APRIL

Saturday 9th 11:00am (Cheshire)
Parkgate Birdwatch
Join the wardens on a spring tide birdwatch. 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 Gayton Sands Nature Reserve at Parkgate, close to The Boathouse pub (HW 12:33, 10.0m). For details contact the RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Wednesday 13th 6:30pm (Halton)
The Lost Lagoon Part 1
Come and visit an area normally out of bounds to the public. This special place holds a wealth of marshland birdlife. Access is difficult to the area and suitable footwear and clothing are essential. Binoculars available on request. Spaces limited. Meet at Wigg Island Community Park, Astmoor Road, Runcorn. Further ‘Lost Lagoon’ events will be held, at the same time, on Wed 11th May and Wed 15th June. For further information please phone 01928 583905.

Wednesday 20th 7:30pm (Chester)
Namibia: Land of Contrasts
A talk by Keith Offord to the RSPB Chester Group at St. Mary’s Centre, Chester. For more details phone 01829 782237.

Saturday 23rd 9:30am (Flintshire)
Flight of the Godwits
The RSPB Oakenholt Marsh reserve is one of the most important roost sites in the country for black-tailed godwits. Come and see these beautiful birds in their full, bright red, breeding plumage before they undertake their return migration to Iceland. Expect to see large numbers of other waders (HW 11:36, 9.1m). Please bring Wellingtons. No need to book. Meet at the Flint Lifeboat Station car park (next to Flint Castle). For further details, call 0151 336 7681.

Saturday 23rd 6:30pm (Cheshire)
Evening Special at Inner Marsh Farm RSPB Nature Reserve
Join the Warden for a relaxing evening stroll around the reserve in search of spring migrants. Finish the evening with cheese and wine. Tickets are £5.00 for members and £6.00 for non-members. Booking and further information contact the RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Sunday 24th 9:00am (Wirral)
Banks Road Birdwatch
Come and see the spectacle of several thousand-strong flocks of ducks and waders as they amass at the mouth and banks of the Heswall Gutter. Highlights include black-tailed godwits and golden plovers. (HW 12:11, 9.4m) Meet at Banks Road car park, Lower Heswall, near Sheldrake’s Restaurant. For further information tel. 0151 648 4371/3884.

Saturday 30th 5:00am – 7:00am (Runcorn)
Warblerville at Oxmoor LNR
The last few days of April and the first few days of May are an exciting time for birdwatchers as millions of summer migrants pour into the country. Catch up with these summer songsters at one of Halton’s best warbler sites. Numbers are limited so booking a place is essential. For more details phone the Wildspace Officer on 01928 583905.

MAY 

Sunday 1st 5:00am – 7:00am (Wirral)
Dawn Chorus for Commoners
Experience this magical time of day by listening to the variety of birdsong over Thurstaston Common and the woodlands of Royden Park. Light refreshments available afterwards. Booking essential. Phone 0151 648 4371/3884.

Sunday 1st 6:00am – 9:00am (Halton)
Lapwings and Larks
Celebrate dawn chorus day with an early morning walk to Hale Marsh – a magical time of day when birdsong is at its best and we get to see and hear skylark, lapwing, whitethroat, willow warbler and many other birds besides. An experience not to be missed. Meet at Pickerings Pasture LNR, Widnes. For further details contact Rob on 0151 425 4706.

Saturday 7th 6:30am (Cheshire)
Breakfast Birdwatch
Join the Warden for an early morning birdwatch at the RSPB Inner Marsh Farm reserve. The trees and bushes will be alive with bird song while lapwings display overhead. Costs inclusive of continental breakfast are £5.50 members and £6.50
non-members. Booking essential. Further details and tickets from the
RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Saturday 14th 10:00am – 5:00pm (Wirral)
Warblers Galore!
Put your eyes and ears to the test as we try to identify the many different species of warblers. There will also be a display of optics for birders by Calumet and Canon in the Visitor Centre. Bring a picnic and make a day of it. Meet at Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre. For more details phone 0151 648 4371/3884.

Saturday 21st May 10:00am & 2:00pm
(Cheshire)
“Meet the RSPB” at Inner Marsh Farm, Dee Estuary
This event is for non-RSPB members only and is an opportunity to find out about the work of the RSPB on the Dee Estuary, and to visit the reserve at Inner Marsh Farm. There will be an illustrated talk introducing the RSPB, followed by a tour of the reserve and a visit to the hide overlooking the wetland pools. Refreshments will be provided. The event is free of charge but spaces are limited. To book call the RSPB on 0151 336 6251.

Wednesday 25th 8:00pm–10:30pm (Wirral)
Evening Birdwatch
Join the Rangers for a leisurely birdwatch around Royden Park and parts of Thurstaston Common in search of birds that are active at this time of day. Sorry, no dogs. Please bring a torch, warm clothing and a pair of binoculars if you have one. Booking essential. Tel: 0151 648 4371/3884.

JUNE

Saturday 4th 1:30pm (Cheshire)
Orchid Spectacular at Inner Marsh Farm RSPB Nature Reserve
The reserve’s wetland fields become carpeted with marsh orchids in the spring. Join the Warden on a walk around this special part of the reserve not normally open to visitors. Learn about how we manage the reserve over afternoon tea. Booking essential. Tickets are £3.00 for members and £4.00 for non-members. For details and to book phone the RSPB on 0151 336 7681. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Sunday 5th 1:30pm (Cheshire)
Orchid Spectacular at Inner Marsh Farm RSPB Nature Reserve
A second opportunity to join the Warden on a walk around a special part of the reserve not normally open to visitors. Event followed by afternoon tea. Booking essential. Tickets: £3.00 members and £4.00 non-members. To book and for further details call the RSPB on 0151 336 7681. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Thursday 16th 8:30pm – 11:00pm (Wirral)
Night Owl Watch
A joint evening walk with the Wirral Barn Owl Trust and the Rangers to see and hear these birds of the night. There will be a short introduction by the Trust about their work in helping to save this beautiful bird. Booking essential. Tel: 0151 648 4371/3884.

Thursday 30th 8:00pm – 10:30pm (Wirral)
Night Owl Watch
Another chance to search for these beautiful but elusive birds. Booking essential. Tel: 0151 648 4371/3884.

JULY

Saturday 23rd 8:00pm (Cheshire)
Birds, Bats, Moths and BBQ
Join the RSPB staff at Burton Point Farm and delve into the world of the creatures of the night. Learn all about our nocturnal neighbours with
the local experts. Booking essential. Tickets are £6.50 for members and £7.50 for non-members. For booking and further information contact RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Sunday 24th 6:00am (Halton)
Lord of the Ringers (the sequel)
This ever popular event at Oxmoor LNR gets you intimately close to some of the most amazing migrant birds on the planet. An expert team of bird ringers shows you the fantastic variety of migrant species passing through Halton in late July, and gives you an insight into the incredible journeys they undertake. Numbers are strictly limited so booking is essential. Phone the Wildspace Officer on 01928 583905 or email Wildspace@halton.gov.uk

AUGUST

Sunday 7th 7:00am – 11:00am (Halton)
Sandpiper Saunter at Wigg Island
Journey along the upper Mersey Estuary in search of migrating waders including green and common sandpipers. The walk ends at the fabulous Moore Nature Reserve from where you will be returned to Wigg Island by mini-bus. For more details phone the Wildspace Officer on 01928 583905 or email Wildspace@halton.gov.uk

Sunday 7th 10:30am (Wirral)
Banks Road Birdwatch
One of the biggest roosts of redshank in the country occurs in the saltmarsh off Banks Road. Amongst the thousands of waders that are herded up in front of us by the tide, there is a good chance of seeing spotted redshank and curlew sandpiper (HW 13:36, 8.8m). Meet at Banks Road car park, Lower Heswall, near Sheldrake’s Restaurant. For further details, phone 0151 648 4371/3884.

Saturday 20th 9:30am (Flintshire)
High Tide at Point of Air
The spit and saltmarsh at the Point of Air are extremely important habitats for birds. They come alive at high tide with waders coming in to roost and ducks drift in on the tide to feed on the marsh. Join the RSPB Warden to watch the action as it unfolds (HW 12:15, 9.6m). No need to book. Meet at the end of Station Rd. Talacre. For further information contact the RSPB on
0151 336 7681.

Sunday 21st (Wirral)
Seabird Special at Hilbre Island
Join the Wirral RSPB local group on a trip to Hilbre Island in search of terns, skuas and other seabirds as they prepare for their autumn migration. For more details phone 0151 648 4371/3884.

Tuesday 23rd 6:30pm – 9:00pm (Halton)
Hale Duck Decoy
Hale Duck Decoy was constructed in the 17th century as a method for attracting and catching duck. Visit this unusual historic feature by guided tour. Booking is essential as places are limited. Tel: 0151 425 4706.

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 11th 10:30am (Flintshire)
Grebes at Greenfield
Join the RSPB Warden for a leisurely walk along the sea wall at Greenfield to see great -crested grebes as they fish in the low water channels. Finches and whinchats busily feed on the thistles and willowherbs while wheatears hop along the sea wall in front of us (LW 10:53, 2.8m). No need to book Meet at Greenfield Dock car park, off Dock Rd, Greenfield. For details tel. 0151 336 7681.

Saturday 17th 10:00am– 12:00noon (Wirral)
Wader Watch at King’s Gap
Join the Ranger and the Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens to see large numbers of waders at close quarters as they gather to roost with the rising tide. Beginners welcome. Please bring warm waterproof clothing and binoculars if you have them.
No need to book. Meet at King's Gap, Hoylake. For further information phone 0151 678 5488.

Monday 19th 11.45am (Wirral)
Rails of the River Bank
A fantastic place to see birds of the estuary. Huge flocks of ducks and waders swirl around in the sky while there’s always the chance of seeing a water rail as it’s flushed out of the saltmarsh by the rising tide. Meet at Riverbank Road car park which overlooks the Gayton Sands RSPB Nature Reserve at Lower Heswall. (HW 12:56, 10.0m) No need to book. For further details contact the RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Saturday 24th 6:00pm (Cheshire)
Egrets and Wine at Inner Marsh Farm
Help count little egrets flighting in to roost at the RSPB Inner Marsh Farm reserve. Up to 65 were counted last October – a record number! After this taxing work, finish the evening with cheese and wine. Tickets are £5.00 for members and £6.00 for non-members. For booking and further information phone the RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Sunday 25th 9:00am – 12:00noon (Halton)
Hawk Walk at Wigg Island
The upper Mersey Estuary is home to a wide variety of birds of prey. This walk takes in some of the best watchpoints along the estuary, as we search for raptors including harriers, peregrine falcons and merlins. For more details phone the Wildspace Officer on 01928 583905 or email Wildspace@halton.gov.uk

Sunday 25th 10:00am – 12:00noon (Wirral)
Birds along the Brook
A birdwatch by the Arrowe brook, where wagtails and herons can often be seen. The adjacent woodlands are home to nuthatches, treecreepers and three species of woodpecker. Join the Ranger on this special event suitable for all the family to enjoy. Meet at the Arrowe Brook car park off Arrowe Brook Road near Champion Spark Plugs. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Sorry, no dogs. Tel: 0151 648 4371/3884 for more details.

OCTOBER

Sunday 2nd 7:00am – 11:00am (Halton)
Migration Watch
As migration gets under way this part of the Mersey Estuary becomes an important crossing point for thousands of birds streaming south and, if we are lucky, a few early winter migrants moving down from colder climates in the north. Join us at this picturesque location for a great mornings birdwatching. Park in Hale village and meet at Hale Lighthouse. For further details contact Rob on 0151 425 4706.

Saturday 8th 11:00am (Wirral)
Shore Birds at Shorefields
Enjoy superb views of an astonishing array of species at this unusual and little known venue. Meet at Shorefields Road, New Ferry, near to the Great Eastern pub. No need to book. For further information phone 0151 327 1007.

Sunday 9th 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Halton)
Box Clever
Bird boxes are a great way to help our feathered friends raise a family in spring. Come along and make your own bird box and take it away to give your local birds a new home. Meet at Pickerings Pasture LNR. For further details contact Rob on 0151 425 4706.

Saturday 15th 7:00am (Cheshire)
Migration Watch and breakfast at Inner Marsh Farm RSPB Reserve
Passerine migration should be in full swing so why not join the Warden to witness the mass movement of finches, pipits, redwings and fieldfares as they move south as winter approaches. Please wear suitable warm clothing. Costs inclusive of continental
breakfast are £5.50 members and £6.50 non-members. Booking
essential. For
further information
phone the RSPB on
0151 336 7681.

Saturday 15th 7:30am – 11:30am (Halton)
The Scandin(Avian)Express
Catch the shuttle bus to our fully accessible migration watchpoint from where you will be able to see incoming migrants from the Scandinavian countries passing through. You can turn up any time throughout the morning, though the best migratory movements are usually during the first two hours after dawn. For more details phone the Wildspace Officer on 01928 583905 or email Wildspace@halton.gov.uk

Sunday 16th 8:00am (Halton)
Rip Tides and Redshanks
We journey along the trans-Pennine trail, taking in the sights and sounds of the fantastic Mersey Estuary bird life along the way. Our destination is the ‘narrows’ at the Ferry Tavern where there is a chance to see the ‘bore’ as the tide charges up-river. Following the opportunity for a refreshing drink in this historical building, you will be returned by mini-bus to Pickerings Pasture. Places are limited so booking is essential. For more details phone the Wildspace Officer on 01928 583905 or email Wildspace@halton.gov.uk

Monday 17th 10:45am (Wirral)
Rails of the River Bank
A fantastic place to see birds of the estuary. Huge flocks of ducks and waders swirl around in the sky while there’s always the chance of seeing a water rail as it’s flushed out of the saltmarsh by the rising tide. Expect to see merlin, peregrine and maybe short-eared owl. Meet at Riverbank Road car park which overlooks the Gayton Sands RSPB Nature Reserve at Lower Heswall. (HW 11:52, 9.8m) No need to book. For further details contact the RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Saturday 22nd 1:00pm – 3:30pm (Halton)
Hale Duck Decoy
Hale Duck Decoy, constructed in the 17th century as a method for attracting and catching duck, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and the only surviving example in the North West. Having recently been restored by Halton Borough Council it is now possible to visit this unusual historic feature. Booking is essential as places are limited. Tel: 0151 425 4706.

Sunday 23rd 5:00pm (Cheshire)
Parkgate Raptor Watch
Watch the elegant hen harriers come in to roost on the RSPB reserve at Gayton Sands. Other birds we hope to see include merlin, peregrine, sparrowhawk, short-eared owl and barn owl. Meet at the Old Baths car park, Parkgate, close to the Boathouse pub. For further details contact the RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Saturday 29th 10:00am–4:00pm (Cheshire)
RSPB Feed the Birds Day
Join the RSPB Warden at Ness Gardens to find out how you can help your garden birds survive through the winter. See the birds at the feeding station in the Gardens and learn about the different foods on which each species feeds.
Meet at Ness Gardens tearoom. For more information contact the
RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Saturday 29th 10:00am-5:00pm (Wirral)
RSPB Feed the Birds Day
Come along to Wirral Country Park Centre for information and advice on how to help our feathered friends throughout the winter months. For more details phone
0151 648 4371/3884.

NOVEMBER

Saturday 5th 10:30am (Flintshire)
High Tide at Point of Air
The spit and saltmarsh at the Point of Air are extremely important habitats for birds and they come alive at high tide with waders coming in to roost and ducks drifting in on the tide to feed on the marsh. Join the RSPB warden to watch the action as it unfolds (HW 12:38, 9.1m). No need to book. Meet at the end of Station Rd. Talacre. For further information contact RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Sunday 6th 10:00am – 1:00pm (Halton)
A Town House for Spud
Help a house sparrow! A bird box event with a difference – we are making terraced nesting boxes for house sparrows which like to nest in colonies, and as part of Halton’s support for urban biodiversity we will be giving the boxes away. Meet at Halton Sports car park. For more details phone the Wildspace Officer on 01928 583905 or email Wildspace@halton.gov.uk

Saturday 19th 10:00am (Wirral)
Banks Road Birdwatch
One of the best places on the estuary to get close-up views of a variety of waders including black-tailed godwit, knot, redshank and curlew as they amass along the banks of the Heswall Gutter (HW 12:56, 8.9 m). Meet at Banks Road car park, Lower Heswall, near Sheldrake’s Restaurant. For more details, tel. 0151 648 4371/3884.

Sunday 20th 3:00pm (Cheshire)
Parkgate Raptor Watch
Watch the elegant hen harriers come in to roost on the RSPB reserve at Gayton Sands. Other birds we hope to see include merlin, peregrine, sparrowhawk, short-eared owl and barn owl. Meet at the Old Baths car park, Parkgate, close to the Boathouse pub. For further details contact the RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

DECEMBER

Saturday 3rd 9:30am (Flintshire)
Flint High Tide Birdwatch
Join the RSPB Warden for great views across the RSPB reserve at Oakenholt. Marvel at the spectacular aerial display of the masses of waders that are disturbed from their roosting site on the saltmarsh by the rising tide. Expect to see black-tailed godwit, knot, dunlin and twite. Please bring Wellingtons (HW 12:05, 9.3m). No need to book. Meet at Flint Lifeboat Station car park. For further
information, contact the RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Sunday 4th 10:00am – 1:00pm (Halton)
Hale Duck Decoy
Hale Duck Decoy, constructed in the 17th century as a method for attracting and catching duck, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and the only surviving example in the North West. Having recently been restored by Halton Borough Council, it is now possible to visit this unusual historic feature. Booking is essential as places are limited. Tel: 0151 425 4706.

Saturday 10th 10:00am – 2:00pm (Halton)
A River Runs Through It!
Join this mini-bus tour of Halton’s fabulous riverside wildlife habitats, with its multitude of birds and mammals. The tour includes Hale Lighthouse, Oxmoor LNR, Wigg Island LNR as well as Pickering’s Pasture itself. Bring a packed lunch and a hot drink. Binoculars can be supplied. Places are limited so booking is essential. For more details phone the Wildspace Officer on 01928 583905 or email Wildspace@halton.gov.uk

Saturday 17th 9:00am (Wirral)
Banks Road Birdwatch
One of the best places on the estuary to get close-up views of a variety of waders including black-tailed godwit, knot, redshank and curlew as they amass along the banks of the Heswall Gutter (HW 12:05, 8.9 m). Meet at Banks Road car park, Lower Heswall, near Sheldrake’s Restaurant. For more details, tel. 0151 648 4371/3884.

Sunday 18th 2:30pm (Cheshire)
Parkgate Raptor Watch
Watch the elegant hen harriers come in to roost on the RSPB reserve at Gayton Sands. Other birds we hope to see include merlin, peregrine, sparrowhawk, short-eared owl and barn owl. Meet at the Old Baths car park, Parkgate, close to the Boathouse pub. For further details contact the RSPB on 0151 336 7681.