Burton Mere

A nice Spring time visit to Burton Mere is always a good trip out. The sun was shining and the birds were nice and active on the reserve just by the Dee Estuary. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary this day, but it was nice to be out with no rain, snow or wind and good light.

I managed to add a few year ticks too, in the shape of Curlew, Pintail, Marsh Harrier and Oystercatcher. The elusive Cetti's Warbler was once again added to my 'Heard Only' list for the year.

This Dunnock was in fine voice in the warm sunshine.

A Little Egret on a fly past.

A Little Grebe with a fish almost as big as itself.

Some soon to be departed Pink-footed Geese flying over the marsh.

A very good looking Shelduck.

A Teal in the fantastic light.

Burton Mere

These pictures were taken last Spring on an a visit to the RSPB reserve at Burton Mere on the Wirral. Lots of different birds on show and making themselves visible.
One of the birds I'd set out to see was the Great White Egret. There have been a few on the Wirral in the last 24 months. Needless to say, this was one of the birds that was not playing ball on this day.

Just a head at the top of the tree.

Giving a slightly better view.

Little Grebe

Oystercatcher

Spotted Redshanks chilling out.

Little Grebe - Burton Mere

A visit to RSPB Burton Mere reserve is always enjoyable. There is usually some uncertainty as to what you might see. Quite often there are some very good rarities and always a good selection of waders. One bird you can pretty much guarantee though is a Little Grebe.  Not always easy to see or get good views of, due to its small size, it is quite reliable at Burton to get close to the reception hide.
This is where it appeared recently and I was able to enjoy some time just watching it dabble around the reeds.

Little Grebe

Little Grebes, I have found, are always difficult to get close enough to photograph. They are small, quick and pretty shy birds. So as soon as they catch sight of you they either dive under the water or shoot off and away from you as fast as they can.
Having said all that, I managed to quite close to some at Burton Mere RSPB reserve at the weekend. I managed to get some shots as they came close, and they weren't that interested in me for once.

Here's the young one. Not a very pretty looking thing, but sort of cute.

This one had more of it's winter outfit on.