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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   

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