The first birding outing of the month was to Burton Mere Wetlands. There had been reports of a female Garganey and several Spotted Redshanks. It was a warm and humid day but it was good to get out and we managed to get two good year ticks.
The boardwalk leading out to the barn was in need of repair so it was roped off so our options were a bit limited. We had a brief look on the scrape – quite hard at this time of year since all the plant life is really high and you often can’t see over the top down into the scrape.
The scrape was dominated by Black headed Gulls but there were a few Teal, some Tufted Ducks and Mallards etc. Nothing to write home about, though. With options restricted, we headed off in the direction of the Border Hide. The Marsh Covert Hide was lacking in interest with only the common species to see there. We walked down to the Bridge Screen but again not much to see with the exception of a Common Sandpiper – a year tick. Further along the track there were Cetti’s and Chiffchaffs calling and the odd Sedge Warbler was singing still.
Down at the Border Hide (Inner Marsh Farm) there was a bit more so see with the star attraction being seven Spotted Redshanks all in breeding plumage. I think this is the first time I have seen Spotted Redshanks in breeding plumage at Burton Mere Wetlands; I am more likely to see them there in the winter when they are grey rather than deep black. A single Common Redshank was nearby for comparison. The Spotted, though, needed patience because they were largely asleep, awakening only briefly for a quick shake of the feathers before tucking their bills back in their back feathers. There were also more Avocets there and a good number of Black tailed Godwits.
We headed back to reception and then drove off to Parkgate. As we drove along the prom a Great Egret flew along parallel with the car and we got the first of many Marsh Harriers that seemed to be following each other as they slowly moved from left to right looking for prey. There were Skylarks and Meadow Pipits and House Martin and Swallows as well. As we left we saw two Kestrels having an aerial scrap.
Our final stop was for a drink at the Harp Inn at Neston where we also saw Swifts, Goldfinches, House Sparrows and Swallows.
So, not too bad a day but these days just getting out and about is a great joy. Things are about to start opening up again after the great success of the Covid vaccination programme but you never know what will turn up next that might keep us indoors again. Fingers crossed.