Managed to time my post high tide visit to Hesketh Out Marsh today with an outbreak of persistent autumn drizzle – the high water had moved most of the waders off anyway.
Still a flock of Avocets at the south end and two Great White Egrets were unfazed by the rising waters thanks to those long legs.
Squadrons of Little Egrets croaked past them as they carried on hunting.
A distant Marsh Harrier over the outer marsh and plenty of Swallows moving through, with calling Greenshank somewhere in the creeks.
Marshside was super quiet, and I found myself watching the growing number of Teal in the channel in front of Sandgrounders (it was either that or the Migrant Hawkers).
Some were quite dapper despite the state of their plumage – others were very much a work in progress…
Highlights from WeBS today Ainsdale-Birkdale we’re cracking juv Little Stint, juv Little Gull roosting with Terns after the tide, adult Kittiwake loitering at the top of the beach, 20k Knot, 640 Sandwich and 2 Common Tern. Yesterday a female
Goosander in the surf over the tide between Weld Road and Taggs Island. Kite Surfers were flushing everything even as far as Birkdale today, do they have free reign as to where they can go John?
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They don’t Chris. Kiters are not permitted north of Shore Rd so roosts are not disturbed. I will be bringing up the behaviour of the small group that headed north today when I get into the office tomorrow.
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Regarding kitesurfing at Ainsdale, I understand that it is restricted to a defined zone to the south of the beach access point and requires a permit. This activity is not permitted at all north of the beach parking area, which is described as a “nature sanctuary” on the Facebook page of the Ainsdale Kite Sports Club. John may be able to comment on the extent to which these restrictions are or can be enforced, bearing in mind the cuts to Council services and staff. It’s called austerity; apparently people voted for it.
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Your understanding of the defined kitesurfing zone situation is correct Phil.
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The juv Kittiwake still on the inland side of Formby by-pass north of the old Weld Blundell pub yesterday.
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