Hugh’s News – 16 November 2020
Following on from the journey of the Whooper Swans from Iceland to Hilbre, I covered in the last Hugh’s News, now comes news of a record breaking migration. A Bar-tailed Godwit has been recorded flying non-stop from Alaska to New Zealand, a distance of 7,500 miles! It took the bird 11 days to complete this staggering feat, at speeds up to 55mph. Then of course in a few months time it will make the return journey back to its breeding grounds. It makes me feel tired just thinking about it!
Barry Curnow has told me that on the 1st of November 2019 he saw his first small flock of Brent geese fly over the house, 11 in total in a floppy V formation and not calling. Then also on 1st November this year, he saw a similar group of 11 in all, flying in the same formation and again not calling. Over the house and at about the same low height! How’s that for a coincidence!
This black and white goose has been increasing in numbers on the Dee in recent winters, but are not often seen inland. Maybe the birds Barry saw were just arriving from their breeding grounds in the high Arctic tundra. They are more often to be found off Hilbre or around the Red Rocks area.
Once we are allowed more freedom in travelling around, it may well be worth visiting Parkgate. There have been two male Hen Harriers, together with ring-tailed Hen Harrier, several Marsh Harriers, Merlin, Peregrine and Short-eared Owl. Bill also saw this brightly coloured and obliging Pheasant on the marsh.
Bill also caught up with one of two Snow Buntings that were present near Leasowe lighthouse.
I reckon that Pintail are the most elegant of our regular ducks, and Peter Ham caught this amazing shot of a flock off Sally’s Cottage at Thurstaston. This is a regular spot to see them, especially on the gutter on an incoming tide.
Finally, the new Hide at Burton Mere Wetlands, that the Club made a donation towards, is nearing completion. See Bill’s photo.
More news on this in our forthcoming Zoom meeting, and in the next Hugh’s News.
Hugh Stewart
