Only three members decided to risk the heavy rain forecast to visit this RSPB reserve. During the morning, we had hardly any rain but there was light rain in the afternoon so our decision paid off.
Of particular interest were the calls of birds establishing their territories. First the booming Bittern males – we were told 5. Then the piglet-like calls of Water Rail. There was also the distinctive song of several Cetti’s Warbler – one was briefly seen lurking in the reeds by Clare but we heard several of those in the reed bed. This was a very unusual sighting, Cetti’s are usually heard, but not seen.
The resident Marsh Harriers were seen, both male and female.
Warned to wear wellies, we visited the Morecambe hide on the saltmarsh where unfortunately the water level was very high leaving little space for waders. However, we did spot some of the expected waders, Redshank, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit and Curlew. One unusual bird was spotted – a Turnstone, more usually spotted on a beach.
Then the mist came down making visibility difficult so we called it a day, very pleased that we had made the effort. Total number of species seen or heard was 43, a good start to the season.
Overall, our list of birds seen was:
Cormorant, Bittern, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Pochard, Shoveler, Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Cetti’s Warbler, Long tailed Tit, Blue Tit, great Tit, Treecreeper, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch – An impressive list of 43 species
Special thanks to Clare for negotiating the puddles and bumps down to the saltmarsh car park.
Win Clements
