What is Etemophila alpestris’ common name? Is it Shorelark, Shore Lark or even Horned Lark – somebody make a decision!No matter, it was great to see two of them at the Point of Ayr this afternoon -accompanied too by a handful of lovely Snow Bunting. For a family of birds not exactly renowned for producing the most dazzling of species, the Shore Lark is the exception that proves the rule.
It has been a few years I believe since they last graced the Dee Estuary and being a new bird for me, I think it was well worth the wait – the colouration around the head is exquisite making for a very handsome little passerine.
Finally getting to see the birds feeding on the spit was a quite a relief as I had already spent two frustratingly wet hours trying to locate them. I had initially searched the section of beech west of the red flag towards and including Gronant and seen absolutely bugger all.
When I had practically given up the ghost, I noticed a few birders assembled on the spit just east of the car park – an area I had avoided when I arrived as birds were roosting – and headed over to explore.
Both the Snow Buntings and the Shore Larks were extremely confiding, although predictably not confiding enough for one photographer (minus binoculars) who decided to indulge in a game of ‘grandma’s footsteps’ with the birds. Fortunately they didn’t seem to mind too much and I watched them fastidiously probing around the strand line for around an hour.
The Snow Buntings probably appreciated their presence even more. Usually very much the focus of attention, I imagine they would probably be enjoying their time out of the spotlight for a change…
Until later.
P.S - I have just received an e-mail from Keith Duckers detailing a day's birding around the Wirral side of the Dee Estuary on Sunday, including the Parkgate Raptor Watch. I have added it into the comments section below - apparently there were 200 people at Parkgate in the evening! Thanks Keith.
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Burton Point
2 Stonechats (M & F)
100 x Greenfinches/Chaffinches/Goldfinches/Mipits
Inner Marsh Farm
1 x (possibly 2) wintering chiffchaffs along the footpath to the hide (only heard not seen)
Not much, but seen a flock of 20 Redwings by the bridge.
Barn (opposite hide @ Inner Marsh Farm)
5 (possibly more) x Yellowhammers along with various flocks of common finches feeding on the Sweetcorn crop.
1 x Common Buzzard
Leasowe Horse Paddocks
9 x Mistle Thrushes
50 x Linnets
6 x Pied Wagtails
3 x wintering Chiffchaffs (heard and seen)
10 x Goldfinches
Parkgate (Old Baths car park)
There must have been 200+ people there for Raptor watch plus a small contingent of volunteers/full time workers from the RSPB.
2 x Ring tailed Hen Harriers
6 x Short Eared Owls
1 x Barn Owl
1 x Merlin
2 x Kestrels
Many Little Egrets passed going to roost @ Inner Marsh Farm.
I was informed that 325 had been counted, going to roost!!!!
The Barn Owl got a vole and one of the Kestrels attacked it to try and get the Barn Owl to release its prey!!!
but it was not successful.
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