There was nothing at all on the dried mud of No.6 but the ‘secluded pool’ still held a Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Snipe and a Sedge Warbler. Chiffchaff were moving through the elderberry bushes with a mixed flock of tit species.
The Splashing Pool’ held c200 Tufted Duck and Mallard which were on edge and flew off as soon as they caught sight of me. Above the path a few Swallow and House Martin were hawking overhead.
Onward to the Manchester Ship Canal path and a look over the Frodsham Score where c1000 Canada Goose were on the water with more Tufted Duck and Mallard. There were many more ducks on the salt marsh but these took flight which may have had something to do with a clay shoot taking place at Ince. Raven were out in force with 20 feeding on a sheep carcass on the score with many more riding in the breeze. Also noted were a single Little Egret and several Curlew on the marsh.
The Canal Pools were quiet with just Coot, Moorhen and 2 Common Snipe seen. A group of 7 Yellow Wagtail dropped down to feed on No.3 and a flock of c50 Black-tailed Godwit were on a scrape which still holds some water.
Raptors were scarce with just Common Buzzard and Kestrel being seen.
Observer and images: Paul Ralston.
