Trip reports

Outing to Marshside & Martin Mere 22/01/2012

RSPB

Sunday, 22 January 2012

37 people left Springwood in the wind and rain, which cleared before we reached Southport, but the wind was even stronger. When we reached Marshside the tide was right in (and the wind nearly blew us over)so no salt Marsh or Beach for waders, but lots of shelduck on the sea. On the pools at the other side of the road were lots of wildfowl and waders, which included Teal, Widgeon, pintails, Black Tailed Godwits & Redshank. As we got near the car park there were Little Egrets & Pink feet Geese on the marsh and lots of Starlings & Skylarks flying about. There were few small birds or Raptors because of the wind, but Linnet, Meadow Pipit & Short eared Owl were seen. Then we went to Martin Mere, with the wind, easing a little. At Martin Mere were 1900 Whooper Swans, lots of Pintails, Lapwings, some Pink Feet & Ruff. 8 Raptors were seen Inc. Hen & Marsh Harriers, Peregrine. Merlin & Barn Owl, but nobody saw them all. The feeders at the Janet Kear hide were busy with Greenfinch & Goldfinch, but Brambling, Willow Tit & Reed Bunting were also seen and a lucky few saw Great Spotted Woodpecker. A solitary Berwick's Swan was also seen by some. So at 4.30 as it was dropping dark we left for home.

Robert