Black Redstart at Flint Castle - Friday 7th February 2014

Got a text from Shaun around 1pm asking if I fancied a quick trip up to Flint Castle to see if the Black Redstart was still in residence. Upon arrival we walked around a bit and spotted some Goldfinches in nearby trees. This was my first visit, so after a short while we sussed the entrance and spotted about 6 birders inside with scopes trained up into a corner tower of the castle. Some faces I recognised, except for the guy in bright red shorts and flip flops!!

The Black Redstart was sat high up on a rocky outcrop of the tower and was occasionally flying out to catch insects, very flycatcher like! This was a 1st winter male, so not as dark as the adult male, more mouse grey I would say. It was still lovely to watch from a respectable distance and Shaun took a couple of pictures a bit later when it flew lower down.

A lovely bird to watch and gets my yearlist up to a respectable 96 species. The tide was quite a way out on the Dee Estuary, but large numbers of Canada Geese were flying up the river and making their way to the grassy banks by the Tower Hide at Connahs Quay reserve.

On the way home, we stopped off by the pool at the back of the M.O.D shooting range as we had reports a Bittern had been spotted in the reedbeds. Alas, no sign today but a solitary Mallard and eight pairs of Tufted Duck sat out on the pool.

Walking around the corner, we had views over towards Station Road and Burton Point. We both agreed we had never seen so many Lapwings out on the marsh. Suddenly they were all up in the air and we witnessed two Peregrine Falcons on the hunt. It was a remarkable spectacle as the birds wheeled left then right to avoid capture. Smaller numbers of Golden Plover were in among the Lapwings which we estimated to be in the region of at least 10,000 birds.

In this next shot you can see a bird above the main group of birds, this is the Peregrine (I think) as there was a solitary Buzzard in amongst the masses of birds if I recall.

You can see quite a few cars at the bottom of Station Road, maybe also enjoying the spectacle and no doubt the long staying Buff Bellied Pipit! So not a bad hour or so spent birding, very enjoyable indeed.

Observers

Mike Buckley
Shaun Hickey (photography)

Glorious birding at Manisty Bay - Sunday 2nd February 2014

It was good to catch up with my old mucca Shaun as our last visit out was early New Year. Today was WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) count on the River Mersey and weather was fine and sunny. As Shaun arrived he told me he had spotted the Green Woodpecker on the park at the front and I explained I had heard it's maniacal laugh earlier in the morning! Song Thrush, Dunnock & Great Tit were all belting out their songs like it was the first day of spring! Let's hope we don't have a late winter like last April, although it's looking increasingly more likely.

Arriving at Stanlow at 9am, we checked in with security and obtained our passes, today we had 8 counters which is the maximum as the ferry only holds 9 including the ferryman! The minibus picked us up and took us over to the ferry area and with a toot of his horn to notify the ferryman, we disembarked onto the pier area. On the Manchester Ship Canal we could see two Coots, first count of the day! All aboard, off we set for the brief journey over to Stanlow Point. The South Shore of the River Mersey and tidal Estuary is a mix of fresh and seawater generated by the tide's ebb and flood. This is in the top 10 sites for wildfowl and waders in the whole of Britain. Today a 10.2 metre tide was forecast for 12.45 so we expected the whole saltmarsh to be covered! First up we see the River Gowy and it's tributary as it flows into the Mersey. This is excellent for Teal and Redshank who feed in the creeks.

This area is undisturbed as it is managed by the RSPB and has no visiting arrangements due to it's difficult access, other than the designated counters, nobody comes over here, so we are very privileged to get to see this amazing area for birds and wildlife.

After we had flushed the Teal and Redshank from the creeks, we walked up to Stanlow Point and spotted two foxes playing on the marsh. They were totally unaware of our presence and even when they noticed us, they looked shocked as humans are not normally here!!

At Stanlow Point, we looked out and the tide was well out and all the sandbanks were exposed. Few birds were on these banks as they have fewer resident invertebrates than the mudflats so are of little importance to the birds. However, huge numbers of Dunlin were roosting on the mudflats. Over the years and where the currents are at their slowest, sediment builds up. These high mudflats are colonised by salt tolerant plants. Grassy banks are covered by sea poa; the ungrazed Stanlow & Manisty Banks support herbaceous species such as sea aster, scurvygrass and orache, which all produce huge numbers of seeds. These seeds are excellent for Teal, Pintail & Mallard, while Wigeon prefer the grazed sward.

We now go our separate ways, so myself Shaun & Ian were counting at Manisty, Ray & Toni were staying at the point and Dermot, John & Katie Swale were making the long walk up to Ince banks. Katie is from Natural England and was here today to get an idea of the work we do on these counts. Ince banks & Frodsham score are particularly important for large numbers of Lapwing & Golden Plover who join many other waders and grazing Wigeon.

Walking towards Manisty is about a two mile trip and on the way we pass a couple of pools that are normally good for Egrets. Straight away we spotted some Egrets feeding and after I looked through the scope, I could see it was the Great White Egret!! Shaun managed some photographs just before it flew off over towards the point. A bit further on, we spotted another Great White Egret, so maybe a pair? If so this would be excellent news!

As we hugged the edge of the banks that separate the Ship Canal from the Mersey, we encounter small birds in the bushes. We had some Reed Buntings and Chaffinches that followed us on our way. Also we flushed a few Snipe and were tuned in to Mipits & Skylarks overhead.

Half way down, we spotted a Peregrine hunting and it was mesmerising to watch it swooping on Curlew (yes Curlew) but without success, it landed a bit further out, but too far away for a good pic. Overhead, the Buzzard must have been watching the activity and was calling as it flew past.

Ian was counting about half a mile away from myself and Shaun so we could get the best count of birds available, as at high tide, some areas would have been unobserved had we all stayed together. We set up on a pipeline on the banks of the Ship Canal about an hour before high tide with a great view of the River. The tide was making it's way in slowly but surely and numbers of birds began to appear in the forming channels and creeks.

Shelduck were making their way across the river and forming large groups close to Manisty Bay.

Redshank were wheeling around excitedly and calling very loudly (warden of the marshes) I took some phoneskoped pics of roosting birds just before the tide and Shaun got some cracking flight shots (spot the two birds with no legs?)

Lots of Teal were emerging from the grass as it became further covered by the approaching tide, as were Pintail and Mallard. Curlews were calling and flying in even closer to get on the grass not yet covered by the tide.

A short 1 minute video I made before the tide was coming in, click Manisty Bay link below :-

Manisty Bay 

These glorious Pintail are one of my favourite ducks and to think back in the 1980's, Pintail numbers here on the Mersey peaked at around 18,000 birds, sadly today we only counted 64! This is most probably due to the mild winters :(

The tide was racing in now and completely flooding the marsh, huge numbers of birds were up in the air seeking refuge on drier ground. Black tailed godwits wheeled past us and flew North West disappearing behind Manisty Bay.

The tide had now reached the bottom of the bank we were sitting on, so we were trapped here for at least an hour until it started to recede! Hopefully :/

It was at this point, Shaun went on a recce to try and see if he could spot any birds we may not have counted a bit further up nr Manisty Bay. This involved walking along the wall on the Manchester Ship Canal side and also gave a good chance to see any birds that may have passed over onto the canal. Meanwhile I was busily counting passing Godwits, Cormorants, Redshank, Mallard, Teal and some Wigeon who were quite a way out on the river. Just then a Sparrowhawk flew right from a bush a few metres away from me and glided effortlessly past me and back out over the river and over to the canalside! Brilliant, I had not even spotted it sitting there! After an hour or so, Shaun came back and had some more records of birds further up the river. He took some shots of Redshank on the canalside.

He had heard another Green Woodpecker at Manisty and also managed a photo of a Long tailed tit in the reedbed.

A solitary Teal cut a lone figure on the ship canal :(

This Mallard photograph made me laugh, because if anybody remembers watching Coronation Street in the 80's, it looks like the wall in Hilda Ogdens house (you will know what I mean) :-)

With the tide receding, it was time to head back, so sloshing our way through muddy grasses, we wearily started the two mile trudge back towards base at the point. Huge numbers of Dunlin were visible when we got near to the point, Ray had estimated around 20,000 Dunlin were seen during this count period at the point alone!

As you can see, this is just a snapshot of some of the Dunlin!!

Nearing the end of our journey, we spotted some Little Egrets feeding and also flushed the Great White Egret again.

After all meeting back at base, it was back over on the ferry and to the car park to record our details from the count with Dermot Smith who is the local co-ordinator for the River Mersey counts. What a thoroughly enjoyable day in great company, a big thanks to all those that took part and in particular to Stanlow/Essar the RSPB & BTO.

For more information on The Mersey Estuary, go to http://www.merseyestuary.org/

Observers at Manisty :-

Mike Buckley (phoneskoped Shelduck & Redshank)
Shaun Hickey (photography)
Ian Coote

Parkgate High Tide 1st February 2014

After the mini tsunami of 5th December and high tides of 3rd January, this forecasted 10.5 metre tide was not one to be missed! The day started off nice and bright but cold with some early morning ice. I got the number 272 bus into Parkgate and arrived around 10.15am and after setting up my scope, spied a few Golden Plover, some Black tailed godwits and Curlew at the very bottom of Station Road by The Old Quay pub.

A ringtail Hen Harrier was being mobbed by a Crow and had spooked quite a number of Lapwing who were wheeling up into the air in great clouds!

After about ten minutes of having my hands freeze (forgot my gloves) I decided to walk further up The Parade and stopped at the Donkey Stand where the RSPB were set up and also Jeff Clarke was giving a guided talk on behalf of Cheshire Wildlife Trust. (a very animated one for those that know Jeff ) :-) After looking out over the pools and seeing yet another Hen Harrier and a hunting Peregrine, I decided to walk up to the Old Baths Car Park to my usual spot.

On the way past The Boathouse pub I spotted small finch flocks which included Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Linnets and Mipits and Skylarks. They were feeding in the tide wrack and also included a lovely Stonechat and numerous Pied Wagtails.

It was very busy as expected at the Old Baths CP and I bumped into Heather & Findlay Wilde so set up shop by them with scope etc. Fin had spotted a Pintail out on the pools and we also spotted a Black Headed Gull (with full hood) prob a young bird (1st Summer?) who retain the hood even in winter.

Lot's of Pink Footed Geese were out on the marsh and were becoming more airborne as the tide made it's way closer in. Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Little Egrets and Cormorants could be seen in fair numbers right on the edge of the incoming tide. One or two Hen Harriers (ringtail) were hunting out on the marsh and big flocks of Redshank were making their way across the marsh whistling their plaintive cries as they went along before landing on pools in front of us.

Quite a few Curlews were being disturbed as well and a group were huddled together on a raft of vegetation as the tide sailed past them!

I mentioned that we should begin to see the Short Eared Owls soon and I managed to pick one up right out on the waters edge flying low. Then another flew into sight in amongst the gulls as it flew high then low across the waves in amongst a few Canada Geese.

Heather & Findlay were busily clicking away with their cameras as the tide raced in towards the wall. Nowhere near as dramatic as Decembers surge, but did reach the wall and not one Water Rail was spotted coming out from the marsh! Nor for that matter any small mammals which I fear have sadly been depleted with previous months high tides!

The wind was becoming quite strong but thankfully the rain that was forecast had not materialised. Findlay had munched his way through several baguettes in between watching and I was now becoming hungry! A Sparrowhawk flew across in front of us and put up all the Mipits and Skylarks that were busily feeding on the floating rafts.

It seemed to be getting colder so we decided to call it a day and see what we could spot on the way back to the boathouse car park before the rain arrived. Just then a female Kestrel flew across in front of us looking for a quick meal and landed close by.

A very cold and frightened looking Water Rail was spotted close to the road in amongst some vegetation and was well camouflaged, the first Rail we had seen all day!

Finally and also looking very afraid, wet and miserable, we spotted a Fox sitting by the wall of The Boathouse Pub, poor thing could probably smell all the pub food cooking as well!!

I had managed to bum a lift home from the very kind Heather & Findlay and I even got a delicious cup of Oxtail soup as well, just in time before the rain started to pelt down.  :-) Was very nice to see them again.

All in all, another very good birding session at a fantastic venue.

Observers

Mike Buckley
Heather Wilde (photography)
Findlay Wilde (photography)

Happy New Year - Burton & Parkgate

Hello and a very Happy New Year to all my birdy friends and fellow bloggers :) Today I was off out to Burton Marsh early morning to meet up with Shaun & Paul. Weather forecast was not good with the occasional squall and strong winds, however with low pressure dominating the UK and Environment Agency warning off high tides and storm surges, it would be good for viewing the birds, so that's all that matters.

Upon arrival at Burton Shaun spotted a Merlin which flew low down and along the track by Burton Marsh Farm. It then decided to start to rain, but it only lasted a few minutes and then we had a look to see what we could see in the tide wrack at the bottom of Station Road. Robin, Wren and Meadow Pipits were all busily feeding away and then we spotted the Siberian Chiffchaff :) This bird has been around since before Xmas and was looking in very good nick considering the appalling weather we had been having. At one stage it was in some brambles so close to me I could have reached out and touched it!!

Paul then spotted a Wheatear, which we had heard was around but still unusual to see and a great January tick.

Quite a few Stonechats were flying around and we noticed one lone female that looked unusual, it looked lighter than the other pair that we were watching and when it flew on a nearby fence it appeared to have a plain rump (Eastern), however after reviewing the photo's I got e.mailed from Shaun & Paul, it's definitely the norm Stonechat as you can just about make out the specks on the rump. Here are some pic's taken by both Shaun & Paul :-

As you can see, light can play tricks and these birds were fairly active, with Buff Bellied Pipit & Sib Chiff having been on the scene, perhaps I was getting a tad over excited.....ahem, apologies to those I may have tweeted with false hope :( 

We had a walk out towards the firing range and could see some Teal & Wigeon out on the pools created by yesterdays high tide. The marsh looked majestic and some glorious rainbows were making for good viewing....

You would have thought you were out on the Serengeti, the view was that amazing.......

Pied Wags were on the tarmac path and a flock of Linnets flew over. No sign of Little or Short Eared Owls at the usual spots, but I would not blame them in today's conditions. On the way back to the cars, we spotted a Peregrine which flew low down and made a kill, then disappeared out onto the Marsh. The rain came down and despite having waterproof coats, we had some soggy jeans to contend with! Best get down to BMW and warm up by the fire :)

Not much out on the main scrape, but new year ticks were added for the more common birds, Blackwits, Tufty, Coots, Gadwall, Mute Swans, Shelduck, Little Egret, Mallard, Teal etc etc. After a quick trip to March Covert Hide which produced Shoveler & Pintail, we headed back to the car and off to Parkgate for the main event....High Tide. 

The car park at the old baths was full so we parked in the Boathouse car park. The wind was whipping up and just as the tide was coming in it poured down again which hampered viewing. We spotted at least two ringtail Hen Harriers and I counted at least half a dozen Short Eared Owls hunting just out along the incoming tideline. Paul managed to take this pic, 

As the tide surged in, we saw some voles and shrews running for their lives, they were being watched by Gulls and this hungry female Kestrel who was a bit spoilt for choice but eventually captured and ate a field vole. 

No fewer than 5 Water Rails appeared and one flew right at me landed by my feet, had a quick look around and then darted along the stone wall and into the bushes...bizarre. 

Unfortunately one of the Rails never made it and ended up being lunch for a hungry Crow :( 

The water had come right up to the wall again and even breached the small wall by the picnic area, however it was a t least 0.5 metres lower than the December 5th tide which caused a lot of damage. This is a view of Parkgate. 

This was again an amazing spectacle and hundreds of Geese and Waders were all airborne and it was just birding heaven. We all needed some lunch so after spotting Austin http://t.co/LaWtjmhjJ9  and wishing him a Happy New Year, we headed off to the chippy (best on the wirral), we enjoyed the finest fish & chips ever!! As it was early afternoon, we headed off back to Burton to have a stroll down Denhall Lane. What a contrast to the marsh we left this morning, now covered by the sea!!

Unfortunately, the best laid plans o'mice an men gang aft agley. The skies went black and it started to bucket it down yet again!! So we decided to call it a day and head off home. Today brought my year total up to 70 already, so a good start to 2014 and hopefully with a few more areas to cover this year, will surpass my 214 of 2013. It's a marathon not a sprint hehe. 

Observers

Mike Buckley (scribe)

Shaun Hickey (photos)

Paul Kurs (photos)