On golden pond in Cheshire
On golden pond in Cheshire
We headed east over the Welsh border and into Cheshire, don't worry not far, only an hours drive from home.
Our first stop was this stunning private reserve, where we are members
We did not have to wait long to see our main target bird, Black necked Grebes. From the very first hide we were thrilled to see an adult feeding a youngster. What stunning birds they are with their fan of golden feathers across their black faces, set off by a scarlet eye!
The reserve has a very well maintained network of paths between the hides
And the hides are very impressive!
We saw Black necked Grebes from all hides we visited
The grebes were a little far for our modest camera but hope you agree they are just super birds. The view through the Leica scope was amazing.
Of course there was lots more to see in addition to the star permormers, we also had a close encounter with a Peregrine as it swept past one of the hides. A Little ringed Plover fed on the shoreline, Pochard and Tufted Duck had young and there so many Gadwall we lost count.
Next stop was another of our favourite areas the Dee Estuary. We enjoyed a picnic lunch over looking the vast marshes. Here we enjoyed Reed Buntings and Sedge Warblers as a very fast Hobby swept across the sea of saltmarsh grass.
Full of wonderful cakes, homemade by Jayne, we headed over to RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands. From the first hide we enjoyed a great variety of waders and wildfowl. Over one hundred Black tailed Godwits were feeding close and looking lovely in the afternoon sunshine. Amongst the godwits we picked out five Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, two Ruff and two Avocets, cracking stuff.
A female Marsh Harrier was hunting over the fields beyound the lagoon. Stock Doves were also over these fields.
From the reception hide we enjoyed more waders adding a fine Green Sandpiper to our growing list. The female Marsh Harrier suddenly appeared very close to hide causing panic on the lagoon as birds fled ahead of the large raptor!
There was smaller wildlife to enjoy on the reserve too
A Comma Butterfly stops for a rest in the heat
This Blue tailed Damselfly was inside the reception hide.
Happy birders at the end of a very succesful tour!
We are running lots of day trips, weekends and longer tours throughout the year and we would love you to join us for great birds, great wildlife and great fun!
Perhaps you would like to join us on a visit to mid Wales to look for staggering numbers of Manx Shearwaters and raptors? Next trip with availibility is Sunday 4th August 2013.
Or perhaps a three day trip to Norfolk might tempt you? Come and join us at a great time for bird migration - 23rd - 25th September 2013.
We found this Baird's Sandpiper on last years September tour!
For details of these and all our trips simply drop us a line
info@thebiggesttwitch.com
We would love to put together a trip that is ideal for you.