Its been a quite few weeks since my last trip out but I've been busy finding new places to visit and checking out old favourites.

Out in the wilds of North Wales I was lucky enough to see a pair of Goshawks swooping in and out of the woods during their courtship display and it was great to the hear the "go back, go back" call of the Red Grouse whispering across the heather on the moors. If the sun is shining and the wind non existent the wild moors are the most beautiful place on earth to spend time.

(Poor shot of) Goshawks 

Closer to the walled city of Chester, a walk along the Dee gave fleeting and tantalizing views of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Along this stretch of water Mandarin Duck can be seen. These birds are very nervous so the view is normally of the birds flying away, but a brief glimpse of the male is always worth it.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker photographed last year.

Kingfishers are a welcome sight with their piping call alerting you before a stunning flash of blue and red shoots along the river. Siskin, Nuthatch, Treecreeper are always nice to see as well as an abundance of Long Tailed Tits feeding on the alders along the river bank. Big flocks of Chaffinch were feeding in the stubble fields and a few Brambling were amongst them

Siskin

Another walk I did was along the south west Wirral coast and its always a joy to do (admittedly very cold and wet on the day I visited), but here Water Pipit was seen amongst the Meadow Pipits and Grey wagtails, whilst Little Egrets were peppering the brown dull view of the marsh. In the distance hundreds of Pink Footed Geese blackened the sky. This is also a good place for raptors and a Merlin flying low over the marsh was great to see.

Its mothers day this weekend so if your stuck for an idea for present, send me an e mail or a call and I can arrange a voucher for her to be used later in the year.

Spring is in the air now and soon the summer migrants will be returning as well as (hopefully) the warmer weather. The sky and trees will be full of Swallows and Warblers so why not take the plunge a book a day out. There is no better way to enjoy spring than watching birds.

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