Hugh’s News – 7 April 2024

Our website is running normally now, thanks to Bill’s perseverance in working with our IT contact to upgrade the site. So, apologies for short break, but I will endeavour to produce regular Hugh’s News articles again now.

Our winter visitors are starting to leave us for their breeding areas further north and east.  A few weeks ago, Ellie found a Fieldfare feeding on berries. Along with Redwing, these winter thrushes will be leaving our shores now, but you may see late birds.

Last week, Ellie went to see a showy Short-eared Owl at Garston on the Mersey. We see these birds on the Dee marshes, but this bird posed beautifully for her. Look at those eyes!

Pam and Ken also had a close encounter with a bird of prey when a Sparrowhawk hit their window, presumably when chasing after its meal.  It left this impressive dust imprint on the glass!  Luckily it was not injured and quickly flew off.  Pam told me that they have bird silhouettes on the window to try to prevent these strikes, but this bird was obviously too preoccupied.

You may have read about positive news on two well-known local bird sites.  Firstly, it is proposed that some of the buildings on Hilbre will be repaired to provide an art studio and research spaces.

Secondly, a £300k grant has been awarded to Wirral Council to create a wetland area at Hoylake Carrs, also known as Langfields, as part of a flood management initiative.  It is proposed that the area will include new ponds, grassland, woodland and boardwalks.

Both plans are subject to final approval and further funding, but I look forward to seeing progress on both these projects.  We will have to put both sites into a future Programme!

Hugh