cuppa to round off a successful day There is always plenty to see at this lovely reserve. Thanks to everybody for coming along and making it a grand day out.
Pat Blundell
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