Half day trip to a Warrington Nature Reserve.

Friday 5th February

A half day tour of a local nature reserve near Warrington was booked for today and whilst the weather was cloudy, no rain was forecast for the morning. Magpies and Crows greeted us in the car park and overhead hundreds of gulls swirled around in the air. The first hide overlooked a small lake which held lots of Gulls and we quickly starting scanning through them. 95% were Black Headed Gulls with the remaining few Herring and Lesser Black Backed Gulls, but alas no Mediterranean Gulls were found. Male and Female Goldeneye  fed with purpose whilst Little and Great Crested Grebe mingled with the Tufted Ducks. 

We had heard that a Bittern was in the reeds at the far end of the reserve so we set off with hope and anticipation. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Long Tailed Tits kept us entertained on the way there. Once at the hide we settled for the long wait in the hope of a glimpse of the elusive brown bird.

Grey Heron were starting to congregate in the trees as their breeding season will soon commence.

Grey Herons

The call of the Kingfisher got our eyes moving and we were treated to some spectacular views of the bird as it perched in front of the hide.

Kingfisher

Pochard and Tufted Ducks gently paraded in front of us then the wait was justified as a Bittern came into view and flew in the distance above the reed bed. It was only for a few seconds but it's always a joy to see this rare reed dweller. A buzzard drifted over the reeds and we hoped it would spook the Bittern again but no luck, but the Kingfisher did come back to show its iridescent plumage to us again.

Bittern

 

The trip nearly over we ambled back to the car  stopping to scan the Gulls on the lakes and adding two Shoveler to the day's list. A quick stop off at the feeding station boosted the day's sightings and with two Great Spotted Woodpeckers jostling for the best peanuts we went home with a smile on our faces.

 

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