Mersey beat to winter Waxwing

My third and final site to visit was a garden by Orrell Water Park near Wigan. The journey took me within sight of the famous Liver Birds building before crossing the Mersey tunel past Anfield to Orrell. 

I parked up in the Water Park and made the two minute walk to a garden where a local birder had put out many local treats for the local birds and apples for Waxwings. 

As soon as I could see the tree there was a beautiful female bird sat feeding on one of the apples. I managed to get a few digiscoped images but was an effort making sure the house was not in the background. I think privacy of the resident is more important than getting the right light for a digiscope. 

The bird fed quietly and then went across into the park where I managed to get the top image with him sat up very high surveying the local area.

The journey home was a smooth two hours. A brilliant days birding with Hen Harriers, Long-eared Owl, Laughing Gull and Waxwing being the highlights.

Laughing Gull at New Brighton

Laughing Gull on pontoon

Fly past

New Brighton location

Marine Lake, New Brighton

Laughing Gull getting involved in corporate advertising

On his own on the pontoon

An idea for any birders heading this way

I do love a light house

With a reported Laughing Gull (first reported on 3rd February) within 25 minutes of Burton Mere Wetlands I thought it was well worth a try and I'd never seen one before. In all honesty I was expecting it could be hard work however within two minutes from getting out of car I picked the Gull up flying from the beach area to the Marine lake. 

In all honesty the bird is never going to win any beauty contests however it was interesting to note the contrast between the white rump and black tail. I was impressed with how the bird didn't want to associate with any of the other Gulls. Some of us just like our space at times.

This first winter Laughing Gull was the first seen in Cheshire since 2001 and has travelled from the arctic. There were plenty of birders and photographers of which I did notice a couple trying to bribe the bird to come closer with some chips and bread ! It was interesting a second winter bird was recorded across the Irish Sea.

With it being low tide there were no Purple Sandpipers around which was a shame but I did pick up a couple of year ticks with Oystercatcher and Turnstone.

Long-eared Owl at Burton Mere Wetlands

 Can you see me ?

Roosting Long-eared Owl

A great view of the reserve on the walk to the Owl location

The whole week I'd seen a Long-eared Owl reported at Burton Mere but would it play ball and hold out for my weekend visit as it was a species I'd never seen before. 

Arriving in the car park at around 8.30am the helpful member of staff marked my card as to where the Owl had been roosting. If was definatley a wellington boot type of walk along board and muddy patches. The walk is around 15 minutes if you have your foot down and perhaps 30 if you stop at all the great viewing screen and feeding stations.

Once I reached the railway line I turned left and started scanning all the hedgerows knowing the owl would be well disguised. I found the bird almost to the exact spot I was guided to and this beauty was probably only ten metres away. He didn't seem at all bothered by the coming and going of birders wanting to admire him or in fact the trains that were rushing past him on the other side of the hawthorn bush he was roosting in.

I wondered down to the hide where I observed the Ring-tail Harrier, Shelduck, Water Rail, Black-tailed Godwit, Pintail, Lapwing and a nice flock of Wigeon and Teal. 

Skydancing start to the day

 RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands

 Not quite sky dancing

Ring-tailed Harrier on right of frame

Hen Harrier close up from RSPB

Location map

A good forecast and a potential two lifers up on the Wirral convinced me of an away day on Saturday. An early morning alarm call to watch part of the first game of cricket world cup (England got totally outplayed in every department) before setting off up the M5/M6 to Cheshire. 

Arriving in Burton I headed to my usual spot that looked out over the wetlands. Three large skeins of Pink-footed Geese passed over heading to their feeding grounds whilst I lost count of number of Little Egrets looking for an early meal. The hedgerow behind contained a nice flock of Linnets and Goldfinches.

Then the fun started, not one but two Ring-tailed Hen Harriers came up from the marsh and started hunting. It was superb to watch these rare raptors through my telescope allowing me stunning view. They came together a couple of times showing their amazing agile flying skills. 

It wouldn't be long until these birds headed back to the moorland to try and breed, lets hope they head to an area where they won't get persecuted.

This is a great place to see Hen Harriers and is well worth the drive. From the main visitor centre I managed to watch one of those same ringtails hunt the reeds right in front of the centre. 

BBC Inside Out - Hen Harrier Facing Extinction

BTO Bird ID - Goshawk & Sparrowhawk

Owls and Kites in Cotswolds

Red Kite above Great Barrington

Always a great site

 Short-eared Owl

 Barn Owl

 Short-eared Owl

Double Trouble

After completing my airport drop off the serious good weather tempted me to head to the Cotswolds for a few hours of exploring. First stop was Great Barrington where I had a good search for a wintering Hen Harrier with no avail. The area was stunning and four Red Kites circled the fields. Other sightings included Kestrel, Buzzard and a Peregrine perched on the airfield mast.

I then made the short journey to Hawling to watch the fantastic Short-eared Owl's. They were already flying by the time I'd arrived so I opted to stay away from the crowds and watch from a small gap near the cross roads.

The decision paid dividends as the Owls started to hunt the edge of the long grass which enabled me to get a few record shots. The Owls even crossed over the roads on a number of occasions so you would wonder if the voles are now running low in the main field. The local Barn Owl then appeared and hunted right in front of me before battling with one of  the Short-ears for hunting rights. At one time the Barn Owl was in the grass only to be bombed by the Shortie. It was awesome viewing.