MORNINGS BIRDING IN LIVERPOOL

A few hours spent birding the Liverpool docklands today produced an outstanding reward, with excellent views of Jack Snipe in the dock area just south of Seaforth. It took little time to locate the first bird using thermal imaging, after which it performed impeccably, allowing prolonged and detailed observation. In total, three Jack Snipe were found during the session, all inhabiting muddy dockside margins.

They were accompanied by four Common Snipe, offering the opportunity to compare the two species side by side. All birds were actively feeding and exhibited their trademark skulking behaviour, relying on camouflage and immobility rather than flight. The Jack Snipe in particular demonstrated their characteristic reluctance to flush, remaining crouched and motionless until almost underfoot.

An excellent example of how careful coverage of overlooked urban wetlands can yield high-quality winter birding, especially when modern techniques such as thermal imaging are brought into play.

After leaving the docks, I moved on to Sefton Park, where the unmistakable calls of Ring-necked Parakeets were heard almost immediately on arrival. A total of 14 birds were noted, with several descending to feed at close range, providing excellent photographic opportunities as well as prolonged views.

The species now feels thoroughly established here, its noisy presence and confiding behaviour adding a distinctive urban flavour to the afternoon’s birding and neatly rounding off a highly productive day in Liverpool.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable morning of winter birding, serving as a timely reminder that even within heavily urbanised landscapes, a few hours spent outdoors can still deliver unexpected and rewarding encounters.