Hugh’s News – 1 March 2023

There was sad news from West Kirby of the death of the Red-tailed Hawk that had become something of a local celebrity.  Really an American species, this individual escaped from captivity and had lived around the town since 2013.  It was admired by many people who saw it perched in trees and on roofs – it wasn’t liked so much by the local feral pigeon population!

Ex-member Jim Anderson sent in a photo of a flock of Linnets on the green beach at Hoylake.  Hopefully you can make out the grey heads and pale wing-bars on the birds.  The vegetation and embryonic dunes have been attracting numerous birds to feed on seed heads over the winter.  A Raven has also been a regular visitor.

As I write, the temperatures are still a little higher than normal for this time of year. Especially if you can shelter from the wind, the days have been mostly pleasant. Consequently, the first signs of spring have been increasingly evident.  Spring bulbs are in flower – snowdrops, daffodils and crocuses are abundant.

On our Moore trip last weekend we saw some pussy willow and lots of catkins. And a pair of Great-crested Grebes were performing their courtship dance. Thanks to Ellie and Colin for the stunning grebe photos.

Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and Robins have started singing in earnest.

The first Avocets are back at Burton Mere Wetlands.  These hardy and feisty birds are always one of our first summer visitors to return. 

By the next issue, migrants will hopefully be arriving in earnest, something to really look forward to.

Hugh