Site menu:

 

Birdwatching Events for January to June 2009 are shown. Any changes or additions to these events will be shown in the forthcoming events section of the monthly newsletter on this web site. Events for the remainder of the year will be published here as soon as they are available, but also check the newsletter. These events are led either jointly or separately by the RSPB and local Ranger service.

January

Saturday 10th January 9:30am start
‘Birdwatch at King’s Gap, Hoylake’
Come along to Hoylake Foreshore and join members of the Coastal Rangers, the Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens and the RSPB and see what birds can be seen feeding on the outgoing tide. This event is suitable for all the family to enjoy. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Dress warmly and bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at King’s Gap on Hoylake Promenade. For further enquiries Tel: 0151 678 5488. HW 10am, 9.2m.


Tuesday 13th January 11:15am
Parkgate Birdwatch
High tide at Parkgate is the best time to discover the hidden treasures of the Dee Estuary RSPB reserve. As the sea covers the marsh many hundreds of waders and wildfowl will be brought closer to the shore, there should be good views of Short-eared Owls and various raptors, including Hen Harriers and Peregrines. If the tide reaches the wall, small mammals such as voles, shrews and possibly water rails are flushed out. Meet at the Old Baths car park overlooking the reserve at Parkgate, close to The Boat House pub (HW 12:40, 10.0m). No need to book.

Sunday 18th January 3pm
Parkgate Raptor Watch
Come along and watch birds of prey with the experts. See the graceful hen harriers coming in to roost on the RSPB reserve. Other birds of prey we hope to see are merlin, peregrine, sparrowhawk, short-eared owl and barn owl. Meet at the Old Baths car park, which overlooks the Dee Estuary RSPB Reserve at Parkgate, close to The Boat House pub. No need to book.

Wednesday 28th January 2009 9.30am start
Mud Matters
Join the Rangers as they follow the rising tide along Thurstaston Shore. As the channels and gullies of the mudflats fill many Redshank, Knot, Curlew and Dunlin will be forced into the open and Pintail will start to drift towards the Heswall Marshes. We will then return to the Visitor Centre via Heswall Fields and the Wirral Way where we will look for hedgerow and farmland birds.
No need to book. Meet at the Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre, Thurstaston.
For more info: (0151) 648 4371/3884.

Friday 30th January
‘Geese and Waders on Hilbre Island’
Join the Coastal Rangers and staff from the RSPB for a high tide visit to Hilbre Island. Among the usual species of wading birds, we should encounter Purple Sandpipers and also good numbers of Brent Geese. (Please note this is a high tide visit to Hilbre and we will be cut off from the mainland). There is a £2.50 charge for this event. Sorry no dogs. Please book early as there are limited places available. Tel: 0151 648 4371/3884.

Saturday 31st January
Guided Wildlife Walk around the Hoylake Langfields/Carr Fields (Hoylake end).
A walk will be led by Susan Craggs following the public footpaths from Hoylake to West Kirby across the Hoylake Langfields. Gilroy Nature Park will be visited including the adjacent flooded field which is usually full of waders and wildfowl. This area is rich in birdlife and includes roosting and feeding waders, wildfowl and numerous species of passerines which use the overgrown hedges and wet fields to feed on.
This wildlife rich farmland, part of the Green Belt, is currently under threat from development by Wirral Borough Council with plans to build a large 'Golf Resort', we believe this would include a sports complex and large Hotel - this is a chance to see what would be lost to what many locals think is an inappropriate development.
Parking is available in Hoylake Station Park and Ride, meet 1.30pm at Car Park entrance, return for about 4pm. Wellington boots are recommended, dogs must be kept on leads. Richard Smith for further details.

February

Saturday 7th February 2009, 10am to 4pm.
Wonderful Winter Wildfowl and Waders.
RSPB staff and volunteers will be in the car park at the north end of the Wirral Peninsula overlooking West Kirby Marine Lake with telescopes and binoculars to provide visitors with crystal clear views of the birds and other wildlife. There will be a wealth of information to offer visitors, plus the chance to send for a free ‘homes for wildlife’ pack that explains what people can do in their own gardens, however small, to help birds and wildlife. This is a joint event with the RSPB, Wirral Ranger Service and Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens. For more information ring 0151 336 7681.

Tuesday 10th February 2009 9am start
Mud’n’Marsh
Join the Rangers down at Banks Rd, Lower Heswall where the mudflats of the Dee meet the marsh for a high tide birdwatch (HW 1138hrs, 10.0m). From our elevated vantage point on the shore we will watch 1000’s of waders being forced off the mudflats by the rising tide and into the safety of the marsh. No need to book, meet at Banks Rd car park, Lower Heswall.
For more info: (0151) 648 4371/3884.


Tuesday 10th February 10:15am
Parkgate Birdwatch
High tide at Parkgate is the best time to discover the hidden treasures of the Dee Estuary RSPB reserve. As the sea covers the marsh many hundreds of waders and wildfowl will be brought closer to the shore, there should be good views of Short-eared Owls and various raptors, including Hen Harriers and Peregrines. If the tide reaches the wall, small mammals such as voles, shrews and possibly water rails are flushed out. Meet at the Old Baths car park overlooking the reserve at Parkgate, close to The Boat House pub (HW 11:38, 10.0m). No need to book.

Wednesday 11th February 11:00am
Parkgate Birdwatch
High tide at Parkgate is the best time to discover the hidden treasures of the Dee Estuary RSPB reserve. As the sea covers the marsh many hundreds of waders and wildfowl will be brought closer to the shore, there should be good views of Short-eared Owls and various raptors, including Hen Harriers and Peregrines. If the tide reaches the wall, small mammals such as voles, shrews and possibly water rails are flushed out. Meet at the Old Baths car park overlooking the reserve at Parkgate, close to The Boat House pub (HW 12:23, 10.1m). No need to book.

Thursday 12th February 11:45am
Parkgate Birdwatch
High tide at Parkgate is the best time to discover the hidden treasures of the Dee Estuary RSPB reserve. As the sea covers the marsh many hundreds of waders and wildfowl will be brought closer to the shore, there should be good views of Short-eared Owls and various raptors, including Hen Harriers and Peregrines. If the tide reaches the wall, small mammals such as voles, shrews and possibly water rails are flushed out. Meet at the Old Baths car park overlooking the reserve at Parkgate, close to The Boat House pub (HW 13:04, 10.0m). No need to book.

Saturday 14 February 2009
Guided Wildlife Walk around the Hoylake Langfields/Carr Fields (Meols end).
A walk will be led by Susan Craggs following the public footpaths between Meols and Saughall Massie Road. This area is rich in birdlife and includes roosting and feeding waders, wildfowl and numerous species of passerines which use the overgrown hedges and wet fields to feed on.
This wildlife rich farmland, part of the Green Belt, is currently under threat from development by Wirral Borough Council with plans to build a large 'Golf Resort', we believe this would include a sports complex and large Hotel - this is a chance to see what would be lost to what many locals think is an inappropriate development.
Parking is available near to Meols Station, meet 1.30pm at Fornall's Green Lane, Meols Station end (next to Meols end of Heron Road. Return for about 4pm. Wellington boots are recommended, dogs must be kept on leads. Richard Smith for further details.

Sunday 15th February 3pm
Parkgate Raptor Watch
Come along and watch birds of prey with the experts. See the graceful hen harriers coming in to roost on the RSPB reserve. Other birds of prey we hope to see are merlin, peregrine, sparrowhawk, short-eared owl and barn owl. Meet at the Old Baths car park, which overlooks the Dee Estuary RSPB Reserve at Parkgate, close to The Boat House pub. No need to book.

Saturday 28th February 11:00 am start (HW 1pm, 9.4m).
‘Birdwatch at King’s Gap, Hoylake’
Come along to Hoylake Foreshore and join members of the Coastal Rangers, the Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens and the RSPB and see what birds can be seen on the beach roosting during the high tide. This event is suitable for all the family to enjoy. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Dress warmly and bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at King’s Gap on Hoylake Promenade. For further enquiries Tel: 0151 678 5488.

March

Thursday 12th March 2009 9am start
Marsh Matters
Join the Rangers at Riverbank Rd car park to watch over the Dee Marshes as the tide sweeps in.
Watch for waders, ducks, raptors and maybe an elusive Water Rail or two!
No need to book, meet at Riverbank Rd car park, Lower Heswall (HW 1200hrs, 10.0m).
For more info: (0151) 648 4371/3884


Thursday 12th March 10.30am
Parkgate Birdwatch
High tide at Parkgate is the best time to discover the hidden treasures of the Dee Estuary RSPB reserve. If the tide reaches the wall, small mammals such as voles, shrews and possibly water rails are flushed out. Meet at the Old Baths car park overlooking the reserve at Parkgate, close to The Boat House pub (HW 1200hrs, 10.0m). No need to book.

Saturday 14th March 2009, 10am to 4pm.
Wonderful Winter Wildfowl and Waders.
RSPB staff and volunteers will be in the car park at the north end of the Wirral Peninsula overlooking West Kirby Marine Lake with telescopes and binoculars to provide visitors with crystal clear views of the birds and other wildlife. There will be a wealth of information to offer visitors, plus the chance to send for a free ‘homes for wildlife’ pack that explains what people can do in their own gardens, however small, to help birds and wildlife. This is a joint event with the RSPB, Wirral Ranger Service and Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens. For more information ring 0151 336 7681.

Sunday 22nd March 3pm
Parkgate Raptor Watch
Come along and watch birds of prey with the experts. See the graceful hen harriers coming in to roost on the RSPB reserve. Other birds of prey we hope to see are merlin, peregrine, sparrowhawk, short-eared owl and barn owl. Meet at the Old Baths car park, which overlooks the Dee Estuary RSPB Reserve at Parkgate, close to The Boat House pub. No need to book.

Saturday 28th March 2009, 10am to 4pm.
Wonderful Winter Wildfowl and Waders.
RSPB staff and volunteers will be in the car park at the north end of the Wirral Peninsula overlooking West Kirby Marine Lake with telescopes and binoculars to provide visitors with crystal clear views of the birds and other wildlife. There will be a wealth of information to offer visitors, plus the chance to send for a free ‘homes for wildlife’ pack that explains what people can do in their own gardens, however small, to help birds and wildlife. This is a joint event with the RSPB, Wirral Ranger Service and Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens. For more information ring 0151 336 7681.

April

Saturday 25th April, 9.30am start.
Migrants at Point of Ayr.
Join the RSPB experts this morning for a spot of birdwatching
(HT 12.00, 9.4m). Further information: RSPB – 0151 3367681.
Meeting point: Smugglers Inn car park. Free.

May and June

31st May and 28th June - Dragons and Damsels at Inner Marsh Farm (RSPB event).
£3.50 members, £4.50 non-members - Looking for the scarce red-eyed damselfly and many more.
Booking Essential - please ring 0151 3367681.

9th June - Wildlife Photography for beginners at Inner Marsh Farm (RSPB event).
£15 for the full day session which includes expert tuition and workshops by Ron Thomas ARPS
Booking Essential - please ring 0151 3367681.

13th and 14th June - Orchid Spectacular at Inner Marsh Farm (RSPB event).
£3.50 members, £4.50 non-members - Fantastic displays of the orchids at IMF.
Booking Essential - please ring 0151 3367681.

For further events please see the Monthly Newsletter.


The RSPB is a charitable organisation which relies heavily on the support of its members. You can join at any of the RSPB diary events or you can contact the Warden on 0151 336 7681. New members receive a free hand book packed with detailed illustrations and information, ‘Birds’ magazine and access to over 100 RSPB nature reserves throughout the UK – plus the knowledge that you will be helping to safeguard the future of Britain’s wildlife!

Return to top of page.