Trip reports

High Tide Watch on the Wirral Peninsular.

Wednesday, 11 February 2009

A high tide visit to Parkgate on the Wirral is something all Lancashire birders should do from time to time. As the tide on 11 February 2009 was predicted to be 10.11m, and this was the appointed day for one of our mid-week bird outings, it was too good an opportunity to be missed. We were not disappointed.

Arriving at the Baths Car Park at the western end of the Parkgate promenade we first turned our attention to the adjacent field to find a mixed flock of redwings and fieldfares with a single song thrush which gave an excellent chance to compare the species. The little owls, often to be seen roosting in the trees alongside the footpath, were not present on this occasion.

Turning to the main event of the day; we joined the congregation of birders already scanning the marshes as the birds were driven in by the rising tide. It was not long before the cry went up, "Marsh harrier!" Then, "There's a second one", and all our members had the opportunity to see the magnificent raptors circling over the marsh seeking food. Gulls and waders scattered in fright, arising like a cloud of smoke. More trouble for the smaller birds was spotted in the form of a peregrine perched on the branches of a fallen tree which had washed-up on the shore. No sooner had this excitement passed than a short-eared owl was spotted quartering the marsh to seawards. The overcast background made describing its position difficult at first, but eventually, most observers found it. A second short-eared owl appeared much closer and gave better views to all present.

In the meantime the advancing tide had driven the waders and some of the ducks much closer to us and we were able to see redshank, snipe and teal at close quarters. Bar-tailed godwit and lapwings circled in wide loops low over the marsh looking for a safe place to land but were frustrated in their efforts by the high tide.

As the tide turned, and the birds dispersed, a heavy shower drove us to the cars for shelter and lunch.

After lunch we visited Burton Marsh, many acres of saltings recently acquired as a reserve by the RSPB. The highlight of this part of the day was a close encounter with a short-eared owl both hunting near to the footpath and then settled on a fence. This gave us the best views of this magnificent raptor on this trip. A mixed flock of lapwing and golden plover circled over the marsh, presumably to avoid the danger the short-eared owl presented.

The trip proved a very worthwhile way of spending a Wednesday in February.

By Derek Sidebotham
Library Photo: short-eared owl