Prepare for an awesome autumn spectacle on the Dee Estuary

As summer draws to a close, the Dee Estuary enters arguably its most exciting time of year due to the arrival of vast flocks of birds returning from their Arctic breeding grounds. The RSPB is inviting visitors to take part in a series of events across their Dee Estuary nature reserve to share some of the most impressive natural spectacles in this region.

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager for RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve, said: “I’m a huge fan of autumn, it could even be my favourite season of the year. The reserve here comes into its own, supporting thousands of wetland birds as they swap the cold Arctic for our warmer climes. High tides around the equinox make for some excellent wildlife watching too, pushing the vast swathes of ducks and wading birds into closer view along with the birds of prey that hunt them.”

The Dee Estuary is home to the largest little egret colony in Northern England and, with earlier sunsets which are another special autumn attraction on the Wirral, it becomes easier to witness the daily spectacle of over 300 flying in from the marsh to their night-time roost.  To celebrate this wild wonder, ‘An Evening with Egrets’ guided walk is taking place on Saturday 8 October at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands. The event costs £6.50 per person (£5 for RSPB members), half price for children. Booking is essential by phoning 0151 353 8478 or email deeestuary@rspb.org.uk.

Visitors can also take part in ‘Autumn Arrivals’ on Saturday 15 October at RSPB Point of Ayr near Talacre. This short guided walk involves crossing beach and sand dunes so suitable footwear and a decent level of fitness are required. The event is free of charge, but donations are welcome. Booking is essential by phoning 0151 353 8478 or email deeestuary@rspb.org.uk.

To experience the autumn tidal phenomenon, join ‘Parkgate High Tide Watch’ events on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 October at the Donkey Stand and the Old Baths car park on Parkgate parade. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, these events are free of charge, but donations are welcome. RSPB staff and volunteers will be on hand with telescopes and binoculars to enhance the impressive views. Timings vary depending on the tides, so visit rspb.org.uk/deeestuary for more details.

Dan added: “You don’t have to be an avid birdwatcher to appreciate the vast numbers of birds that call the Dee their home at this time of year. These upcoming events are planned to showcase these awesome natural occurances and show why it’s so important for the RSPB to keep almost half of the estuary under its protection. So pop on an extra layer or two, and come along, we’d love to see you!”

For further information on events and wildlife at RSPB Dee Estuary, visit rspb.org.uk/deeestuary.

Point of Ayr - a Sunday outing

Eventually got out today with my camera with Rhodie to the Point of Ayr .. nice and mild winds, good variety of birds managed to get some clear shots of them - Neil

The RSPB’s Point of Ayr reserve at Talacre is on the north-west corner of the Dee Estuary, a relatively small area comprising sand flats, mud banks, saltmarsh, scrub, sand dunes and fresh water pools. It therefore attracts a very good range of estuary birds. Being next to the Irish Sea it is also favoured by seawatchers, often being the first landfall for migrating birds crossing over from the North West coast of England. 

The scrub ,wildflower meadows and sand dunes are

good for skylarks, meadowpipits, wheatear, stonechats and warblers.

In winter thousands of waders and wildfowl  gather on the mudflats including  greylag, dunlin, redshank, godwit, curlew, knot, and sanderling.  When the tide rises, the birds are forced onto the nearby marshes. The carefully positioned open backed  hide gives close views of the feeding birds.

There is a 75 mile (1 km) seawall path. Wide, level and surfaced - the seawall is accessible to wheelchairs/pushchairs. The hide is 0.75 mile (1 km) from reserve entrance.  One fixed bench without back.

Previous blog on area:

http://liverpoolrspb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/little-terns-at-gronant.html

No snow but a beaut of a Bunting

Snow Bunting -Rhodie Blythe

Having heard on the Tyno grapevine that there was a Grey Phalarope at Gronant and that the Snow Bunting was still around the New Brighton area, Ann and I decided to journey to Wild Wales.  We did ask a few others if they wished to join us, sadly all had other commitments!

Well, what a lovely day we had, the sun shone and we arrived at Gronant to see several people with extremely large scopes looking at the lake.  We then spotted the Grey Phalarope, spinning dementedly and pecking furiously at the water. 

 There was obviously lots of lovely food around for this very pretty bird.  

En route to the beach we saw a Little Egret.  We ventured down to the beach to be greeted by a very large colony of Cormorants sitting on the shore line.  We heard a skylark, saw Linnets and of course a lovely array of Black Headed Gulls, Lesser Black Backed Gulls and a Great Black Backed Gull.   A Grey Heron flew over head.  Oyster Catchers were looking very smart and close to them Ann spotted Ringed Plover, dashing about looking for food. 

After a further look at the Grey Phalarope we decided that Point of Ayr was just too close to pass, so we had a wander down there.  The new screen hide is very smart but it does have a roof!!  Sitting eating our butties a Redshank came close by followed by a Little Egret, and then a Curlew.  We did have a lovely view of them.  Soon a large flock of Lapwing came across.  Ann spotted Shelduck in the distance and Shelduck Tours was reinstated!!  We also saw House Sparrows, a Skylark, Long Tailed Tits, a very striking Robin and a dear little – very noisy – Wren.

Having eaten our lunch it was decided that perhaps the Snow Bunting would be the icing on our delicious cake, so off we went to New Brighton – Peaty would have been proud of our map reading abilities!  We walked along the sea wall seeing the usual gulls etc., then Ann spotted some Turnstone running along in the strong wind – but still no Snow Bunting.  Within sight of the car and almost despairing, we trudged across the field when Ann said is that a Sparrow?  No, to our delight it was the Snow Bunting, having a seed/insectfest protected by the car park wall.  We watched it for ages, revelling in its antics, as it sat down to feed, stood up, turning this way and that, almost showing off for us, the audience.  It has such lovely colouring with the edge of the tail highlighted in white and, of course, the amazing beak.

Back to Liverpool and home just as the weather turned wet but what a lovely happy day we had.

Rhodie