Hugh’s News – 17 January 2023
We feature a few of my photos this issue!
First is a Grey Heron stalking in the paddock behind Parkgate Old Baths car park. I suspect it was searching for frogs or similar prey in the wet field.
Great Egrets are now a regular feature locally, and this individual graced Reception Pool at RSPB BMW, allowing great views as it fished in the shallows.
Around my house, Jackdaws are flying acrobatically in large flocks, displaying and calling noisily ahead of the breeding season. This single bird came down to a grassy area at the top of my road.
Last week I noticed a Sparrowhawk fly from the front of my house, over the garage and alight on the fence. It was another wet, gloomy day, but I managed a photo of this small but beautifully marked male bird. It only stayed for a few minutes, then left empty-handed; or should I say empty-taloned!
Parkgate High Tide Watches are back for the first time since early 2020. Tens of thousands of wintering wildfowl and waders are pushed in close by the rising tides, small mammals flee the grasses and birds of prey take advantage.
Dates/Times are:
24th January at 11am, High Tide 12:54pm
21st February at 10:30am, High Tide 11:53am
22nd February at 11am, High Tide 12:36pm
23rd February at 11:30am, High Tide 13:17pm
22nd March at 10am, High Tide 11:31am
23rd March at 10:30am, High Tide 12:12pm
Meet at Parkgate Old Baths Car Park. An RSPB team will help with spotting birds. No need to book, but please be aware the car park can get busy, and it is best to arrive at least an hour before high tide to avoid missing any of the action.
If you are not aware already, the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from 27th – 29th January. Just spend an hour watching and counting the birds in your garden, then submit the results. It’s fun and easy! But this event provides invaluable data for monitoring bird populations.
More details at: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/
Hugh
