We walked down to the marsh as part of our allowed one period of exercise a day.I will highlight the species seen on our walk which avoided contact with other people doing likewise. No.6 tank was completely frozen over with adjacent waters no longer providing a sheltered refuge for wildfowl, presumably they have moved out to both the Mersey and Weaver Estuaries.
The Manchester Ship Canal was partly frozen on some parts that were near to the edges. A single 1 Great Crested Grebe, numerous Great Black-backed and Lesser Black-backed Gull with smaller numbers of Herring and Common Gull. The herd of 22 Whooper Swan had joined a herd of 11 Mute Swan on fields close to the estuary.
The salt marshes had hundreds of Canada Goose with 6 Barnacle and c200 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Great Egret, 5 Little Egret and a fly by Western Cattle Egret flying out to Ince pig farm on Kinsey Lane.
There were two Western Marsh Harrier quatering the reeds on No.6 tank while the weather deteriorated during the course of our walk. A Common Buzzard on No.5 tank watched while European Golden Plover in the field around it.
Observers: JS & WSM (images).
