Call for budding wildlife explorers to join a Saltmarsh Safari this summer

Ever wondered what creatures lurk in the saltmarsh at RSPB Marshside? This summer holiday, it’s the perfect time to find out by joining the RSPB for a Saltmarsh Safari adventure.

Armed with sweep nets and magnifying glasses, budding wildlife explorers will be taken on a journey through the saltmarsh to enjoy close-up views of the amazing creatures and plants which make their home in this hostile landscape.

Nick Godden, RSPB Ribble Reserves Warden, said: “If crawling through the grass armed with a pooter to catch minibeasts, or sieving mud in search of worms sounds like fun, then this is the perfect activity for you.

“The safari is an ideal way for families and children to safely explore the intriguing wildlife in the saltmarsh, but of course, it’s not just for children – the event is also a great excuse for adults to find their inner child and enjoy a wild adventure.

“We never know quite what we might find, but prepare to be amazed at the variety of creatures which makes their home here.”

Running on Sunday 26 July, Wednesday 12 August and Monday 24 August, the Saltmarsh Safari starts at 11 am from the RSPB car park on Marine Drive, Southport (next to reserve and old sand works)..

This event will cost £4 for RSPB members, £5 for non-members and £2 for all under-18s. Booking is essential for this event, please call the Ribble Discovery Centre on 01253 796292 to book your place.

More information about Marshside can be found on our website, rspb.org.uk/marshside

THE INTREPID SIX

Incoming Blue tit, for  Bullfinch rendezvous - R Blythe

Once upon a New Year’s Day, six intrepid bird watchers set out for Mere Sands Wood, where hangovers were put in abeyance.  Being keen we arrived before the staff, well the poor man had cycled in from Preston! 

Whilst waiting to get into the reserve Wood Pigeon, Rook, Great Tit, Magpie, Robin, Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Greenfinch, Collared Dove and Jackdaw, were spotted.  Refreshed and warmed up a little by a mug of Rosie lee, we saw on the freshly stocked feeders lots more, including Coal Tit and the gloriously colourful male and female Bullfinch.  A beautiful Great Spotted Woodpecker was also seen enjoying his breakfast.

We set out in the pouring rain and dashed from hide to hide – seeking warmth and shelter!!  We hoped for the alleged ‘showing well’ Water rail  but instead got noisy Canadian Geese, resplendent Goosanders, flighty Grey Herons, the inevitable Black Headed Gull, Shovelers, Coots and Shelduck or should that be Shedluck!? 

A dashing highlight was the turquoise flash of a Kingfisher speeding across the lake in front of the redwing hide - the Mere sands warden was ecstatic, no one had reported a sighting for over a month!

Between hides we spotted Reed Bunting, Robin’s, Dunnock and the noisy and charmingly pretty Goldfinch.

On our return to the centre, Cuppa Soup, Hot Chocolate and Tea was consumed - desperately needed to warm us all up, then yet another dash for five of the six intrepids, this time to Southport Marine Lake.  The wind by this time was rather blustery, and we got blown about but did manage to see some Greylag, Mute Swan a lovely Goldeneye, Herring Gull, Coot and the stunning Great Northern Diver in its winter plumage. 

Ross's goose -  N Prendergast

Still not satisfied we set off again, this time to Marshside.  A beautiful Ross’s Goose was just in front of the window eating its fill and having an occasional scratch!  Lapwing in their thousands were seen, one lone Long Tailed Duck, Pintail, Little Egret and Linnets rounded off a very wet but happy day with friends.  

Rhodie