Hugh’s News – 14 August 2021

Wirral has witnessed 2 different American species over the last couple of weeks or so.  Intrepid Bill Wonderley managed to catch up with them both!

First, a Long-billed Dowitcher flew into Burton Mere Wetlands.  This is a dumpy, long-billed (unsurprisingly!) wader, looking like a bit of a mix between a Snipe and a Bar-tailed Godwit.

Then an American Golden Plover turned up on Hoylake Beach, which is a slightly smaller, slimmer version of our own Golden Plover.

On another recent birding trip, Bill saw three Jays together at a feeding station.  I can only remember seeing single birds or very occasionally a pair together, so I think it is unusual to see a group of three.  Maybe they were a family party?

Not so rare, but while out for a late evening walk with the dog, I saw this Heron on a roof at the end of our road. I have noticed one flying low a few times this year around here, so I suspect there is a garden pond nearby – I hope the owners don’t mind losing a few fish or frogs!

The start of the Club’s new Programme in September is approaching fast.  It will be great to be able to hold our meetings with some degree of normality again.

Hugh Stewart