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Happy New Year and January has started well with some good birds on show. 

With new work commitments I've only managed a few trips so far, but I have seen 86 species of bird so far.

First trip out was on the 2nd with an evening walk round MCP but the morning was just as good. Whilst visiting my Mother, Waxwings were a lovely splash of colour in the village of Barnton. There has been an influx of these birds this winter so now is the time to try and track them down.

Waxwing

Marbury CP proved just as rewarding with Goldeneye and Goosander on the mere with lots of Great Crested Grebe. Little Egrets were seen roosting in the trees with the Grey Herons, hopefully we may get some nesting there this year. Finally as dusk settled in, the cryptic plumage of the Bittern was finally spotted in the reed bed whilst a small but impressive murmuration of Starlings flew overhead. As I stomped through the mud back to the car I though I would try imitating a Tawny Owl's call, and it paid off again. A distant call in response was followed by an Owl swooping overhead and landing in the tree in front of me. My repeated calls ensured a good neck bending display as the Owl tried to find out where the call was coming from. Finally it worked out it was me and flew back into the woods but it left me with a very satisfied smile on my face.

A late walk around a local mere on the 7th was rewarded with a beautiful female Smew and a Red Crested Pochard and an even better Starling roost. The sky was one big mass of swooping screaming birds.

Next trip was the 9th with a trip along the North Wales coast. High tide was early so the birds were close in feeding amongst the pebbles as we arrived at my first port of call. Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Turnstone and Curlew were on show in good numbers whilst a small flock of Scoters flew close in to the shore.

Turnstone

Red Throated Divers and Shags were a welcome sight as the rain pelted down around me. Once the rain subsided (although it was still very cold and windy), a short drive to try and see Hawfinchs was not a hardship. Up to 10 birds were seen feeding high in the trees with sometimes upto three birds in the telescope at one time.

Finally to end the day a visit to an RSPB reserve to try and finally catch up with a Firecrest which usually winters there. Numerous visits in the past have resulted in no views and I was finally giving up hope when right in front of me, not one, but two birds appeared. My camera was in my bag by this time but one of the birds was teasing me by feeding right out in the open. After watching these stunning birds I tried to get a few snaps but apart from a few bad record shots, as quickly as they came into view they were gone.

Firecrest (out of focus record shot)

The next day I was lucky enough to have a few hours on the Wirral overlooking the vast salt marsh. Three Great White Egrets towered above the smaller Little Egrets spread out on the marsh. Two Marsh Harriers gracefully hung in the air looking for a last meal before roosting. A Merlin perched on various posts, moving from one to another as the crows would not let it settle. A Short Eared Owl later joined in the post hopping whilst far out on the marsh, Wigeon flew high in the sky, disturbed by the shooters tucked in low in the grassy tussocks, Spaniels going berserk by their side.

Not a bad few days birding.

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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