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Tuesday 25th October - Bearded Tits a plenty.

With the early morning mist making a damp start to the day, Joanne and Alan joined me for a day birdwatching and photography up north. Bearded Tits were the target birds for them, and soon we were marching to our target species in beautiful autumnal sunshine. With the weather so good I was confident of success and fairly quickly we could hear the "twanging"  call like an elastic band being plucked. A pair appeared not 20 meters away and the sound of  clicking cameras joined in the cacophony of sound. Cettis Warbler, Great Tit, robins and the pig like scream of the Water Rail were all taking part.

Over the next hour, 3 pairs of Bearded Tit gave us fantastic views and once we had 2 pairs jostling for the best space in the morning sunshine.

Bearded Tit

Bearded Tit

Moving onto the hides for a sit down, we scanned the large lake surrounded by swaying reeds, scanning the ducks. Pintail, Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler and Wigeon dominated the scene with Coot and Moorhen amongst them. Snipe were abundant, crouched down low in the mud, and an occasional bird was seen flying high above the reeds, their long pointed bills making identification easy.

Snipe

Moving onto the next hide, a Cettis Warbler screamed at us by the path with its explosive call, but no views were had. We felt we could put our hands into the reeds to grab it, it was that close.

Goldcrests kept us entertained before we got to the hide and soon we were looking at a Great White Egret and an American Wigeon.

American Wigeon

Great White Egret

Although both distant, through the telescope the smart plumage of this rare visiting duck was easy to pick out amongst its European relatives, whilst the yellow beak and its huge size separated the Great White from the Little Egrets near by.

After a lovely lunch we headed back out to the hides seeing the Great White again and over 20 Little Egrets. Waders present were Redshank, Ruff  and Lapwing whilst in the woods Nuthatch and Treecreeper gave excellent photo opportunities. A female Marsh Harrier glided over causing panic everywhere and in the dying sunshine, a Grey Heron finished the day with an efficient and successful lesson in fishing for its supper.

If you would like an introduction to Birdwatching by having a guided walk around Marbury Country Park, just give me a call on 07731 658 125 or send me an e-mail at jgilly53@gmail.com
Start time arranged to suit you. The cost is £10 P/P

If you would rather have a private day trip out around Cheshire, Wirral or North Wales, the price for a full day for one person is £60.
Each additional guest is £15 P/P.
Children under 16 go free.

If you have a specific request for a trip please get in touch and I will accommodate you if at all possible.

Why not treat a loved one to a gift voucher for a future day out.

For further details and T/C's please visit the website.

Contact John Gilbody 
e-mail jgilly53@gmail.com
Telephone 07731 658 125   

 birdwatchingtoursnorthwest.com

birdwatchingtoursnorthwest.com

Sunday 9th October  Friends of Anderton & Marbury guided walk.

A small group of people turned up on a lovely autumn morning for a guided walk around Ashton's and Neumann's Flashes to try and see some migrating and wintering birds. FoAM have been running these events for quite a few years now and I have had the pleasure to lead these walks.

We started the walk in Cumberland Car Park making our way to Ashton's Flash. Robins, Blackbirds and Great and Blue Tits followed us along the path whilst a Jay flew by overhead. On viewing Ashton's flash the lack of rain over the past weeks has left the area dry and no birds were to be seen. Neumann's on the other hand was full of birds. On arrival, a fox walked though the reeds looking for breakfast, but most of the birds looked relaxed and did not fly off. They knew they could and the Fox did not give chase as he knew they would !!

Fox (Library pic)

Lapwings, Coot, and numerous duck including Wigeon, Shovelor and Tufted Duck graced the calm flash. A few Snipe fed on the water's edge and then to everybody's joy, a Kingfisher landed on the post right in front of the hide.Well done to the budding young ornithologist who found the bird and showed it to everyone.

Kingfisher  (Library pic)

We walked round to where the Spotted Crake and Water Rail have been seen recently but alas no views of these stunning birds materialised. To view these birds patience and luck are needed and hopefully a return visit either at dawn or dusk will prove more successful.  

Continuing round to another hide overlooking Neumann's, Snipe and two Ruff were viewed in the Scope. Mute Swans and one Greylag Goose, Moorhens and more Lapwings as well as a few Curlew kept everybody happy. Just on the edge of the hide a Treecreeper was seen and a few Goldcrest buzzed around energetically. The sun was now high in the sky as we all headed back to the car park.

With the unusual weather we have had over the past few weeks (although very welcome) the wintering birds had not arrived in numbers. A few Redwing and Meadow Pipits flew over our heads, and a Buzzard gracefully glided by.  

Another very enjoyable guided walk with FoAM.

If you would like an introduction to Birdwatching by having a guided walk around Marbury Country Park, just give me a call on 07731 658 125 or send me an e-mail at jgilly53@gmail.com
Start time arranged to suit you. The cost is £10 P/P

If you would rather have a private day trip out around Cheshire, Wirral or North Wales, the price for a full day for one person is £60.
Each additional guest is £15 P/P.
Children under 16 go free.

If you have a specific request for a trip please get in touch and I will accommodate you if at all possible.

Why not treat a loved one to a gift voucher for a future day out.

For further details and T/C's please visit the website.

Contact John Gilbody 
e-mail jgilly53@gmail.com
Telephone 07731 658 125   

 birdwatchingtoursnorthwest.com

 

 birdwatchingtoursnorthwest.com

4th October Leighton Moss and Heysham Power Station.

An early morning start to get to Leighton Moss for 9am was achieved with no hassle on the road.
The sun was shining and I was excited with the prospect of seeing Bearded Tit for the first time for a few years. A small crowd was already gathered at the "gritting tables" viewing point and soon we were provided with a show we were all hoping for.

Male and female Bearded Tit

I pointed out to the crowd that both male and female were coming in and soon they were feeding at the tables. They feed on the grit to help with digesting the seeds they will eat over winter instead of the high insect diet during the summer.

Bearded Tit

They really are delightful birds and with their "pinging" call like an elastic band being plucked, you normally only hear them but don't see them, very frustrating !

I was on a mission today so there was no hanging around and after a short drive to Heysham power station, I was rewarded with great views of a Juvenile Sabines Gull.  Breeding in the high Arctic and North America these are regular but rare visitors to our shores. In blinding sunshine 7 Brent Geese were new arrivals and a Little Gull was found amongst the small party of Black Headed Gulls. 

Sabine's Gull (Juvenile)

Brent Geese

Little Gull (top)

After unsuccessfully looking through the bushes for migrants I went back to Leighton Moss where I chatted to a nice couple from Wrexham, Denise and Steve (hope I've got your names right if you read this). Marsh Harrier's glided peacefully over the reeds looking for supper.  Lastly, I called in at the Eric Morecambe hide for sunset which was lovely end to a long day.

Redshank

If you would like an introduction to Birdwatching by having a guided walk around Marbury Country Park, just give me on a call on 07731 658 125 or send me an e mail at jgilly53@gmail.com

Start time arranged to suit you. The cost is £10 P/P.

 

If you would rather have a private day trip out around Cheshire, Wirral or North Wales,  Price for a full day for one person is £60.

Each additional guest is  £15 / person.  Max 3 guests.

Children under 16 go free.

Why not treat a loved one to a gift voucher for a future day out.

Contact: John Gilbody

e-mail: jgilly53@gmail.com 

Telephone  07731 658 125

 birdwatchingtoursnorthwest.com

Osprey

Osprey

16th August Ospreys
 
The Dyfi Osprey Project is one of Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust's flagship projects based on the Cors Dyfi Reserve near Machynlleth on the west coast of mid Wales.  Jon booked me in for a long drive to see these magnificent birds in all their glory and we not disappointed.

A very early start with a 6:30 am pick up arranged in Chester we set of on the long drive into mid Wales. Arriving before the reserve was open I drove down to a spot I knew where we could walk and get views of the birds without going into the reserve.

On the walk down to see them, Whitethroats, Chiff Chaffs, Stonechats, Blackcaps and Redstart were seen. Whilst out on the estuary Goosanders, Common and Green Sandpipers, Red Kites, Buzzards and lots of Little Egrets and Gulls.

Soon we were near the Ospreys and there they were on there man made nest sites. Once the scope was set up we were blessed with the best views of Ospreys I had ever had. Then as if that performance was not enough this magnificent bird drifted from its perch and flew right over our heads. It flew high and towards the hills and we later found out that that was its last day at its nest site. At that moment it had decided to start its long journey to Africa.


Another long drive up the west coast of Wales and we arrived in Anglesey by lunch time, Visiting a Tern colony we had stunning views of Arctic, Common and sandwich Tern as Mediterranean Gull.

Sandwich Tern

,

Arctic Tern

A great variety of birds were seen including Chough and Manx Shearwater but Jon's interest also was Butterfly's and wild flowers and he was not disappointed on this beautiful island.

Female Common Blue

Painted Lady

If you would like an introduction to Birdwatching by having a guided walk around Marbury Country Park, just give me on a call on 07731 658 125 or send me an e mail at jgilly53@gmail.com

Start time arranged to suit you. The cost is £10 P/P.

 

If you would rather have a private day trip out around Cheshire, Wirral or North Wales,  Price for a full day for one person is £60.

Each additional guest is  £15 / person.  Max 3 guests.

Children under 16 go free.

Why not treat a loved one to a gift voucher for a future day out.

Contact: John Gilbody

e-mail: jgilly53@gmail.com 

Telephone  07731 658 125

11th Aug, Southport

Another call from Mary and soon we were off and another "twitch" was in progress, as we went to Southport to see the Cattle Egret that had been reported there.

Out on the marshes Little Egret were plentiful and then I managed to find the bird we came for. The rare Cattle Egret walked out from underneath (yes you guessed it) the cattle and wandered around as if it owned the place. These can be told apart from the Little Egrets by their bright yellow bill. Although the bird stayed a good distance away, with the scope, Mary (and I ) were pleased with the views we got of the bird.

Cattle Egret with cows. Its the white dot in the middle, honestly.

The weather was dank and horrible but lots of Common Sandpipers were seen as well as Avocets, Black tailed Godwits and some Snipe and lots of Ducks.

If you would like an introduction to Birdwatching by having a guided walk around Marbury Country Park, just give me on a call on 07731 658 125 or send me an e mail at JGILLY53@GMAIL.COM 

Start time arranged to suit you. The cost is £10 P/P.

 

If you would rather have a private day trip out around Cheshire, Wirral or North Wales,  Price for a full day for one person is £60.

Each additional guest is  £15 / person. 
Max 3 guests.

Children under 16 go free.

Why not treat a loved one to a gift voucher for a future day out.     

Contact: John Gilbody: e-mail: jgilly53@gmail.com 

Telephone  07731 658 125

13th July Southport.

A trip to Southport was a great introduction for Alex and Maureen to see lots of birds close up and in good numbers.

Avocets with young were the first birds seen viewing from the comfort of the bird hide. This was a bonus as the weather was very windy and rain squalls were ever present. Huge numbers of Black Tailed Godwit were feeding and sleeping then whoosh, they all took flight s a Juvenile Peregrine Falcon swept through them trying for a late breakfast. The bird was not successful but great views of this magnificent hunter were had.

Juvenile Peregrine Falcon

Juvenile Peregrine Falcon and Black Tailed Godwits.

Little Grebe were very vocal as the young followed there parents round and round the small pool as young Shoveler and Tufted Duck shuffled cutely after their parents to.

Little Grebe feeding young

Scanning through all the birds Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails flicked around whilst a Reed Warbler gave splendid views landing on the wire fence in front of us. Waders included Ruff and Common Sandpiper.

Common Sandpiper

As we were about to leave Swallows in there hundreds started to amass on the fence wires and drank gracefully, scooping the water out from the pond in flight. This was right in front of the hide and it was pretty impressive to see.

Swallow

If you would like an introduction to Birdwatching by having a guided walk around Marbury Country Park, just give me on a call on 07731 658 125 or send me an e mail at JGILLY53@GMAIL.COM 

Start time arranged to suit you. The cost is £10 P/P.

 

If you would rather have a private day trip out around Cheshire, Wirral or North Wales,  Price for a full day for one person is £60.

Each additional guest is  £15 / person. 
Max 3 guests.

Children under 16 go free.

Why not treat a loved one to a gift voucher for a future day out.     

Contact: John Gilbody: e-mail: jgilly53@gmail.com 

Telephone  07731 658 125

11th July Lapwing Hall.

On a wet, cold and thoroughly miserable day, Mary asked me to take her to see the Black Necked Grebe which she had heard had been seen at Lapwing Hall Pool.

This was my first call for a "twitch" so of we went to see if we could find it. Wellington boots were in order as the track to the pool was sodden and full of water. Goldcrests called as we struggled along the track with the rain pouring down.

With good views over the pool and sheltering under the trees we scanned with our binoculars for the bird. Tufted Duck, Mallards, Little Grebes and Canada Geese were all found but no BNG. It was not looking good.

A Kingfisher flew past from one side to the other and a buzzard looked liked a drowned rat on an exposed branch of a tree. Still Goldcrests buzzed behind us in the trees whilst Willow Warblers and Chiff Chaffs kept the impression that it was summer. Finally we spotted the Black Necked Grebe.

Black Necked Grebe

We watched the bird dive and feed on small fish in amongst the Tufted Duck always challenging us to find it in the scope before going under again.

Soon we decided to call it a day as we were sodden but left with a smile after seeing such a delightful bird.

If you would like an introduction to Birdwatching by having a guided walk around Marbury Country Park, just give me on a call on 07731 658 125 or send me an e mail at JGILLY53@GMAIL.COM 

Start time arranged to suit you. The cost is £10 P/P.

 

If you would rather have a private day trip out around Cheshire, Wirral or North Wales,  Price for a full day for one person is £60.

Each additional guest is  £15 / person. 
Max 3 guests.

Children under 16 go free.

Why not treat a loved one to a gift voucher for a future day out.     

Contact: John Gilbody: e-mail: jgilly53@gmail.com 

Telephone  07731 658 125

4th July Marbury Walk.

I got a call from Bob who had walked round with me on the 6th June and with a friend of his, we had another wonderful day around MCP.

Starting at Anderton we idled our way down to the River Weaver encountering Tit flocks and Song and Mistle Thrushes. Around the pool Whitethroats were vying for space with the Chiff Chaffs and Blackcaps, whilst Moorhens cried out and walked like clowns in amongst the reeds.

Continuing along I noticed the distinct silhouette of a Peregrine Falcon sitting on the handrails on top of the Lime Kilns. Zooming on the bird with the scope, fantastic views were had as it gently preened in the sunshine.

Distant Peregrine Falcon

Along the river we heard again but did not see the Cettis Warbler or Reed Warbler but at Neaumans flash we had great views of the Reed Warbler as it climbed up and down on the reed stems.

Reed Warbler

Bob proved to me that he is a good pupil as we visited the Garden Warbler and Blackcap area and he was soon identifying the birds by song. Again good views were had and we were blessed with witnessing a Juvenile Garden Warbler on one of its first journeys out into the big wide world.

Garden Warbler

Finally the day was coming to the end but as we were thinking of leaving, the distinctive call of the Kingfisher made us look down at the mere edge. Sure enough in all its sparkling glory the bird showed well for us. A fitting end to a great day.

Kingfisher

 If you would like an introduction to Birdwatching by having a guided walk around Marbury Country Park, just give me on a call on 07731 658 125 or send me an e mail at JGILLY53@GMAIL.COM 

Start time arranged to suit you. The cost is £10 P/P.

 

If you would rather have a private day trip out around Cheshire, Wirral or North Wales,  Price for a full day for one person is £60.

Each additional guest is  £15 / person. 
Max 3 guests.

Children under 16 go free.

Why not treat a loved one to a gift voucher for a future day out.     

Contact: John Gilbody: e-mail: jgilly53@gmail.com 

Telephone  07731 658 125

27th June
Little Terns Galore

A half day trip to North Wales to see Little Terns proved a great day out. Little Terns breed in loose colonies and this part of North Wales hold good numbers of breeding birds. It is a well managed site but still prone to disturbance. The tide was out but birds were on the nests and others were feeding and trying get partners.

We were not disappointed as spectacular views were had of the birds. The distinctive sound of them was a constant as they flew around our heads, not only giving good views in our binoculars but landing on the sand giving us excellent scoping opportunities.

Not many other birds were present but Stonechats, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and Dunlin were also seen on the way to the colony and back to the car.

Here are some pictures of the Little Terns and the Dunlin in full summer plumage.

Little Tern

Little Terns exchanging food

Little Tern

Dunlin

If you would like an introduction to Birdwatching by having a guided walk around Marbury Country Park, just give me on a call on 07731 658 125 or send me an e mail at JGILLY53@GMAIL.COM 

Start time arranged to suit you. The cost is £10 P/P.

 

If you would rather have a private day trip out around Cheshire, Wirral or North Wales,  Price for a full day for one person is £60.

Each additional guest is  £15 / person. 
Max 3 guests.

Children under 16 go free.

Why not treat a loved one to a gift voucher for a future day out.     

Contact: John Gilbody: e-mail: jgilly53@gmail.com 

Telephone  07731 658 125