Did a quick circuit down to the sheep enclosures and back from the office at Ainsdale at lunchtime today – the cold, grey morning didn’t bode well, but it wasn’t bad at all.
A fairly showy Grasshopper Warbler was reeling away within earshot of the office – one of three I heard as I strolled about, trying to photograph miniscule spring annuals for an article I’m writing.
Tiny, fiddly things, especially in a cold breeze, and while Rue Leaved Saxifrage, Early Forget Me Nots and Spring Vetch are all undeniably beautiful, I’ll take the Gropper every time.
A short distance down the path a superb male Whinchat was perched up looking miserable in the cold, but I was delighted to see it.
Great birds – you can never have too many Whinchats.
A few Swallows pushed through and Willow Warblers were singing away from the birch scrub.
At least five Whitethroats were singing on site too, but only two were bothering with display flights as the sun tried to break through and the temperatures rose a little.
A whistling Whimbrel moving north overhead was the icing on the cake – I’ll take that as a lunchbreak!!!
John Dempsey Birdblog 
It’s a noisy time of year, as our resident birds are joined by a variety of summer migrants, all of whom are busy preparing for another breeding season on our doorstep. Springtime is the best time of year to enjoy birdsong, and the RSPB Dee Estuary team are hosting two exciting events to help visitors learn more about the different songs that can be heard all around us.
“Birdsong and Breakfast” on Sunday 13 May offers the chance to discover a variety of warblers busily establishing breeding territories at this time of year, whilst the marsh is peppered with other summer migrants such as wheatears, and alive with the songs of skylarks and meadow pipits. This early morning walk provides an opportunity to see and hear Burton Marsh coming to life for the day in this busy time for nesting and migrating birds. Booking essential. Time: 7-10am. Cost: £15 (£12 RSPB members) which includes a cooked breakfast and drink at Nets Café.
“Birdsong for Beginners” on Sunday 27 May is the perfect time for less experienced birdwatchers to learn more about different bird songs in the woodland and around the reedbed at Burton Mere Wetlands. Get tips on identification and general advice about wildlife watching. This time of year, birds are particularly vocal as they sing to defend territories and attract a mate. Booking essential. Time: 8.30-10.30am. Cost: £10 (£8 RSPB members).
Venue: Birdsong and Breakfast – RSPB Burton Marsh, Station Road, Burton, Cheshire, CH64 0TG
Birdsong for Beginners – RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, Puddington Lane, Burton, Cheshire, CH64 5SF
Contact: For further details visit rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands To book, phone the visitor centre on 0151 353 2720 or email deeestuary@rspb.org.uk
LikeLike