15th October 2017
Anglesey
The first weekend trip of the new season saw 6 members make the trip to Anglesey.
We met at Cemlyn Bay where the highlights were Shag, Razorbill, Manx Shearwater, Gannet, an early Goldeneye and Rock Pipit. We stayed here for a short time before moving to the Inland Sea at Four Mile Bridge where highlights included Wigeon, Redwing, Red Breasted Merganser and a single Red Necked Grebe.
We then moved on to the Range, a coastal, cliff-top heathland south of South Stack where we saw Raven, Stonechat and the highlight a juvenile Dotterel. After lunch we headed to South Stack where the only bird of note in fairly windy conditions was a Chough.
We travelled to Soldier’s Point on the edge of the Breakwater Country Park in Holyhead where we saw the undoubted star bird of the day in a juvenile Isabelline (Daurian) Shrike. After everybody had their fill of this rarity, we travelled to Penrhos NR where the highlights were a group of Pale-Bellied Brent Geese, Dunlin, Curlew and Bar-Tailed Godwit.
Our final destination was Malltraeth Marsh RSPB reserve near Holland Arms where we saw among other things Common Buzzard, Shoveler, Snipe and Black Tailed Godwit.
The weather stayed fine all day except for the high winds at South Stack. The tally for the day was 54 species.
Ray Evans
17th October 2019
Marshside & Martin Mere WWT
After a battering from the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia on the Monday, the forecasts showed that the worst of it would be over by our planned trip on Tuesday. 11 members met at the sand washing plant car park at Southport and walked to the Sandgrounders hide which was warm and comfortable to look over the marsh.
We got close up views of Black-tailed Godwit and lots of duck! (Teal, Shoveler, Shelduck, Wigeon). We had a very windy walk to Nel's hide but were rewarded by distant views of 5 Cattle Egret and a Little Stint.
We drove to Martin Mere for lunch and met up with the Aldridges. Andrew had counted the Pink -footed Geese and confirmed the count at 17,000. An amazing sight, the goose air traffic control had a hard job to avoid collisions as they whiffled down to land!! Only 2 Whoopers were seen, we thought that these 2 may have decided not to migrate due to injury.
Species count for the day was 43.
Stephen Williams
12th November 2017
Leighton Moss RSPB
Eight MCOS members turned up for a cold but sunny visit.
The group moved off to the causeway where the grit trays were located for Bearded Tit. Unfortunately, no birds were seen by the group but there had been good sightings earlier in the morning. Moving on to the Public hide large numbers of wild fowl were present, these included Pintail, Gadwall, Shoveler and Goldeneye. Star birds from this hide were three Cattle Egrets. On the walk down to the Lower hide there were excellent views of Marsh Tit while Siskin, Bullfinch and Tree Creeper were also present. When walking back to the car park for lunch, a Merlin flew overhead which brought the raptor species count to four.
After lunch, on the way to the Tim Jackson hide, a Water Rail dashed across the path and quickly disappeared into the reed bed. From the hide the 'bird of the day' was seen. A single Jack Snipe was showing very well and constantly demonstrated its diagnostic 'bobbing' movement.
Before moving on to the Morecambe hides Great White Egret and Little Egret were seen. From the path to the Allen hide a large flock of finches were seen feeding along the hedgerows, included in the flock were four Brambling. From the hide large numbers of wild fowl were seen including, Pink-feet Geese, and a Kingfisher was enjoying the afternoon sun while resting along the fence line.
Species count for the day was 69.
Graham Haspey
21st November 2017
Point of Ayr RSPB Talacre
Point of Ayr, Talacre 21st November 2017
Twelve members, including four new members, joined us for our visit to RSPB Point of Ayr. The walk was timed to coincide with an 8.4 m high tide at 12:34 so that the waders would be pushed close to the hide and this worked well. There was a lot of wind whipping up the waves, but this didn't bother the birds!
Fine sightings of a vast parcel of Oystercatchers, a herd of Curlew roosting on the saltmarsh, a flight of Cormorants, Pintail, both Godwits, Teal and Dunlin. Ian Bunker was very generous in letting us view through his scope.
Back to the carpark for lunch and rewarded by a Peregrine flying above us. Off to a new reserve run by N.Wales Wildlife Trust - Big Pool Wood only 1 mile away behind a riding school. We walked around the pool on a circular route through the woods. Not much seen, high winds, so this might be a better site in the Spring but very convenient for Talacre.
Public loos at Talacre closed, so plan to use those at Abakhan, Mostyn (by the big ship) next visit. 30 species total.
Stephen Williams
16th January 2018
Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB
Despite a varied forecast, we had a record 22 members join us at the Burton Mere Wetlands reserve, a new reserve for many.
The visitor centre was warm and comfortable with a comforting log fire burning brightly and we saw plenty of Teal, Shoveler, Little Egret plus a Peregrine and Marsh Harrier.
We walked to the Marsh Covert hide, released a trapped robin from inside the hide and saw lots of Curlew and Gadwall. Due to the high winds and windchill most didn't go as far as Burton Point but returned via the ponds where we got Siskin.
After eating our sandwiches in the visitor centre, some of us went to Parkgate Old Baths carpark where the cold and windchill made our stay short. Nevertheless, we got Great White Egret, Kestrel and Hen Harrier.
42 species total.
Stephen Williams
21st January 2018
North Wales Coast
Eleven members enjoyed the first trip of 2018 to North Wales. We all met at Llanfairfechan promenade and highlights here included Dipper, both Great Northern and Red-throated Divers, Common Scoter, Eider and Bar-tailed Godwit.
After a couple of hours we moved to the Spinnies nature reserve at Aberogwen. Highlights included a good number of Goldeneye and Wigeon, Slavonian Grebe, a further two male Eider close to shore, Greenshank, Red-breasted Merganser, Peregrine, and a mixed flock woodland birds at the feeders including Nuthatch.
We left the Spinnies and went to RSPB Conwy where we had our lunch. It was quite breezy at Conwy with the southerly wind funnelling down the valley directly into the reserve. Wildfowl highlights here included, Gadwall, Shoveler, Goosander, Pochard and a first winter male Scaup. Other birds of note were Stonechat, Siskin, Linnet and a Sparrowhawk.
It was a little more sheltered at Rhos Point and here we saw 4 Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone and Rock Pipit.
Our next port of call was Llanddulas where a Glaucous Gull was sitting obligingly on a post. Our last destination saw us at Pensarn looking offshore at the huge Scoter flock but we were unable to locate anything other than Common Scoter while a Sanderling was very close just over the sea wall. With the light fast diminishing we called it a day.
We managed a respectable 73 species on a cold January day.
Ray Evans
23rd - 25th February 2018
Mid Wales
Eighteen members enjoyed a weekend’s birding in Mid-Wales. We stayed at the Marine Hotel in Aberystwyth and were looked after very well with excellent food and service.
We met on Friday morning at the Arch carpark near Devil’s Bridge but with the strong easterly wind howling decided to move down to Hafod carpark on the edge of Cwm Ystwyth. A few Red Kites had been seen along the way from the cars but here we saw our first ‘real’ ones when we took a walk down in to the valley, which was a little more sheltered. Further highlights here included Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Raven, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song and Mistle Thrush. After lunch we drove down to Cors Caron and highlights here included Brambling, Nuthatch, Stonechat, Great White Egret, two over-wintering Green Sandpiper, Pintail, Little Egret, Goosander and Grey Wagtail. The cold weather put paid to our birding a little early and we all made our way to the hotel.
After an excellent breakfast on the Saturday morning we drove north to the village of Borth and to Ynyslas. The strong easterly wind on the exposed beach was biting and quite a few had to return to the cars within a few minutes. It also hampered the birding, but the highlights were Sanderling, Golden Plover, Red-breasted Merganser and undoubtedly the bird of the
weekend, the long-staying female King Eider sitting on a sand bar at the mouth of the River Leri. In the afternoon we visited the Kite feeding station at Bwlch Nant yr Arian nr Ponterwyd, where we took lunch. The wind was still blowing quite strongly down the valley but the sun was out. An amazing number of Kites turned up to feed – well in excess of 200. We took a walk around the small lake but there were very few birds in the gusty wind. We had a warming brew in the visitor centre and then returned to the hotel in Aberystwyth. After returning to Aberystwyth, we took a walk along a sheltered, sunny promenade and picked up Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Rock Pipit, winter plumaged Red-throated Diver and completed the afternoon by watching the spectacle of thousands of Starlings coming in to roost under the Pier.
After another excellent breakfast, we said our goodbyes to the hotel and travelled up to Ynyshir RSPB reserve near Machynlleth. The feeders there were full of woodland birds including Greenfinch, Siskin and Great Spotted Woodpecker. A walk down to the Marian Mawr hide yielded Bullfinch, Wigeon, Bar-tailed Godwit, Lapwing and Snipe and we then spent a little time at the Domen Las hide overlooking the river which was very productive with Goldeneye, Goosander, male and female Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier and Red Kite. After lunch back at the carpark, we had a walk through the woodland and highlights included Jay, Raven and a Woodcock for a few members of the group.
We ended up with 85 species over the weekend and although the weather was fine all the time the easterly wind was very cold and biting. We ended up with a list of good birds and everyone enjoyed their weekend’s birding. The two spectacles of the feeding Red Kite and the Starling murmuration at Aberystwyth will stay long in the minds.
Ray Evans
10th March 2018
Aber Falls
Eleven members met at the Aber Falls car park on a blue sky and sunshine day. We immediately got two dippers in the stream flowing close by and a Raven overhead. But birds were very thin on the way to the falls. No migrants yet. However, the falls were in full spate and were magnificent! Spray everywhere!
We were able to have our picnic on the benches at the car park and appreciated the high class loos nearby.
In the afternoon we visited the nearby Spinnies Reserve and added to our meagre count with waders and waterfowl on the Menai Straits at distance, tide out. Nice Goldcrest spotted in the hedge by Val. Only 24 species but a lovely day out.
Stephen Williams
1st May 2018
Red Rocks NR Hoylake / Leasowe Lighthouse
This was a delayed walk and we hit on a lovely sunny but windy day to Red Rocks on the Wirral which we hadn't visited for a long time.
Richard surprised us all by getting a sighting of an Osprey on passage earlier that day! Plenty of migrants in the bushes and reeds singing away and we had a very pleasant circular walk round the reserve. Great views of a female Kestrel hovering above us. The tide had just about come in when we returned to Hilbre point but no waders to be seen anywhere!!
So, we decamped to Leasowe Lighthouse for our picnic and were told of sightings of a Wheatear in the horse paddocks. The group failed to get them, but star bird spotter award goes to Hilary and Norman who found it independently and also a Whinchat!
The group got good views of a Whitethroat, Linnet and Chiffchaff on a circular walk by the hedgerows and finished back at the lighthouse before returning home. Richard went on to New Brighton with high hopes of Purple Sandpipers on the pontoon. A very pleasant outing. 25 species.
Stephen Williams
17th - 20th May 2018
Kent
Eighteen members enjoyed a weekend’s birding in Kent. We stayed at The Evenhill in Littlebourne, some 3 miles outside Canterbury, where we were well looked after by Frederick and all his friendly staff.
We met late on the Thursday morning at Paxton Pits near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire and highlights here included Garden Warbler, Swift, Hobby, Red Kite and Kingfisher and we also heard Nightingale, Green Woodpecker and Cuckoo. After some lunch we made our way down the A1 and back to the M25 motorway to travel south to Kent. After checking in at the hotel we then drove the short distance to Margate where we had excellent views of Ring-necked Parakeet at Northdown Park and we spent a short while on the cold windy seafront at Foreness Point where the highlights were Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Kittiwake. After getting back to our accommodation we had a lovely meal at the pub.
After an excellent breakfast the group travelled to Stodmarsh NNR close by and eventually convened at the carpark, some later than others due to a ‘dodgy post-code’ so they said. The highlights included brief views of Nightingale, Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tit, Common Sandpiper, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Cuckoo and Hobby. We then drove down to Pegwell Bay Country Park, had our lunch and birding highlights included Whitethroat, Linnet, Grey Plover and Sanderling. We then returned to Grove Ferry NNR, which is the north-east end of the reserve in the Stour Valley next to Stodmarsh. Highlights included Hobby, Turtle Dove (in flight) and excellent views of a Lesser Whitethroat, which normally skulk in hedgerows. We all had our evening meal again at the pub restaurant.
A few hardy souls ventured out before breakfast on the Saturday to Seaton Gravel Pits close by and highlights included Sparrowhawk, Ring-necked Parakeet, Kestrel with Nightingale and Cuckoo heard. Another hearty cooked breakfast was the order of the day, and we then set off down to the south coast to Dungeness. Highlights here were Stonechat, Gannet, Arctic and Common Tern, Wheatear and Denise with her sharp eyes spotted a Black Redstart in the power station compound. We also saw a very tame Fox and Harbour Porpoise. Moving to Dungeness RSPB reserve, we ate our lunch in the sunshine and birding highlights included Egyptian Goose, Greenshank, Common and Little Gull, Marsh Harrier and Yellow Wagtail. A quick search for a reported Hoopoe was unsuccessful.
We then travelled the few miles over the border into East Sussex and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve where there were many highlights including the bird of the trip, a Terek Sandpiper (a first for the society). Other highlights included Avocet, Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Mediterranean Gull, Knot and Little Tern. On our return to the hotel, a few of us ate at the restaurant.
After our last excellent breakfast and saying our goodbyes to our host and the staff we travelled north to Oare Marshes, near Faversham, a Kent Wildlife Trust reserve on the Swale. We birded around the East Flood first, losing a few members along the way who were moving on further afield. We were accompanied by the sound of the ubiquitous Marsh Frog. Birding highlights included Yellow Wagtail, Cetti’s Warbler, Black Tailed Godwit, Avocet, Little Egret, Mediterranean Gull, Green Woodpecker, Stock Dove and excellent perched views of Turtle Dove. After a late lunch we left for our journey home.
We ended up with 102 species over the weekend. The weather was pretty good most of the time, our accommodation was excellent and everyone enjoyed their weekend’s birding together with good company.
Ray Evans
22nd May 2018
RSPB Combes Valley & Rudyard Lake
We were lucky to have a beautiful sunny and warm day for the 8 members who visited RSPB Coombes Valley for our last midweek walk of the season. The meadows and woods were at their best and we very much enjoyed our visit.
At this time of year, the birds are hard to spot in the foliage, but we were delighted to have close views of a male Pied Flycatcher (bird of the day) singing his heart off at the top of a tree near the bridge. We followed the Valley Woodland trail through delightful swathes of bluebell back to the Information centre for a picnic lunch in the sunshine.
Next, we drove to the dam at Rudyard Lake for a well-deserved ice cream and were amazed to spot a grey wagtail in the trees. Unusual as we had only previously seen grey wagtail by water. 22 species.
Stephen Williams
10th June 2018
Blacktoft Sands & Fairburn Ings
Six MCOS members met at Blacktoft Sands. Weather conditions were calm and overcast.
Reed Warbler, Sedge Warblers and Cetti's Warbler were in great voice as the group moved to the hides where fair numbers of water fowl and waders were present. Ducks included Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon, Tufted and Shoveler. Pick of the Waders were Avocet and Little Ringed Plover. A single Spoonbill, Little Egret and Grey Heron were busy feeding in the margins where a Water Rail made a very brief appearance.
In the reedbeds a family of Bearded Tit were showing well and good numbers of Reed Buntings were frequently seen. Several Marsh Harriers were hunting over the reedbeds but sadly there was no sighting of the female Montagu's Harrier that had been present for some time on the reserve.
After lunch the group moved on to Fairburn Ings. First stop was the viewpoint for the Spoonbills that had bred successfully on the reserve. One chick had been confirmed by the wardens and further eggs were expected to hatch. Directly above the Spoonbill nest a Little Egret nest containing three good sized chicks could also be seen. Moving on to one of the hides, Sand Martins were seen nesting in an artificial nest hole bank.
A long trek in Sunny conditions was then undertaken to look for Black-necked Grebes which had also bred on the reserve. These birds were reported to be present on one the three coal tip pools. The first two pools drew a blank and doubts began to creep in as to whether the grebes would be found. As the third pool came into view grebes with young were spotted at a distance on the far side. Telescopes were quickly deployed but 'Little Grebe' was the outcome. Then the eagle-eyed member of the group, Paul, spotted two birds which were quickly confirmed as Black-necked Grebes.
As the group moved off to head back to the car park, 'eagle eye' spotted the bonus bird. A Bittern flew across the pool giving excellent views. which rounded off a very enjoyable day.
Total species seen: 57.
Graham Haspey