Hugh’s News – 27 January 2025

On a walk around Gayton, I came across a large, female Sparrowhawk on a driveway plucking a Woodpigeon! Before I could take my mobile phone out, the hawk flew off over a hedge carrying the pigeon. But it clearly couldn’t gain height with its heavy prey and, walking slowly on, I found the hawk again on the adjacent drive. I took a quick photo before leaving her to feed in peace.

Many of you will remember the devastating fire that tore through Neston Reedbed in March 2022. The RSPB has recently said that the site is recovering well with two years of regrowth, and the organisation is introducing new measures to prevent future fires and anti-social behaviour. Wet barriers created areas of open water for wildlife and enabled breaks through the bed, reducing the accessibility so that wildlife is less disturbed.

The new King Charles lll Walkway which links the paved areas of Parkgate village to the pre-existing Burton Marsh Greenway at Little Neston, had been upgraded with a fully accessible surface which will hopefully deter possible arsonists. Marsh Harriers and Bittern are already using the reed bed for breeding or roosting.

I mentioned my local Jackdaws in the last Hugh’s News, and the recent cold weather forced them to become less timid as they searched for food. I captured this bird in a rare sunny moment!

We often take them for granted, but Black-headed Gulls often allow a close approach if you walk slowly, allowing head portraits like this bird in its non-breeding (winter) plumage.

All photos by Hugh.

Hugh