A popular spot for birdwatching, the Dee Estuary area offers all sorts of delights for keen birdwatchers. Here are some of the species seen beyond the garden bird feeders so far this month.
1. Goosander
A trio of goosanders was seen at West Kirby Marine Lake on January 6th, and their number doubled to six the very next day at the same spot. Since then, between one and nine of the birds have been spied there, at Parkgate or around Hilbre Island.
2. Sandpiper
Various species of sandpiper have been seen lately at New Brighton Marine Lake, Queensferry and Hilbre. Up to eight purple sandpipers have been spotted at New Brighton Marine Lake, while visitors to Hilbre may have spied up to seven. Three common sandpipers have also been seen by the River Dee at Queensferry. A lone green sandpiper was also present at Burton Marsh between Net’s cafe and Harp Inn.
3. Short-eared owl
Three short-eared owls have been spotted at Heswall Golf Course more than once so far in January, and a sighting has also been reported at Denhall Quay.
4. Harrier
Like the sandpiper, several species of harrier have been seen in the area in January 2020, including both marsh and hen harriers at Heswall Marsh, and a number of the former at Parkgate and Neston Reedbed.
5. Water rail
This secretive bird has been seen and heard at Neston Reedbed, and two were spotted at Byron Mere Wetlands too.
6. Cetti’s warbler
This bird is notoriously difficult to see, but was heard at Burton Mere Wetlands on January 12.
