The Wirral

The sun came out and I made an early start on the Wirral. I was hoping to see my first Wheatear of the year, but that didn't prove to be successful. However, as always in this area, there was plenty to see and I went home happy. 

Starting at Burton Marsh, there were plenty of Egrets (Great White and Little) to see. A Marsh Harrier flew over and Chiffchaffs, Song Thrush, Meadow Pipits and Reed Buntings provided a nice background chorus as I walked the path. There were still hundreds, if not thousands, of Pink-footed Geese out on the Marsh. Moving on to RSPB Burton Mere, I heard and then saw my first Willow Warbler of the year. Other firsts for 2026 included Spotted Redshanks and Med Gulls. All in all a very nice morning out in some very nice weather for a change.

Come with me on my walk here: 

Avocet

Black-tailed Godwit

Lapwing

Long-tailed Tit

Marsh Harrier

Mediterranean Gull (bottom centre) Common Gull to its left

Ruff

Water Vole

Willow Warbler

Burton Mere

 A visit to the Wirral is always good, and especially RSPB Burton Mere at this time of year. Waders are returning from their breeding grounds and in good numbers it seems this year. There have been high numbers of Curlew Sandpipers on site, and I managed to see a few. A real bonus was a Pectoral Sandpiper which had been found just moments before my arrival.

Pintails were on the water, as were some Wigeon, a real sign of the changing seasons. Lots of Snipe were good to watch as they probed the mud. Teal numbers were climbing too. A Great White Egret was close in to one of the viewing screens, and a lone Avocet was also good to see. There was a good supporting cast of Cetti's Warblers, Green Sandpipers, Mallards and Coots. 

A few of the Black-tailed Godwits that were on the reserve.

A Curlew Sandpiper (centre) and a Snipe to the left.

This Great White Egret gave me my closest ever views of one, from behind a screen.

A Pectoral Sandpiper (centre) with some Teal 

3 Ruff (to the right) and a Curlew Sandpiper on the left

Snipes Pool

Snipes Pool is more often than not 'quiet' whenever I stop to have a look at it when I am in Norfolk. Barring the usual Little Egrets, Mallard and Tufted Duck it has always seemed a little disappointing. This doesn't stop me looking every time, because you just never know.

A few weeks back I did my usual early morning pull in, in hope more than expectation. I was not disappointed on this occasion with a good few waders on it and some interesting birds in the trees around it.

A couple of Green Sandpipers were in amongst the cut reeds.

A nice juvenile Ruff

This Lesser Whitethroat was a nice surprise, just a shame it was so gloomy. Nice to watch through the binoculars at close quarters all the same.

A very obliging Water Rail stayed out in view for a few minutes, which is better than the few seconds you normally get, if you're lucky.

Three Common Sandpipers were also around.

RSPB - Blacktoft Sands

Plans had been made for a full days birding outing. We went a little further afield than normal, but with full justification. Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve sits on the banks of the river Ouse at the start of the Humber estuary. It has been widely reported that there have been a pair of Montagu's Harriers on site for a while. Britain's rarest breeding bird of prey, and a real stunner at that. We were fortunate to see both the male and female in flight for some time. It wasn't close up and I didn't attempt any photography. It was just a joy to be able to watch it through the binoculars. Another lifer for me.

There were plenty of other birds on show too, with Spotted Redshanks, Ruff, Avocets and lots more. A great reserve that I can highly recommend and one that I'll be returning too.

This is not my image, but was taken by birder Dave Adamson. This is the male.

Little Egrets were in good numbers across all of the pools.

The Marsh Harriers were really active. I had the pleasure of watching several food passes between the males and females.

There were good numbers of Ruff in varying plumages. Here is one with a white head, and an Avocet and Teal for company.

Spotted Redshank. 

An Avocet coming in to land, with some of the many Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwits and Lapwing behind.

Avocets in flight.

Looking a little Ruff

Ruff seem to be in very good numbers this year. Either that, or I've not paid enough attention previously. Each wetland site I've been to recently has oodles of them. Every time I look up and wonder "ooh what's that" the binoculars confirm its a Ruff. I suppose it could be a lot worse, they are actually a really lovely looking wader.
These pictures were taken at Titchwell last week, where once again there were lots.

 

Ruff - Martin Mere

After what seems like an eternity without getting out with the camera, a trip to Martin Mere was arranged with two birding friends. At this time of year, the wintering geese and swans are the main attraction at Martin Mere, but they aren't the only attraction. Several Ruff were around today, and although the light was pretty gloomy my new camera lens was able to capture this wader pretty well. Lovely plumage, and a always a pleasure to see parading along the shore line

Little Stint - Titchwell, Norfolk

One of my life time first birds seen in Norfolk was the Little Stint. At first it was seen with the aid of another kind birders scope, but a little later it was seen very close with the naked eye, and then my camera. A lovely little wading bird one that I won't forget in a hurry.

Also seen at Titchwell were a Ruff, Grey Plover and Common Redshank. Some pictures of these below.

Ruff

 

Grey Plover in lovely breeding plumage.

 

A Grey Plover as you would see outside of breeding season.

 

Common Redshank