The first Wheatear of the Spring sprung out on the fields west of No.6 tank. The same two or another pair on and then flew overhead No.5 tank (TB). An additional male was along Straight Length Lane (PC/FD). Just after midday 6 Sand Martin flew east over No.3 tank.
Above image patrol boat HMS Biter and bottom image the HMS Express both sail along the Manchester Ship Canal below Marsh Farm.
Out on the shallow waters of No.6 tank were 3 Ruff, 250 Golden Plover, 50 Redshank, 100 Dunlin, 600 Black-tailed Godwit with some of these present on No.3 tank. Raptors included a Sparrowhawk over No.3 tank where a female Merlin was noted. On the Weaver Estuary 3 of the last Goldeneye were still present.
Due to the recent anti-social activity concerning off-road vehicles on the marsh the Police have stepped up their presence.
Observers: Tony Broome, Paul Crawley (images 1-4), Frank Duff.
Still present along Park Road by the modal boating lake was the albeit occasional Eastern (infused) Jackdaw which was with a Western form. Both have been paired up in the area for a couple of years now and it’s worth popping in to have a look if you’re in the area. Image of the same bird from 2015.
Observer and image: WSM.
