Summary

It was three years since we last visited this RSPB wetland reserve on the Dee estuary. The weather was cloudy with rain threatening.  A guided group headed west from the visitor centre so we initially went in the opposite direction – to the Bunker Hide; we didn’t linger as, with no windows, it was distinctly draughty. There was plenty to see from the Visitor Centre and the two main hides, with particularly good numbers of Shoveler, Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit.  Among the highlights were two Spotted Redshank, some Mediterranean Gulls and a Ruff.  It was also good to see both Cetti’s Warblers and Chiffchaff, more often than not just heard. Blackcap were easy to spot too. The rain came late morning but was never heavy and we were able to take shelter from it in the Border Hide.  Up to 4 Marsh Harriers were seen over the reeds.

Some members sampled the ‘new’ café; a stand-alone building delivered but not erected on our previous visit.

Members participating:    13

Bird list (54 species seen and/or heard)

Gadwall – Martyn Grandy

Black-tailed Godwit – Yvonne Hofer

Avocet – Martyn Grandy

Avocets – Yvonne Hofer

Shoveler – Martyn Grandy

Little Egret – Chris Byrne

Blackcap – Yvonne Hofer

Cetti’s Warbler – Yvonne Hofer