Parking Revision at Parkgate

My blogging has slowed down a lot now that I am in my final GCSE year at high school, but last Sunday was an escape from all the hard work and a chance to enjoy some quality time with great friends and some very special birds.

Parkgate is an amazing place in any weather (even in the hail, wind, rain and sun we experienced over the course of a few hours).  That vast salt marsh is home and wintering ground to so many species and everywhere you look there is something to hone in on.

The marsh stretches for miles and every bit of light and cloud changes it's appearance and draws you into it.

After another season of Hen Harrier campaigning, it was great to enjoy views of the male and ringtail over wintering at Parkgate.  The male turned up shortly after we arrived and flew close to the edge of the incoming tide, whist the female turned up much later in the day, hunting closer to the promenade near one of the many pools on the marsh.  

Raptors were the highlight of the day, with more than just the Hen Harriers putting on a show; Marsh Harriers, Kestrels, Peregrine, Buzzard, Sparrow Hawk, Merlin and a Barn Owl all drifted in an out of view; some just giving a brief appearance, but still great to see.

The Great White Egrets were plentiful and a "blizzard" of Little Egrets were spread across the marsh. Pink Footed Geese flocked by and large mixed groups of finches dipped up and down throughout the day.

There was of course lots of catching up and talk about the Hen Harrier Days earlier in the year and some plans for next year. A few Hen Harrier cards were handed out of course and it was great to meet some blog friends like @NannyBirds.

The tide was no where near reaching the promenade wall, but it did flush the birds closer and gave us some great views. Who knows what species we missed in the middle of all that catching up!