Trip reports

Burton Mere Wetlands

RSPB Images

Sunday, 15 January 2012

About fifteen members gathered at ten o'clock at the recently-opened reserve on a lovely sunny day, which was nevertheless cold enough to make us appreciate the spacious comfort of the heated hide overlooking the Dee Estuary. This was a second visit for those members who had attended the 'preview' on 21st August last. Norman had also paid a preparatory visit a few days before and had spotted the elusive bean goose, about which more below.

This excellent new reserve will doubtless become a firm favourite. So far, two new hides are open, and the aim is to connect the existing Burton Mere Trail alongside and between the old fish ponds with a Reed and Fen Trail and then on to a Farm and River Trail connecting with the Inner Marsh Farm hide. An extensive reed bed has been established and already bitterns have visited the area.

Our day started with an overview of developments and future plans, by Paul Brady, RSPB Visitor Development Officer. A number of coots and a few tufted ducks were to be seen from the main hide, but Paul was confident that as the site matured the lagoon would attract a wide variety of birds, which would be easy to view through the large windows. It is to be hoped that Burton Mere will thus attract younger visitors and stimulate their interest in birdwatching.

Our observations covered four areas: birds viewed across the marshes towards the estuary; birds seen from the second hide on the ponds facing Inner Marsh Farm; woodland birds on the feeders and in the trees adjacent to the main hide; and geese, lapwing and golden plover feeding in the fields to the north-east of the main hide.

Towards the estuary, Canada geese were visible at some distance, and there were sightings of snipe, hen harrier, buzzard, heron and, on the nearby fence, a solitary stonechat. The woodland birds viewed at close quarters, included chaffinch, goldfinch, blue tit, great tit, nuthatch, and best of all, a spectacular greater spotted woodpecker, which could be heard later drumming. The ponds revealed several species of wildfowl: mallard, coots, shelduck, wigeon, teal, shoveller, and moorhen plus heron and, notably, flocks of black-tailed godwit which frequently rose and wheeled in a perfectly synchronised pattern before settling down again.

During these observations of the pond areas, a solitary brown bird was spotted some distance away on a post. Opinion was divided. Was it a twite, or a sparrowhawk perhaps? However, Roger, aided by his powerful spotterscope, concluded that the mystery bird was a kestrel.

Following our return to the warmth of the main hide and the lure of lunch - somewhere along the path some saw a kingfisher - there was a good deal of speculation about which species of geese were gathered on the upper field. Was there really a bean goose? It seemed to be too far away to be certain. Paul Brady confirmed that bean geese were indeed in the area, and a few who trekked up the track with spotterscopes were rewarded with confirmed sightings. The flocks, mainly of Canada geese, also included a barnacle goose, greylag geese and a few white-fronted geese.

The visit concluded in mid-afternoon, with the sunshine lasting long enough to tempt some to drive around to the Inner Marsh Farm hide for further birdwatching. We had had a most rewarding visit, with nearly thirty species of birds seen. We are very lucky indeed to have such a superb reserve on our doorstep, and the local RSPB is to be congratulated on their achievement. Extending the path to the Inner Marsh Farm hide is dependent on their discussions with adjacent farm owners, but if successful, the availability of a pleasant walk through various habitats will add to the enjoyment of a delightful environment.

BH