Hugh’s News – 30 October 2020
Christine has let us know about a lovely early-morning walk across to Hilbre that she made with some friends. One of the group, Myra Brown, caught a beautiful composition of 16 Whooper Swans flying overhead in the breaking sunlight, possibly on their way to Martin Mere. These wild Swans make the trip from Iceland to the British Isles in a single flight. We usually have a few wintering on the Dee too.
Christine also saw a nice mix of birds a few days later walking beside Meols beach, and obtained a lovely portrait of this Redshank with its reflection; and a small group of grey Knot. She also saw a big flock of Shelduck, and a Little Egret.
Bill was contacted by someone asking how many gull species could be seen on Wirral. As I counted them up, I was absolutely amazed at the answer I came up with. The most commonly seen species are Herring Gull and Black-headed Gull, with supporting Lesser and Greater Black-backed, and Common Gulls. Increasingly, Mediterranean Gulls are now seen.
Strong winds may bring in Little Gull and Kittiwake, and sometimes an even more scarce Sabine’s Gull.
Uncommon species may also include Yellow-legged Gull or Caspian Gull. In cold winters, a white-winged Iceland and Glaucous Gull could pass through.
Occasional real rarities like Laughing Gull and Bonaparte’s Gull have turned up. These are both North American birds that can get blown off-course across the Atlantic. It these less common species that keen bird watchers keep a special look out for amongst the more common relatives!
So that’s 15 species – and I may have missed one or two. Has a Ross’s Gull been seen on Wirral? So you can see there is far more variety to gulls than one might think at first!
We have finally received a couple of entries for the Pink-footed Geese photo challenge! A big “Thank You” to Barry for forwarding his contribution. A special mention goes to Joyce for spotting some flying over while she was playing golf – a double birdie! I finally managed to snap some myself late one afternoon, flying back towards Parkgate to roost. No prizes will be awarded, just the glory of being mentioned in dispatches!
Hugh Stewart
