RSPB Burton Mere wetlands was my first point of call, I have enlisted as a volunteer and will hopefully be able to do at least one session a week there. I also popped down the road a mile or so to Burton marshes, where as many as 13 SEO's are being seen regularly, unfortunately on the day I visited although it had been sunny at about 3.30pm by 4.00pm it was raining and grey so no sightings or shots this time, but it holds great promise.
I have also obtained permission for a feeder station in an orchard owned by a very good childhood friend. I spent an hour or so setting up the feeders this morning. I want to add a few props over the next few days but again, I hope it holds good promise.
I haven't done much photography, Burton Mere has the same problems as a lot of other places that the hides are too far from the waters edge and face the wrong direction for most of the day. However I did manage a shot or two at a feeder station by the reception center.
Rats were the main visitors, with no less than 9 seen under the feeders.
with Chaffinch also being present.
There were lots of birds present at the site mind, BT Godwits in large numbers, Lapwings, Canada Geese, Teal, Shoveller, Gadwall, snipe, a Greenshank or two, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Goldfinch, Tits. etc. So i expect to get some shots from there.
The trip to Burton Marsh produced no SEO's as I said but if only the sun had been in the right place I would have had cracking Kestrel shots. Here is an example, wish she had been on the other side of me.
So, a promising start and lots more to explore, the whole of the Dee estuary offers some great birding chances, and of course Conwy RSPB, Martin mere, and Leighton Moss are all within about an hours drive of here. I am hoping for a great winter.
