Thirty members and
friends set off from Stockport for the society’s trip to the Saltholme RSPB
reserve. The outward coach journey was largely uneventful with brief views of Kestrel
and a sizable flock of Curlew in a field as we approached Middlesbrough.
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| Wheatear - Alan & Glo |
Arriving on the
reserve we quickly picked up on small passerines moving through the hedges and
shrubs adjacent to the visitor centre. Mark Walsh quickly picked out a Lesser
Whitethroat and Simon Gough a Cetti’s Warbler. Brief views were had of both
species. As we got our eye in, we identified Chiffchaff and Tree Sparrow
amongst the usual tit species. Juvenile Goldfinch begged food from the adults
and few more of the commoner species were noted.
On the adjacent
lake we viewed Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, juvenile
Common Tern and both Swallow and Sand Martin hawking for insects above the water.
Walking on to the sheep fields we were delighted to find at least three Yellow
Wagtail giving good views. More Goldfinch were present with the young birds
feeding on thistle seeds.
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| Saltholme Pool - Holly Page |
We arrived at
Saltholme Pool hide to discover a Merlin had just come through putting up all
the Lapwing and a flock of feral Barnacle Geese. At least two Merlin gave good
views for most members on and off throughout the day.
From the hide, out
on the pools, we identified Pochard, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted
Duck and Pintail. Around the edges were a handful of Little Egret. Little
Grebe, Coot and a large flock of Greylag Geese were also present. In the pool’s
muddy edges, we discovered a very smart Greenshank, daintily picking insects
from the substrate. A single Curlew and a handful of Dunlin and Ringed Plover
were also present.
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| Greenshank - Alan & Glo |
On the grassy
banks close to the hide we discovered a couple Wheatear feeding up before their
big journey south. Some members also found a Whinchat and Reed Bunting.
A quick stop at
Paddy’s pool hide produced a nice couple of Ruff, one individual showing very ginger
plumage. Juvenile Common Terns passed overhead. From the Phil Stead hide we had
a fly-by Green Sandpiper and a single of Snipe and Buzzard. Both Sparrowhawk
and Merlin were also seen from this hide.
A few of us took
the mile and a half walk from the reserve to Greatham Creek. Kestrel and
Sparrowhawk were seen on the way. Arriving at the viewing point we found many
grey and common seals as well as the very disappointing, and frustrating, new
viewing screen. All style over substance, the metal structure did more to
hamper viewing rather than aid it.
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| Greatham Creek - Holly Page |
The muddy areas
along the creeks held good numbers of Lapwing and Redshank with Curlew, Dunlin
and Ringed Plover present. Singles of Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit were found. There
was a large party of Great Black-backed Gull, both adult and juvenile birds, as
well as Herring and Black-headed Gull. Cormorant and Oystercatcher were also in
attendance. Linnet called from the margins and a couple flew over our heads.
The walk back to
the reserve added Long-tailed Tit and Robin to the day list. Small numbers of
Chiffchaff made their way through the roadside shrubs. Their distinctive
contact call making them easy to pick up on.
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| Small Tortoiseshell - Alan & Glo |
A quick scoping of
East Saltholme pool added Great Crested Grebe, along with the usual waterfowl.
The odd sight of a Black Swan chasing one of the resident Mutes was noteworthy,
but obviously of an escaped origin.
The highlight of
the return coach journey was the now traditional views of Red Kite in the Leeds
area.
Birds seen:
| Mute Swan | Ringed Plover | Pied Wagtail |
| Greylag Goose | Golden Plover | Yellow Wagtail |
| Canada Goose | Lapwing | Grey Wagtail |
| Barnacle Goose (f) | Knot | Dunnock |
| Mallard | Dunlin | Robin |
| Gadwall | Green Sandpiper | Wheatear |
| Pintail | Redshank | Whinchat |
| Shoveler | Greenshank | Blackbird |
| Wigeon | Black-tailed Godwit | Blackcap |
| Teal | Bar-tailed Godwit | Lesser Whitethroat |
| Pochard | Curlew | Cetti's Warbler |
| Tufted Duck | Snipe | Willow Warbler |
| Pheasant | Ruff | Chiffchaff |
| Little Grebe | Black-headed Gull | Great Tit |
| Great-crested Grebe | Herring Gull | Blue Tit |
| Cormorant | Great Black-backed Gull | Long-tailed Tit |
| Little Egret | Lesser Black-backed Gull | Magpie |
| Grey Heron | Common Tern | Jackdaw |
| Red Kite | Stock Dove | Carrion Crow |
| Sparrowhawk | Woodpigeon | Starling |
| Buzzard | Collared Dove | Tree Sparrow |
| Kestrel | Skylark | Chaffinch |
| Merlin | Sand Martin | Linnet |
| Moorhen | Swallow | Goldfinch |
| Coot | House Martin | Greenfinch |
| Oystercatcher | Meadow Pipit | Reed Bunting |
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