Field Meeting Reports – 2021

Thornton Hough – Sunday 19th December 2021

I optimistically thought the fog would lift – but I was wrong!  Meeting up by the church, we could make out a Rook and a few Jackdaws on the top of the tower, but it was obvious that conditions were not ideal.

Not down-hearted, we set off. Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon and Collared Dove were atop a farm structure.  Moving on to the fields, we struggled to see far along the hedgerows.  Chaffinches, Robin, Great Tit and Blue Tit were seen though.  A family of Pied Wagtails fed close by to the path.  Pink-footed Geese were heard overhead but there was no chance of seeing them through the low clouds!  Another field held a few Fieldfare and a couple of Redwing just about discernible in the gloom, along with a nice view of a Hare scampering into the distance.

Onto the wider avenues, we found 2 Goldcrests feeding non-stop and later a Treecreeper moving mice-like up the trunks.  A long billed wader was seen by 2 or 3 people briefly flying overhead, but we could not be sure if it was a Snipe or possibly a Woodcock.

A series of fields with spilt sweetcorn after harvesting held hundreds of Wood Pigeons that periodically circled around.

We completed the walk with still no sign of the fog lifting, so we decided to call it a day.

Despite the cold and mist, it was an enjoyable walk that eventually threw up some nice birds after a little effort.

Conditions were poor for photography, but the photo of the wagtail was from the walk.  However, the shots of the Goldcrest and Treecreeper were taken previously but still on Wirral!  All by Ellie.

Hugh Stewart

Parkgate at Dusk – Sunday 21st November 202

It was one of those wonderful, crisp winter days with blue skies and little wind. Perfect conditions for our walk, and not surprising that we had a grand turn-out of 20 people!  Thank you everyone for your support.

While we waited for the final people to get ready, we enjoyed good views of 2 Marsh Harriers, and we were to see this species almost continuously all day.  A few Pink-footed Goose were on the Old Baths Flash giving relatively close views.  Walking initially towards the Wirral Way, we spotted a Blackbird feasting on rosehips.  It was busy along the Wirral Way but still a very pleasant walk.

Descending Cottage Lane, a Buzzard sat on a barn roof carefully scanning the ground below for a potential lunch. Eventually it flew off, quickly chased by a very raucous Carrion Crow.

Back on the marsh wall, a couple of Stonechat fed close by.  A male Kestrel worked its way along a tree line on the golf course.

After lunch, we ambled down the Promenade, scanning the marsh still. We counted the Snipe on the Donkey Stand Flash several times and eventually settled on 8 birds! A Little Grebe was feeding here too.  Some members indulged in tea, cakes and ice-creams!  Why not?

Back at our cars, we waited a while longer as the sun set, and were graced by more impressive Marsh Harriers and a smaller, more delicate ring-tail Hen Harrier.  Finally, a real thrill as 2 Barn Owls put on a grand show feeding close to the wall.  What a finish to a wonderful day!

A big thank you to Ellie, Colin and Bill for their bird photos.

Hugh Stewart

Flint and the River Dee – Saturday 23rd October 2021

It was great to see some new members at our field meeting at Flint Castle. Welcome aboard!

While we were congregating, we noticed a Lifeboat crew member looking out over the river – but this turned out to be a life-size statue, complete with binoculars!  We also saw a statue of a Fishwoman, sat on a bench.

A Raven honked and settled on one of the Castle towers.  A Mistle Thrush also perched on the tower – but not too close to the Raven!

The tide was still fairly low to start with so many of the birds were scattered over the mud flats.  Shelduck stood out though, as well as Curlew.  Walking along the riverside path, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits passed overhead, mostly moving southwards.  A few Goldfinches were feeding on thistle seed-heads.

Inland, a mix of Black-headed, Herring and Common Gulls had settled on a grass field, together with several Wood Pigeon – including 2 young birds.  Further on we had good views of a male Great-spotted Woodpecker on a dead tree, and a Sparrowhawk circling overhead.

As the tide came in, we managed to pick out Pintail, Wigeon and Teal, as well as Redshank, Black-tailed Godwits and still distant Knot.

We were lucky with the weather.  It remained dry and the sun occasionally tried to break through, but it was cool when the breeze picked up!

A few of us dropped into Burton Mere Wetlands on the way home for a short visit. Highlights here were 6 Cattle Egret and a few Golden Plover.

We hope everyone enjoyed the day and we look forward to seeing you on the next trip.

Hugh Stewart

Hilbre Over High Tide – Tuesday 7th September 2021

With previous planned visits to Hilbre aborted due to variously a fire, terrible weather and the pandemic, what a joy to finally have a successful day on the island in glorious, warm sunshine.

Large numbers of Oystercatchers and Dunlin surrounded us.  Amongst them were several Ringed Plovers and a few Sanderling, plus single Turnstone, Purple Sandpiper and Curlew Sandpiper, and Grey Plover.  Until they were flushed, first by a pair of canoeists, then by a marauding Peregrine!

A flock of Linnet fed on seed heads. Both Meadow and Rock Pipits allowed comparison.  One of the two Wheaters present was particularly approachable.

There wasn’t much movement on the sea with very still winds but 3 Common Scoter were noted.

Bird of the day for many was a Firecrest that was mostly skulking but gave occasional good views.  A big thank you to Hilbre Bird Observatory for the tip-off and access!

We saw or heard 33 species, but just being on this magical island over the high tide was reward enough.

Thank you to Martin Donaldson for his photographs featuring Sanderling & Dunlin, and Turnstone.

Hugh Stewart

Dove Point – Thursday 15th July 2021

It was a very select group for our meeting at Dove Point.  Maybe the change in weather to overcast skies and a cool wind put some off!  As we chatted, a small numbers of Swallows looked as though they may have been heading on their way to Africa already. We started scanning the expansive sands and saw several Oystercatcher and Curlew.  Most of the gulls were Black-headed, along with slightly fewer Herring Gulls than Lesser Black-backed.  Amongst the latter were two juveniles begging a parent for food – but not with any success!

We were rather surprised to see two models involved in a photo session together with a snazzy sports car – not really the weather for bikinis!

A small flock of Starlings fed on the tideline by the Prom.  Walking on towards Leasowe, we found at least 15 Little Egrets by the groyne together with a single Grey Heron.  Our first Redshanks of the day were here too, and a little further on a Turnstone was picked out still showing some the gorgeous chestnut feathers of its breeding plumage.

We didn’t quite reach the Lighthouse but turning inland, we were sheltered from the wind.  A sole Gatekeeper was the only butterfly we spotted, rather disappointingly as this can be a good spot.  Returning along Park Lane, Swallows were feeding young on overhead wires.  More Swallows and Goldfinches were seen flying over the adjacent fields.  We could hear a Greenfinch in a tree but only managed a fleeting glimpse as it flew off from its hidden perch.

Back at the cars, we decided to call it a day.  Not an especially productive list but it is still nice to be able to meet and take a stroll.

In September, the new programme will start, where we have more interesting and varied sites arranged that we hope you will to enjoy.

Hugh Stewart

Hadlow Road Railway Station – Sunday 27th June 2021

The car park was heaving as we congregated, and it became apparent that the fortnightly serving of bacon butties inside the station was responsible for the extra footfall!

Tearing ourselves away from the tempting smell, we ambled down the Wirral Way a little way before turning off and quickly losing the crowds. Jackdaws were vocal overhead, and a small flock of House Sparrows reminded us how numbers have plummeted nationally although they are relatively common still on Wirral.  Should we count the chickens and Muscovy Ducks on a farm – maybe not?!

Crossing a couple of sheep fields, a Greenfinch gave its pleasant song. House Martin and Swallow were seen but only in small numbers.  A short walk in the village didn’t offer much, but turning onto a quite side road was more productive, adding mixed tit flocks, elusive Nuthatch, Collared Dove and Mistle Thrush.

Entertainment came in the shape of a couple of Llamas – or were they Alpacas? – and an Eagle (statue)!  Yes, we were getting a little desperate! Returning to the car park, a pair of Buzzards flew low overhead.  Some members left at this stage, while a few stayed for lunch.

After our break, we made a short loop in the opposite direction.  A small pool had a Mallard and a Moorhen with 2 chicks.  The last species we added was a single Swift. Finally back at the station, we succumbed to coffee and cake!  A nice end to a pleasant day.

Hugh Stewart

Parkgate – Thursday 10th June 2021

Our last outdoor meeting was early March 2020, so it was great to finally meet up again for our walk around Parkgate.  As we gathered, there was a lot of catching up and general chit-chat going on.  It was lovely to see the friendly, social aspect of the Club returning!

From the Old Baths Car Park, a young male Marsh Harrier gave superb close views, and we were to see a female too, later from the Prom.  Meadow Pipits made song flights and Skylarks could be heard high over the marsh.

Walking inland across the golf course, we saw Blackbird and Mistle Thrush, and a Coot with a chick on a small pond.  Many birds were only heard, with the trees in full leaf hiding them.  We added Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Goldfinch and Chaffinch.  Above us were several Swifts and a pair of Swallows were nesting in a barn.

After lunch, some members departed and the remainers strolled along the Prom into Parkgate.  House Martins wheeled around us at eye-level – brilliant views!  The odd Oystercatcher and Redshank were presumably summering breeding birds.  We scanned every white bird out on the marsh, with nearly every one being a Little Egret! Two very distant Great Egrets disappeared quickly into the vegetation, but sadly we couldn’t find a Spoonbill.

After welcome ice-creams, eyed closely by a Black-headed Gull, we returned to our cars and reluctantly departed.

We saw or heard over 40 species, but more importantly the Club is up and running again!

Hugh Stewart