Hugh’s News – March 2018

I had heard that a flock of 5 Scaup had taken up temporary residence on West Kirby Marine Lake, so on Monday morning I popped along to see if they were still there. Now these are birds that are normally seen off the coast on Wirral in the winter, about a mile away, bobbing up and down in the waves and so difficult to see well. They breed in Iceland, Scandinavia and into northern Russia.  Occasionally, especially after stormy weather, one or two birds may take refuge on a lake or reservoir.  Some of you may remember we saw a male bird on a field meeting to Colemere in January 2017, but while the views were good they were still a little distant.

On the Marine Lake however, and in stark contrast to the Jack Snipe at Burton Mere Wetlands on Sunday, the Scaup were right by the railings at the North end busily diving to feed.  There were 3 males and 2 females.  The close views allowed a great opportunity to study the beautiful plumages of both sexes, and the diagnostic elongated head shape with no hind crest that helps distinguish them from the closely related Tufted Duck.

There were also a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers further out towards the middle of the lake, and the usual mix of waders roosting on the rocks as the tide came in. These were mostly Redshank, with smaller numbers of Turnstone and Dunlin, and a single Knot.

By now, my fingers were getting cold so I returned to the car!  I do not know how long these birds will stay before returning to the sea, but I recommend having a look for them if you can.

The cold weather has also brought in more Redwing and Fieldfare, and many of you have told me that you have had them in your gardens, along with wintering Blackcap. Sadly, the extreme low temperatures and snow will undoubtedly cause fatalities to many birds, despite our efforts to feed them and provide fresh water. Small birds are especially susceptible to the cold because they have a greater surface area to volume ratio and so lose heat more quickly.  Some species combat this by huddling together on branches or in holes. 63 Wrens were once found roosting together in one box!  Provided this winter is an exception rather than the new norm, the populations should hopefully recover over the next year or two.

As I write, the weather is getting a little milder so Spring is maybe not so far away, and birds can start their breeding season in earnest.

Hugh Stewart