Forgot to mention I popped out for a "long shot" seawatch yesterday evening from Ainsdale - the tide was tiny and sun had broken through the clouds (both very bad things) but at least the westerly was holding up.
Apart from a face full of sand, I managed 135 Manx Shearwaters, although most were mainly little black crosses arcing up and under the horizon.
The shears were also heading north and south, so double counting was inevitable - nice to see 'em though.
As the height of the meagre tide approached, a few came closer in, but not by much - be interesting if anyone saw any from the Mersey Ferry "pelagic" today....
Few Gannets out there last night and the usual local tern traffic. Hopefully conditions will be better for next week's high tides.
Meanwhile thanx to Chris Tynan for sending me the press release on the ferry cruises - after today's foray, there's one on Sept 29th, if you fancy it....
"ALL ABOARD!
Come and discover Liverpool's amazing sea life
Take a special cruise of discovery to see some of the UK's most spectacular wildlife on the Mersey this summer.
When you mention Liverpool, most people would probably think of its football teams or lively music scene.
But Liverpool has a less well-known gem - its spectacular marine wildlife.
The Liverbird Wildlife Discovery Cruises aboard the Mersey Ferries will excite even the most experienced wildlife explorer.
Previous voyagers have followed the pursuits of the cunning arctic skua as it flies low and fast over the waves chasing terns in an attempt to steal food. Others have witnessed the incredible flying skills of the peregrine, the fastest bird in the world - all from the deck of the ferry.
Chris Tynan, Liverpool RSPB group leader said: "The excitement of the cruises is always heightened by never quite knowing what might turn up. Over the past few years, ospreys and storm petrels have both visited Liverpool Bay while we've been there. I don't have a favourite seabird on the trip because you just never know what might turn up. The Mersey estuary is a wonderful place to watch birds!"
Friendly staff and volunteers will be aboard the ferry showing people the abundance of wildlife Liverpool Bay has to offer - guillemots, kittiwakes, sandwich terns, godwits and knots have previously been spotted by intrepid explorers.
RSPB wildlife expert Tim Melling, said: "This is one of the highlights of the year for me. I'm never quite sure what's more enjoyable, seeing some amazing seabirds rarely glimpsed from shore or seeing the look on some of the passenger's faces when they discover such wonderful wildlife so close to the hustle and bustle of Liverpool's city centre."
For those interested in the microscopic world under the waves, experts from National Museums Liverpool will be doing a series of plankton trawls. The catch will be displayed under high-powered video microscopes, giving passengers the chance to see the tiny plants and creatures that support some of the Mersey's magnificent marine life.
There will also be a chance to see a huge variety of shells and other exciting things on board, that have been washed up on the coast.
The Mersey Ferry heads out into Liverpool Bay for a family cruise on 5 August, and a more specialist cruise on 29 September. The cruises depart Seacombe at 11.00am, Pier Head at 11.10am and Woodside at 11.20am. The trips last about three hours.
Tickets cost ã12 for adults and ã6 for children (age 3-15 years). For more details, or to book, contact Mersey Ferries on 0151 330 1444 or visit www.merseyferries.co.uk"
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
- Post to:
del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Nowpublic
Reddit
« Previous | Home | Next »
Hi John, I am interested in buying a new scope, I would like to know what you use(being the utmost professional)Thanks, Pete.
Well Pete, the only thing I seem to be professional at these days is getting sand in my ears and billies....as for scopes, I use an old Nikon 780 ED, with a 30 wide lens.
With many birds and miles under the belt it is due a trade-in (but don't let it know yet).
All I would say is try out as many scopes as possible before you buy, and get the one you're most comfortable with.
This view would of course change, should any optics company wish to sponsor me.
Hi Pete, buying a new scope depends on budget and your birding. For a wide range of prices and models I would strongly recommend Opticron. If you're really looking to invest in the top end of the market and have the money then also consider Swarovski, Zeiss, Kowa and Nikon and compare them all. Check out the reputation of all manufacturers on the web forums and consider their after-sales service so that you know that if your investment goes faulty that they will repair your scope.
I want to sell my Swarovski ED65 angled scope with 20-60x and 30x wide eyepieces. Comes with a Swarovski fitted case. V good condition. ã950 cash.
Ron
Hi John, 7.0 this evening, Juv Hobby on fence between Marshside 2 and Crossens inner.( Feeding on small bird) Mike.