Thanks to Clarko for forwarding more WeBs count details from Marshside yesterday - excellent home team performance by the Wigeon I thought, the more the merrier, unless you're looking for an American Wigeon.
The Teal could have done a bit better, but that's dabblers for you.....
Here's his report in full:
"Marshside bird sightings update November 2006
Over 28,000 wild birds are currently using the reserve at Marshside (110 ha) and the adjacent Crossens inner marsh (40 ha), that works out at approximately 191 birds per hectare! The webs count carried out by local birder, Barry McCarthy and Marshside Warden, Graham Clarkson on 19th Nov revealed the following numbers of important wintering species;
Wigeon: 16,640
Teal: 1888
Lapwing 3630
Golden Plover 2030
Blackwit 1635
Other waterfowl using the site in lesser numbers include mallards, shovelers, pintails, pochards, snipe and curlew. All of these species are easily seen from the reserve hides and viewing screens.
The saltmarsh and beach adjacent to the reserve are a magnet for birds. Over 2,500 pink-footed geese are regularly grazing the saltmarsh, while out on the mudflats over 1,000 shelduck can be seen feeding alongside thousands of knots, dunlins, oystercatchers, bar-tailed godwits and grey plovers.
Hundreds of skylarks along with small flocks of meadow pipits and linnets are feeding along the sand track often pursued by wintering merlin ( up to four individuals). Kestrels, sparrowhawks and two peregines are regular with occasional visits by two hen harriers and a buzzard. Two water rails have been seen from the hides recently and up to eleven little egrets are frequenting the saltmarsh pans and creeks.
If you see anything of interest please remember to call into Sandgrounder’s hide and fill in the bird log. Happy birding!
Marshside RSPB Nature Reserve is open seven days per week and entry is free. Sandgrounders’ hide is manned by volunteers who will show visitors birds through binoculars and telescopes from 10.30am – 5pm. The hide is heated and wheelchair accessible.
There are also four other viewing areas on the reserve, along with several kilometres of rough paths. Free parking is available in the Sefton Council carpark (adjacent to the Sandwashing plant) opposite the junction of Marshside Road and Marine Drive."
Graham's figures cover Sutton's Marsh, Rimmer's Marsh and Crossens Inner.
Sorry about screwing up your lovely totals table Graham, but the tabbing required to translate it onto this entry was a pain of monstrous proportions, and I want my tea.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies....
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