Rather wet and windy on the marsh this morning during the webs count at Ince tahnks to Storm Ciara.
The flooded field on Ince marsh fields held c80 Black-tailed Godwit, 28 Eurasian Curlew, 15 Eurasian Coot, 12 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 15 Mallard, 8 Gadwall and a single Mute Swan.
The other pools held 31 Mallard, 48 Eurasian Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 2 Grey Heron and 8 Little Egret in the field next to Ince berth.
Onto the Manchester Ship Canal and a flock of c60 Tufted Duck, c40 Eurasian Coot and a single Great Crested Grebe were noted.
The storm that sweeped the region caused havoc amongst the waders and geese and small flocks of European Golden Plover were flying west along the ship canal only inches above the water riding the less disturbed air while others took shelter on No.4 tank. Dunlin and Eurasian Oystercatcher were sheltering on the canal bank and even the Raven flocks found the wind too much and took shelter in the bushes on No.4 as well.
Meadow Pipit and several Eurasian Skylark were hiding in the grass and were only flushed when I walked close by. The tide covered the whole salt marsh and hundreds of Pink-footed Goose left and flew south to feed/shelter elsewhere.
The Mute Swan and Whooper Swan herd were still in their fields on Lordship Marsh. A large number of Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipit were again feeding in a field adjacent to the fertilizer plant and had a pair of Mistle Thrush for company.
Observer and images: Paul Ralston.
