The Wirral - Parkgate and Burton Mere Wetlands

Teal (D Axford)

The Wirral - Parkgate and Burton Mere Wetlands

17^th February 2024

Weather: Bright, light rain later in the day

Members and friends: 25 Driver: Glenn

Yet another trip to the Wirral, but ever so slightly different from the norm this time as we completely missed out New Brighton. We headed straight to Parkgate, but as we would have arrived very early and certainly before most of the coffee shops had opened, we had a comfort stop at Chester Service Station just half an hour after setting off from the Gateway! I thought twice about breakfast at Chester as the only option was McDonalds and I did not want to abuse my palate so early in the day.

Great White Egret (J Wharton)

We arrived bright and early at Parkgate where there had been high tides during the week which reached the old sandstone wall, a rare occurrence these days due to the silting up of the Dee Estuary. There were many Egrets on display this morning, mostly of the ‘little’ variety but also many Great White Egrets whose population seems to have expanded massively in the last few years, in fact I would be bold enough to say that these days you cannot fail to see them. It seemed a little early in the day, and I deduced that my favoured raptor activity would not get going until a little later in the morning, so I decided to take a stroll to the Old Baths walking in the opposite direction to the Merlin that was being enjoyed by a few of the group.

Kestrel (A Barrett)

The Old Baths did produce something of interest, the high tides had clearly washed-up food for a mixed flock of Goldfinch and Linnets which flitted between the Salt Marsh and a path side tree giving great views. A Song Thrush reminded us that spring is just around the corner, indeed it felt like spring this morning for the first time in what had been a terribly wet winter generally.

Little Egret (D Axford)

Returning to Parkgate, all the optimism created by the spring like environment was quickly washed away when I paid a lifetime record of £7 for a bacon sandwich. Feeling like I had been a victim of a crime, I followed it up with a Parma Violet flavoured Ice Cream, an acquired taste and not one that I will repeat.

Marsh Harrier (A Barrett)

Raptors were few and far between today, Marsh Harriers were seen quartering the marsh but not the Hen Harriers that we had seen on previous visits. Colin found a Greenshank, nobody seemed to believe him, however I can vouch for the sighting and thoroughly enjoyed it. Jealousy perhaps?

Nuthatch (J Wharton)

Lunchtime saw us move on to Burton Mere Wetlands, where we were dropped off in the usual layby whilst Glenn did an impressive reversing manoeuvre to ensure we were facing the correct way for our departure later in the day. Our entry into the reserve seemed to go smoothly as our passes were checked as we filed through checkpoint Charlie.

Pink-Footed Goose (D Axford)

Instead of heading straight onto the main part of the reserve myself and Mrs Mossman went the opposite way to have a look over the farmland side of the reserve. A nervous looking Greylag Goose was surrounded by hundreds of Canada Geese and we spent a relaxing 20 minutes watching the feeding station which hosted a number of finches including Greenfinch, a sight which is getting scarcer these days unfortunately. Nearby, a new viewing area had been created looking across the reserve in a north-westerly direction which I liked as it meant the birds were not silhouetted as they are from the main reception area.

Pheasant (J Wharton)

Heading to the ‘Inner Marsh Farm’ section of the reserve we spent some time admiring a mixed flock of waders including Black-Tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin, Ruff and several Spotted Redshank, a nice surprise! The weather was closing in so we decided to head to the Café for a coffee, I soon wished I hadn’t, once the coffee was ordered, unlike most normal coffee shops, we were given a handheld device which would alert us when the coffee was ready. In my experience it takes about 3 to 4 minutes to make a couple of latte’s, usually done in the presence of the customer. After sitting down in an empty café for a good 10 minutes or so the device beeped! I went to the counter and collected our scalding hot coffee which duly removed all sense of taste for the rest of the day.