Its been a few weeks since my last blog but what a great few weeks they have been. The Monday morning walks have produced some great birds with the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker showing very well but starting to get more difficult to see as the leaves start filling the branches.

Gargeney

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

A pair of Garganey turned up at Haydens Pool delighting the crowd of onlookers whilst Yellow Wagtails have brightened up some dismal mornings with their bright yellow plumage.  

Yellow Wagtail

Swallows, Sand Martins, House Martins and a few swifts have been regular visitors over the mere. Sometimes hundreds of the first three have been seen.

A lovely male Goldeneye looked a lonesome figure out on Neaumans flash.

Sand Martin

Buzzards have been a frequent sight everywhere and we have had some marvellous views of this magnificent bird. Water Rails have squeaked like pigs in amongst the reed beds but still they have not shown themselves, much to everybody's disappointment. Waders have been a bit sparse this year with Oystercatcher Lapwing and Common Sandpiper being seen the most, whilst Dunlin, Little Ringed Plover, Curlew and Black Tailed Godwit are less frequent.

Common Buzzard

Common Sandpiper

It's Whimbrel time at the moment so now is a good time to see these passage migrants as they stop off at Marbury to refuel. Grey Wagtails are busy nest building whilst the equally colourful Wheatears join in the feeding on the grass fields amongst the Pied Wagtails. 

As spring is now here, the sound of Warbler song is filling the air, with Willow Warbler competing strongly with Chiff Chaff, and the first Garden Warbler  tested our hearing skills as it sang alongside the Blackcaps. 

Garden Warbler

Sedge Warbler

Whitethroats and Lesser Whitethroats  are easy to tell apart, but the Sedge and Reed Warblers are a lot harder. Of course all the regulars have been seen, with Nuthatches and Treecreepers doing their gymnastics on the trees.

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