A really enjoyable outing was had by those that joined us at Hesketh Out Marsh, with a focus on looking for waders for the World Wader Watch we were taking part in.
We had barely left the car park before 'scopes were aimed at the fields South of the marsh. Many Whooper Swans were probing the soft mud for tasty treats, most likely left over crops such as potatoes or grain. Trying our best to study the beaks, we unfortunately couldn't turn any of the Whoopers into their now much rarer relatives the Bewick swan. Bewicks are seemingly not making the same migratory journey as often as they once did, mostly due to climate change. This means that milder winters in more northerly countries now provide a suitable wintering ground for them.
Once we'd had our swan fix satisfied, we began to notice our first waders of the day scattered amongst the swans in the same field. Lapwings, Golden Plover, Snipe and a couple of Curlew were fantastic to see, the Plover in particular very active with their "run-stop-peck" feeding technique.
As we headed further up the path, skeins of Pink-footed Geese noisily honked above us, most likely making their way to Martin Mere. The hedges surrounding us were full of the usual Robins, Blackbirds, Greenfinch and Dunnocks; but it was a group of Tree Sparrows that we enjoyed the most, their chestnut brown caps showing clearly in the early morning Autumnal sun.
Finally reaching the main viewing point at Hesketh Out Marsh, we instantly noticed the difference in the breeze now we were on higher ground, thankful for our warmer layers. Out on the pool below us we were greeted by several ducks, their "whistling" call revealing them to be Wigeon. A few Redshank probed the edges of the pool and three Black-tailed Godwits were observed preening at the back. A distant Great White Egret was seen, still a nice bird to see despite them becoming a more regular sighting in Lancashire.
It was at this point that the star bird of the day made it's appearance. Drifting gracefully, low over the marsh was a ringtail Hen Harrier. A beauty of a bird that's always very special to see. 'Our' ringtail was being mobbed by a couple of crows, so didn't stay for too long, but we all thoroughly enjoyed some great views of the Harrier as it glided out across the Marsh.
Moving slightly on to view the next pool, we added more birds such as a distant Avocet, a Buzzard and a very obliging Merlin that too help with it identification, flew to a much closer post for us all to see!
Before leaving, we decided to head back to the car park, and check out the pools to the East. New birds were added such a Little Grebe, Goosander, Pied Wagtail and Grey Plover. Just as we were thinking of heading back, the unmistakable flash of blue from a Kingfisher whizzed by us all, our 48th species of a very enjoyable morning.
We had barely left the car park before 'scopes were aimed at the fields South of the marsh. Many Whooper Swans were probing the soft mud for tasty treats, most likely left over crops such as potatoes or grain. Trying our best to study the beaks, we unfortunately couldn't turn any of the Whoopers into their now much rarer relatives the Bewick swan. Bewicks are seemingly not making the same migratory journey as often as they once did, mostly due to climate change. This means that milder winters in more northerly countries now provide a suitable wintering ground for them.
Once we'd had our swan fix satisfied, we began to notice our first waders of the day scattered amongst the swans in the same field. Lapwings, Golden Plover, Snipe and a couple of Curlew were fantastic to see, the Plover in particular very active with their "run-stop-peck" feeding technique.
As we headed further up the path, skeins of Pink-footed Geese noisily honked above us, most likely making their way to Martin Mere. The hedges surrounding us were full of the usual Robins, Blackbirds, Greenfinch and Dunnocks; but it was a group of Tree Sparrows that we enjoyed the most, their chestnut brown caps showing clearly in the early morning Autumnal sun.
Finally reaching the main viewing point at Hesketh Out Marsh, we instantly noticed the difference in the breeze now we were on higher ground, thankful for our warmer layers. Out on the pool below us we were greeted by several ducks, their "whistling" call revealing them to be Wigeon. A few Redshank probed the edges of the pool and three Black-tailed Godwits were observed preening at the back. A distant Great White Egret was seen, still a nice bird to see despite them becoming a more regular sighting in Lancashire.
It was at this point that the star bird of the day made it's appearance. Drifting gracefully, low over the marsh was a ringtail Hen Harrier. A beauty of a bird that's always very special to see. 'Our' ringtail was being mobbed by a couple of crows, so didn't stay for too long, but we all thoroughly enjoyed some great views of the Harrier as it glided out across the Marsh.
Moving slightly on to view the next pool, we added more birds such as a distant Avocet, a Buzzard and a very obliging Merlin that too help with it identification, flew to a much closer post for us all to see!
Before leaving, we decided to head back to the car park, and check out the pools to the East. New birds were added such a Little Grebe, Goosander, Pied Wagtail and Grey Plover. Just as we were thinking of heading back, the unmistakable flash of blue from a Kingfisher whizzed by us all, our 48th species of a very enjoyable morning.