Subzero for the third day in a row over on the east coast, yet the new year celebrations at the outlaws are steadily gathering pace, like the juggernaut of excess they invariably are. Broke free for a frosty few hours today to hit Far Ings in the shadow of the Humber Bridge, where Redwings and Fieldfares battered the berries, Bullfinches remained coy and Cetti’s Warblers remained invisible.
Excellent performance from one of the wintering Bitterns though, Kingfisher zipped through and Marsh Harriers sailed by putting the willies up the wildfowl. Always a great site for the old carpet bag Bitterns in winter, there are 3 or 4 this year…wonder if Mere Sands has any yet?
Fine winter birding that quite took my mind off the Little Bustard at Brid…tempting certainly, although the memories of the ’96 bird on The Lizard remain vivid. I think that was the first time I’d seen a rare spark spontaneous applause as it flew past the ranks.
Happy days.
Right, time for a wash n brush up before re-engaging with the festive coal-face.
Hogmanay and shiny stuff to all.
Marshside – 03/01/15
1 x Great White Egret
1 x Sparrowhawk
3 x Pied Wagtail
150+ x Golden Plover
250+ x Pink Footed Geese
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It’s back – the RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch has started, with children across Merseyside peering out of their classroom windows to take part in the world’s biggest school wildlife survey.
Running from 5 January-13 February 2015, the survey encourages schoolchildren of all ages, and their teachers, to count the birds in their school grounds for one hour of one day. Each school’s findings will help the RSPB’s experts to build a picture of bird populations and monitor any changes.
Last year, more than 70,000 pupils and teachers across the UK took part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch, which revealed the blackbird as the most commonly seen bird in school grounds, with 85% of schools seeing an average of five.
Now the RSPB is looking forward to receiving this year’s school wildlife sightings, which also contribute to the results of the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch – the biggest wildlife survey in the world, which takes place on 24-25 January.
There is still time for schools to sign up to take part in the Birdwatch. Teachers, helpers or children don’t need to be experts to take part in the survey. Everything a teacher would need to plan a fantastic Birdwatch, and develop their children’s knowledge and interest in the birds they see everyday, is available to download, including guidance notes, recipes, things to make and counting charts.
For further information on Big Schools’ Birdwatch, visit rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch and for more information on the Big Garden Birdwatch, visit rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
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