Hugh’s News September 2017

“It’s an ill wind” as the saying goes. Well the strong winds and heavy rain last week brought some good birds to our shores – if you were prepared to brave the blowy conditions!  There were many sightings of Leach’s Petrel and Grey Phalarope from various points along the North Wirral coast from New Brighton to Hoylake and Hilbre.

There was a supporting cast of the occasional Sabines Gull, Manx Shearwater, Black Tern and Little Gull. There was also a Red-necked Phalarope at Frodsham!  I did not manage any photos of these rarer species, but numbers of our more familiar waders are building up now for the winter and I did see a group of Turnstones bathing on the rocks at West Kirby Marine Lake.  The first ring-tail Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owls have been seen on the salt marsh.  Hopefully there will be enough voles to keep these magnificent birds here over the winter.

As we pass into autumn, most birds have finished breeding now although you may find the odd juveniles from the late brood like this Moorhen preening itself in the sunshine at Burton Mere Wetlands. On calmer days, family groups of Buzzards can often be seen circling in the thermals, “meewing” to each other.  Of note, I saw a young Wood Pigeon in my garden with what appears to be a mite or growth on its face.  Can anyone identify it? No prizes, but I would be interested in any suggestions.

Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust is very proud and honoured to have been awarded the Queen’s Award For Voluntary Service in June 2017. This Award is considered to be the MBE of volunteering.  The Award was announced on 2nd June 2017, and two representatives of the Trust were invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of the achievement.  Our Club has been a regular supporter of the Trust through our Canal Trips, and I have passed on our congratulations to the Trust.  I am already thinking about planning another trip next May!

Hugh Stewart