Hugh’s News – 16 May 2021
I don’t know what effect the unsettled conditions we have been experiencing will have on this year’s breeding results. The cool conditions certainly have made the Hawthorn late in flowering. I noticed that the buds were only just opening this week, but in my experience they are normally out in April, despite its common name of May blossom.
Bill Wonderley found this splendid male Ruff at Marshside, sporting the amazing breeding plumage that gives the bird its name. The colours can be variable, from white, through browns, to lots of black. Sadly we do not often see this plumage, as the passage birds we have on Wirral have not moulted out of their non-breeding plumage. The female of the species is more accurately called a Reeve, but doesn’t acquire this colourful plumage.
Bill also photographed a Reed Warbler at Burton Mere Wetlands, back from its winter stay in sub-Saharan Africa.
Paul Rowlands saw a Grey Heron on Roydee Mere in Royden Park, undisturbed by the dog-walkers and fishermen!
I didn’t notice until it was too late to inform you all, but the 2nd May was International Dawn Chorus day. I am sure many of you were up early to listen to the avian cacophony! We could organise a Dawn Chorus meeting next year. We don’t have to start at the crack of dawn, but obviously it would require an early start. Let us know if you are interested.
Finally, the Club has been contacted by Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax. They have asked us to help contribute to a new visitor attraction aimed at 8 to 14 years olds in particular (and younger children and families in general) at the existing Spaceport site at the Seacombe Ferry Terminal, and which is due to open in Summer 2022. We were happy to assist and have provided information on migrant birds that can be seen on and around Wirral. You can read more at https://www.eurekamersey.org.uk/ and we will keep you updated on progress.
Hugh Stewart
