Sarnies at the Point of Ayr ~ August 4th

Eight intrepid Liverpudlians joined the Burton Mere rangers on a trip to Point of Ayr on August 4^th. The aim was to see Sandwich terns resting up on their migration southwards,  as well as to learn more about the reserve situated across the water, on the far side of the Dee.  In the event, we were well rewarded on both counts, and the fact that the weather shifted from bright sun to drenching rain and back again in the space of a few hours just added to the diversity of wildlife on show.

Sandwich terns : www.cbwps.org.uk

Geoff Robinson explained that the saltmarsh at the Point is very unusual, being almost entirely covered in sea purslane, with patches of sea aster and seablite. This provides an excellent habitat for ground-nesting waders, as well as a rich supply of seeds for dabbling ducks such as teal, feeding in the creeks in winter.  Our walk began two hours before high tide, and as the water rose, large flocks of curlew, herring gulls and black-backed gulls were driven towards us, along with small groups of ringed plovers and dunlin, while a small flock of redshanks flew along a creek to the shoreline. A few whimbrel were also spotted, as well as a bar-tailed godwit, but an elusive greenshank avoided all our attempts to find it in the crowd. A burst of sunshine also brought numerous butterflies into view, flying over the grassy margins of the path, which being made of limestone was home to a wonderful variety of wildflowers.

The return walk unfortunately coincided with a real downpour, but nothing daunted we turned into the cafe at Talacre for a cup of tea, and set off again when the clouds had moved on. This time we headed in the opposite direction, towards the sanddunes, and were met with the sight of a good number of Sandwich terns perching on the fence posts, as well as preening on the ground amongst the gulls, and had an excellent opportunity to compare them for size and details with a single common tern, as well as numbers of little terns flying to and fro from their breeding ground.  This called for celebration, so we tucked into an excellent carrot cake provided by a thoughtful member of the group. A grey seal and a harbour porpoise swimming out in the bay added to the variety, and we passed by the ponds where natterjack toads have been successfully re-introduced.

The final treat was again due to the changeable weather: considerable numbers of swallows, martins and swifts suddenly appeared flying south down the estuary ahead of another storm cloud.  We cheered them on their journey, and followed their example, setting off for home ourselves before we got drenched again.