Hugh’s News – 10 July 2022

On a visit to South Wales in early June, Ellie photographed two of our classic summer visitors.

Firstly, a Spotted Flycatcher.  At first glance these birds may look a little boring but, if seen well, they show subtle but beautiful streaky marking (not spotted!).  The bird was performing typical feeding flights catching insects on the wing before returning to its perch.

Secondly, she found a splendid Cuckoo, a bird more often just heard than seen. 

Sadly, both these species are in decline in the UK, so it is great that Ellie saw them both so well.

Barry has had Great-Spotted Woodpeckers on the feeders in his garden, including this juvenile bird sporting a full red cap.  Males only have red on the nape at the back of the head, while females have all black caps.  He has also seen a Jay, one of our colourful birds.

Yesterday, Bill and I had a table at the invite of West Kirby Primary School Summer Fair, to showcase our Club and encourage children and parents to enjoy birds and nature.  The kids liked the Word Search sheets we gave out – but I think the Slime Making table next to us proved a little more popular!

While walking the dog on Hoylake Beach, I came across a guided walk led by a couple of local naturalists – Josh Styles and Jane Turner.  They came across as extremely knowledgeable, one on the plants that are emerging on the proto-dunes, the other on the local birds and the developing ecosystem.  Wherever you may stand on the debate for the future of the beach, you should be able to appreciate their depth of knowledge and enthusiasm for nature. Wirral Borough Council is inviting opinions from the public before a final decision on the future management of the beach is made.

Hugh