Wetland Bird Survey Count for Heswall Shore - (Kindly provided by the Wirral Ranger Service), 8th December.
5 Great Crested Grebe, 29 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1,542 Shelduck, 910 Wigeon, 662 Teal, 140 Mallard, 540 Pintail, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 5,050 Oystercatcher, 41 Golden Plover, 398 Lapwing, 50 Knot, 1,100 Dunlin, 1,520 Black-tailed Godwit, 900 Curlew, 1,210 Redshank. 1 Merlin and 2 Peregrine also present. 

Waders on the West Kirby Shore high tide wader roost, counted by the Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens. Maximum counts for December, dates in brackets.
3,000 Oystercatcher (24th), 9,000 Dunlin (24th), 1,900 Bar-tailed Godwit (23rd), 635 Curlew (3rd), 800 Grey Plover (23rd), 250 Sanderling (23rd), 5,000 Knot (2nd), 100 Ringed Plover (7th) and 380 Redshank (8th).

A drake American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal and Smew were all at Inner Marsh Farm at the end of the month, the Green-winged Teal having been present all month.

26 Goldeneye and 14 Red-breasted Mergansers were the maximum counts on West Kirby Marine Lake, a slight increase of the former and decrease of the latter compared with December 2001. Brent Geese (all pale bellied) reached a maximum of 24 during the month, seen on Hilbre, Little Eye and West Kirby Shore. Also seen from Hilbre was a Velvet Scoter. An unusual spot for a sea duck, the rifle range pool at Shotwick held an immature Long-tailed Duck for several days. A small flock of 7 White-fronted Geese spent several days at the Warren fields near the Point of Ayr.

The cold weather in the middle of the month brought in plenty of waders with some spectacular views of large flocks of Dunlin and Knot. A count of 1,850 Black-tailed Godwits off Caldy was the highest count this winter on the English side of the estuary, and along that same stretch of shore 18,000 Oystercatchers were a magnificent sight at low tide. 20 Purple Sandpipers on Hilbre on the last day of the month was the highest count so far this winter, up to 8 more were seen at Wallasey. Also at Wallasey have been between 3 and 4 Snow Buntings, remaining very faithful to a small patch of beach and sea wall, just beyond the Lifeguard Station. 1,900 Bar-tailed Godwits was a high count for the roost at West Kirby although larger numbers have been seen at low tide at Leasowe.

The bird of the month was an immature Marsh Harrier at Parkgate, very unusual in winter. My records indicate the previous latest Marsh Harrier in Cheshire was on 1st December in 1994, the one this year first appeared on the 20th and stayed until Christmas Eve. Roosting nearby was a Hen Harrier (ringtail), which stayed all month giving great views as it came into roost in the reed beds. In recent years Hen Harriers have become quite scarce on the estuary, although there was one last year seen quite often hunting on Burton Marsh, but its roosting place was never discovered.

What to expect in January.
Large numbers of waders still present on the estuary and if we get a cold spell expect to see a good influx of Knot. A great place to see waders at low tide, including over 10,000 Oystercatchers and 1,000 Black-tailed Godwit is from the steps at Caldy Shore. Last winter was a poor one for Purple Sandpipers on Hilbre but there are signs that this winter is better, and they may reach as many as forty, if you can spot them among the rocks and seaweed!.

We have already had good numbers of Brent Geese on Hilbre last month and if they follow the pattern of the last two winters we would expect them to reach the high thirties, including a handful of the dark-bellied race. The drake Smew at Inner Marsh Farm will probably be joined by two or three more birds, including a redhead. We should be getting more Red-breasted Mergansers on West Kirby Marine Lake, may be as many as thirty on a good day.

Flint is a good spot to see birds at low tide with over 1,000 Black-tailed Godwits and many duck, mostly Wigeon and Pintail, loafing on the sand banks. Look out to for Twite and Ravens, both seen regularly at this location.

Forthcoming Events (organised by the Wirral Ranger Service, Flintshire Countryside Service and/or the RSPB):
All these events and walks have bird interest, even those not advertised specifically for birdwatching. No need to book for these events unless specified - please check below.

Saturday 4th  January, 11:00am, 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 River Bank Road car park, Lower Heswall. (HW 12:11, 9.5m) No need to book. For further details contact the RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Sunday 12th January 2:30pm - 4pm. North Wirral Coastal Park.
Join the Ranger for a walk around the North Wirral Coastal Park in search for winter birdlife, including wading birds and possibly Short-eared Owls. Please wear suitable warm clothing and footwear. Booking essential, ring 0151 648 4371.

Sunday 19th January 09:30am. Banks Road Birdwatch, Heswall. 
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 11:55, 9.1m) Meet at Banks Road car park, Lower Heswall, near Sheldrake's Restaurant. For further information tel. 0151 648 4371/3884

Saturday 25th January 9:30am - 11:30am. Big Garden Birdwatch.
Join the RSPB warden at Ness Gardens (between Neston and Burton) bird feeding station and learn all about garden birds and how to attract them to your garden. All welcome. Meet at Ness Gardens car park. No need to book. For more details tel. 0151 336 7681.

Sunday 26th January 10:30am - 12:30pm. Big Garden Birdwatch.
An event for younger birdwatchers! Join the Rangers at Wirral Country Park and take part in a survey of garden birds from the Visitor Centre Bird Hide at Thurstaston. Be prepared for wet weather! No need to book, for further information phone 0151 648 4371/3884.

Saturday 1st  February 9:30am. High Tide at Flint Foreshore. 
A feast of fantastic coastal birdwatching with large flocks of Black-tailed Godwit and Twite on the menu. Warm, waterproof clothing is recommended and Wellingtons are essential. 
(HW 11:17, 9.3m) No need to book. Meet at Flint Lifeboat Station car park. For further information, contact RSPB on 0151 336 7681. 

Sunday 2nd February 10:30am - 12:00noon. Wader Watch at King's Gap, Hoylake.
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.

Saturday 15th February 9:00am - 2:00pm.
Open Day at Deeside Naturalists Society Reserve, Connah's Quay
This members only reserve will be open to everyone for the day and visitors will be able to make use of the four hides and chat to the members about the reserve. Tea and coffee available (HW 10:17). Other open days are planned throughout the year. For more information contact DNS on 01352 716 273.

Sunday 16th February 10:00am - 12:00noon.
Feed the Birds at Wirral Country Park.
Help our feathered friends survive the winter by making a bird feeder to take home. The feeders only take a couple of minutes to make, but you can stock up on other bird food or buy a bird table or nest box from the Green Shop whilst you are here, or enjoy seeing birds feeding from the Wirral Country Park Bird Hide, Thurstaston. No need to book. For further information, phone 0151 648 4371/3884.

Note: Many of these forthcoming events are extracted from the 'Birdwatchers Diary 2003', which covers both the Dee and Mersey regions. Hard copies available from the visitor centre at Thurstaston, Wirral Country Park 0151 648 4371.