THE INTREPID SIX

Incoming Blue tit, for  Bullfinch rendezvous - R Blythe

Once upon a New Year’s Day, six intrepid bird watchers set out for Mere Sands Wood, where hangovers were put in abeyance.  Being keen we arrived before the staff, well the poor man had cycled in from Preston! 

Whilst waiting to get into the reserve Wood Pigeon, Rook, Great Tit, Magpie, Robin, Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Greenfinch, Collared Dove and Jackdaw, were spotted.  Refreshed and warmed up a little by a mug of Rosie lee, we saw on the freshly stocked feeders lots more, including Coal Tit and the gloriously colourful male and female Bullfinch.  A beautiful Great Spotted Woodpecker was also seen enjoying his breakfast.

We set out in the pouring rain and dashed from hide to hide – seeking warmth and shelter!!  We hoped for the alleged ‘showing well’ Water rail  but instead got noisy Canadian Geese, resplendent Goosanders, flighty Grey Herons, the inevitable Black Headed Gull, Shovelers, Coots and Shelduck or should that be Shedluck!? 

A dashing highlight was the turquoise flash of a Kingfisher speeding across the lake in front of the redwing hide - the Mere sands warden was ecstatic, no one had reported a sighting for over a month!

Between hides we spotted Reed Bunting, Robin’s, Dunnock and the noisy and charmingly pretty Goldfinch.

On our return to the centre, Cuppa Soup, Hot Chocolate and Tea was consumed - desperately needed to warm us all up, then yet another dash for five of the six intrepids, this time to Southport Marine Lake.  The wind by this time was rather blustery, and we got blown about but did manage to see some Greylag, Mute Swan a lovely Goldeneye, Herring Gull, Coot and the stunning Great Northern Diver in its winter plumage. 

Ross's goose -  N Prendergast

Still not satisfied we set off again, this time to Marshside.  A beautiful Ross’s Goose was just in front of the window eating its fill and having an occasional scratch!  Lapwing in their thousands were seen, one lone Long Tailed Duck, Pintail, Little Egret and Linnets rounded off a very wet but happy day with friends.  

Rhodie