I got up nice and early this morning and made my way up to Hoylake. A good assortment of waders were around: Knot, Dunlin, Turnstone, Redshank, and Oystercatcher. Had absolutely stunning views of a Peregrine hunting over the beach, which was a nice bonus. Anyway, carried on towards West Kirby, where I connected with the Great Northern diver, happily diving around the marina again. Other birds of note were Red-breasted mergansers and a couple of Great crested grebes.
Great Northern Diver was still showing well
I then moved on to Thurstaston, where I connected with over 100 Pintails on the estuary and beautiful views of the Dee estuary whilst sitting down and having a nice coffee.
Looking towards Parkgate from Thurstaston
Next port of call was Heswall, where I had good views of Spotted redshank, Greenshank, Golden plover, and Pink-footed geese. Moving on down the estuary, I called in at Parkgate but saw no sign of any Hen harriers. The Short-eared owl was still showing at Burton Marsh but was distant, along with a Great white egret. The last place I visited was Burton RSPB, where the Green-winged teal was showing from the reception hide. A Marsh Harrier also showed well in the comfort of a nice warm hide, along with a Green sandpiper and a Water rail. I then walked around and got good views of Siskin and Redpoll. Two Jack snipes were distant from the Marsh covert hide. The Long-eared owl has now moved and isn't showing that well; apparently, it has been disturbed by idiots trying to get too close.
A walk over to Burton Marsh watchpoint produced another Short-eared owl, Bewick's, and Whooper swans.
Whooper and Bewick's swans were on Burton Marsh
A view looking over Burton RSPB
A cracking day birding on the Wirral, and nice to see so many familiar faces.
