Nearly at the end of a week of scrub clearing in Ainsdale/Birkdale LNR, mostly a bit November dark and gloomy to tell the truth, with Magpies, Woodies, woodsmoke and Kestrels for company, but the work needs to be done.
Hearing and occasionally seeing a few Bullfinch on the site, which is only to be expected, but nice all the same.
The roving titmice flocks drag one or two Goldcrests along to keep me on me toes, but I could do with a few wider horizons...
All these reports of Beans and Whitefronts from the mosses are mighty tempting, so I might have to have a hunt for them this weekend.
Speaking of the mosses, thanks to Neil Roberts for sending me his latest shots of the big falcon that has been prowling the area - the bird does look more like a Gyr/Saker cross in these shots, but a mean beast all the same.
Ta Neil.
And on the subject of surreal raptors, thanks also to John "Mad Dog" Bannon for the following two pix of a falconer's white phase Gos (wild ones live up in Siberia) that is occasionally flown down Sefton Meadows way.
Imagine seeing a real one (ie not captive) of these beauties - a superb bird, even with all the jesse/telemetry mallarkey.
John heard about this monster while trying to get gen on the big fat Gyr/Saker.
I'd like to be able to say no pheasants were injured in the shooting of these pictures, but somehow I don't think that would be true.
Wonder how much it costs to get to Siberia.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Formby Point seawatch, 0845-1115
1 Red-throated Diver
3 Great Crested Grebes
25 Gannets..all but 1 adult birds
3 Scaup
c120 Common Scoters
5 Red-breasted Mergansers
26 Kittiwakes...all adults
13 Razorbills
I've never seen so many Gannets (or any Gannets, for that matter) still moving south in late November
Take a journey back in time and join the RSPB and North Meols Civic Society on Sunday 4 December on a guided walk to discover the coastal heritage of RSPB Marshside nature reserve, near Southport.
Beginning in Roman times, the walk will show how the coast has changed dramatically over the years and walkers will learn about the people who have lived there and the wildlife that is found in the present day.
The time travelling walk begins at 11 am at the Fog Bell on Marshside Road and will finish at the Sandgrounders’ hide at RSPB Marshside nature reserve.
This walk celebrates the new footpath and cycle route along Marshside Road which was completed recently with funding from HLF under the auspices of the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership Scheme.
Alex Pigott, Marshside Warden said: “These walks are really popular and give you a wonderful insight into the past. We have also seen some amazing wildlife along the way, including close-up views of a fabulous short-eared owl!”
Please wear suitable clothing and footwear, as this is an exposed site and part of the walk will be across the saltmarsh (no dogs please). The event is free, but donations are always welcome. There is no need to book either, just turn up. The Route 15 (Cumfybus) and number 44 (Arriva bus) from Southport town centre both stop just near the fog bell.
You can visit RSPB Marshside nature reserve any day of the week for free. As well as seeing a variety of birdlife, this is a great time of year to see thousands of pink-footed geese and winter ducks like wigeons, as well as having great views of birds of prey hunting over the marsh. Free parking is available in the Sefton Council car park opposite the junction of Marshside Road and Marine Drive. For more details phone: 01704 226190 or visit www.rspb.org.uk/marshside.
The drake Mandarin is still on the hospital lake at Town Lane.