Bird Watching
Bird watching group
Group leader Barbara D (click on name to contact)
Our group of enthusiastic bird watchers enjoy the thrill of bird watching, the gentle exercise and the companionship of others in the group.
We are very fortunate to have two RSPB volunteers in the group. They guide us through the year sharing their expertise and knowledge identifying both the birds and their calls. This increases our motivation and knowledge of birds greatly.
Each month we visit a different site in the NW and on the Wirral, our favourite places being Burton Marshes and Leighton Moss. We see many unusual and rare birds and witnessed their behaviour in rearing young, feeding, habits etc. We also see other wildlife such as deer, hare and otters.
Our meetings are the 3rd Wednesday of the month commencing at 9.30am and we enjoy a pleasurable day out in country retreats and nature reserves. We car share using the u3a system of remuneration to the driver. If you are interested in joining, please contact Barbara for further information
News update. The group will continue to meet from September 2023 to July 2024.
BIRD BLOG
A recent outing was a lovely day at Burton Marshes. There was a scarcity of birds due to contractors heavy machinery undertaking work on the site. We had some new members who were very welcome and have taken to bird watching like "ducks to water". Some have brought their expertise in past birdwatching which has added to our enjoyment.
Update The cafe is now built and open so no machinery.
The weather was really bad in November with none stop rain but, undeterred, we changed plans and set off for Martin Mere. However to our advantage there were very few people and we had the hides to ourselves.
The swan feeding rounded off the day.
The trip to New Brighton, Park Gates and Burton Mere (briefly) was eventful. High tide in the morning brought in purple sandpipers, sanderlings, turnstones and a variety of gulls. Purple sandpipers are rarely seen as they are hidden in rocks in limited areas.A variety of ducks and geese were spotted at Burton Marshes including the colourful shovellers.
In December some enjoyed a meal at John Millington to celebrate our birding experiences.
The usual January trip to Martin Mere was successful with crisp sunny weather and plenty of bird species on the feeders.
Birding trips have rarely been cancelled during my 25 years with the bird group but with storms arriving on our shores it it has been necessary recently.
WE had a very successful outing at Pennington Flash in March. It was pouring with rain when we left home. First stop at Pennington was the cafe for coffee and cake? by which time the rain had ceased. Then what a treat. The birds came out to feed and we counted 30 species throughout the visit. We saw golden eye on the lake as we set off for the bird hide At the feeding station the bullfinches were delightful in their bright red plumage and we saw the rare willow tit. The nuthatches put on a lovely display chasing off the blue tits and chaffinches.
We hope to have many more visits like these but there are times when very little is seen as the birds do not want to come out and play. The bird population has been hit with Avian flu and the population has decreased somewhat. This has affected our bird watching as some species have been decimated. However we continue to enjoy our days out with good company and hopefully good bird sightings.
Wednesday April 17th Old Moore (Yorks)
Wednesday May 15th The Wirral
Wednesday June 19th Burton Mere
Wednesday 16th July to be decided.
These venues are subject to change.