Summary

It was exactly one year ago that we visited this RSPB reserve on the Dee estuary. Just four members making the trip on that occasion. This time the weather was better; sunny and reasonably warm for the time of year.  Although the number of species counted was much the same, around one-third were different to those seen in 2022.

A pair of Treecreepers caught our attention early on.  Little Egrets appeared to be nest building in the tree tops at a distance but we also had close views of one from one of the hides.  Black-tailed Godwit were plentiful and in a range of plumages, varying from winter to full breeding. 

Mediterranean Gulls were clearly identifiable among the rather larger numbers of Black-headed. There were several songsters to be heard as we walked through the reserve, including Cetti’s and Reed Warbler, Robin and Wren. Towards the end of our stay House Martins and Sand Martins were spotted in the distance.

It was good to have a number of our newer members on the trip and all seemed to appreciate and enjoy the day.

Members participating:    16

Bird list (47 species seen and/or heard)

Little Grebe	Moorhen	Blackbird
Great Crested Grebe	Coot	Cetti’s Warbler
Little Egret	Avocet	Reed Warbler
Grey Heron	Lapwing	Chiffchaff
Greylag Goose	Knot	Willow Warbler
Canada Goose	Dunlin	Blue Tit
Shelduck	Black-tailed Godwit	Great Tit
Gadwall	Redshank	Nuthatch
Teal	Mediterranean Gull	Treecreeper
Mallard	Black-headed Gull	Magpie
Shoveler	Woodpigeon	Jackdaw
Tufted Duck	Sand Martin	Carrion Crow
Marsh Harrier	House Martin	Chaffinch
Sparrowhawk	Wren	Goldfinch
Buzzard	Robin	Reed Bunting
Pheasant	Stonechat