A group of seven members had a beautiful sunny mild day for a visit to this reserve of pools opposite the sea shore at the north end of Southport.
From the car park we looked out to sea across the vegetated mud flats and we could see the heads and dark necks of several groups of Pink-footed Geese. Next we heard the loud call of a Cetti’s Warbler but as usual were not able to see it.
On the walk to the first hide we saw Goldfinch and heard Skylark.
Over coffee we were able to see Ducks, Waders and Gulls but not the special Little Stint that had been seen the day before. However we were very happy to identify Bar Tail Godwits, Redshank and Dunlin, described as large medium and small waders. Here were only Canada Geese, a pair of Greylag Geese were seen from another hide.
Marshside Lagoon. Photo K Goodings
Through the day Gulls were abundant, Black-headed, Herring, Black-backed but as no legs seen we were unable to identify further, and a few Common Gulls. Most of the usual Ducks were seen and several Little Grebes and Avocets.
Walking west we visited a screen then the other hide where we had our lunches. Plants provided other interest along the way with small birds including Wren and Goldcrest. Two members found a Dune Stinkhorn some of the rest found European Spindle just coming into leaf and bud, having remembered it from a previous visit in autumn when it was showing its orange and red berries.
An excellent day having seen over 40 species of bird and the added benefit of flowers plants good company and weather.
Josephine Drake
