After a last minute decision to switch location from Leasowe to Frodsham Marsh, me and Marc headed towards Cheshire in the hope of some ornithological goodies. With a myriad of spring specialities on offer at the marsh - Green-winged Teal, Ring Ouzel and Garganey to name a few. All of the following pictures are taken by Marc.
Nevertheless, we crossed the bridge over the M56 and arrived at the marsh at about quarter to 3. The first port of call was to be the paddock, which we both scanned to no avail. A few Blackbirds got the heart racing but me and Marc failed to turn one into a Ring Ouzel. Heading left towards the tanks, we carried on in the drizzle to the soundtrack of Chiffchaffs whilst Swallows flew overhead. A distant Marsh Harrier was a good addition to the day's list. After walking up the incline onto the path, we eventually arrived at the number six tank and decided to have a scan. Nothing of note was picked up on the water, however a male Blackcap provided some worthwhile entertainment.
We passed a couple of birders who confirmed that they had seen a couple of our target species - this kept our hopes up in the chilly weather. But things began to look up as we located 8 Little Gulls on the number six tank from a further viewpoint. 7 of the birds were in full summer plumage and their choice to remain on the deck allowed for some of the best views I've ever had of this pretty gull. I can only count a handful of times in which I have seen this species - so to see them so well at a regular haunt made it all the more sweeter.
Eventually, we were satisfied with our views of these birds so turned our attention to scanning a large flock of Black-tailed Godwit which had taken up a position on the right hand side of the tank. A solitary Dunlin was picked out and eventually we clocked 2 Ruff which were lingering close by. Eventually, we decided to head on towards the 'mitigation pools' where the Green-winged Teal had been reported earlier in the day. After hearing a few Cetti's warbler calls (but being typically unable to catch a glimpse of this elusive species) we arrived at the aforementioned pools. However, there was only a Shelduck and a couple of Eurasion Teal that had taken up residency on the body of water. The lack of any substantial flock of Teal certainly lowered our hopes, but nonetheless we trundled on towards the end of the path. An impressive flock of at least 7 Ravens kept us entertained, with 4 of the birds even feeding on a nearby sheep carcass.
Eventually, we arrived at the final destination - the Phalarope Pool. This time the birding gods were on our side as the drake Garganey revealed itself to us in all of its splendid glory! These were by far the best views I've ever had of this species - the two of us could hardly believe our fortune in experiencing such a close encounter. The bird stuck out like a sore thumb from the rest of the drab, brown ducks on the same pool.
Whilst Marc walked around the pool to catch a better glimpse, I managed to pick up a Little Ringed Plover one the far bank - yet another solid addition to the day's list. With Marc needing to be back at the station for 3, we decided that we better get a move on and head back. It was certainly difficult to drag myself away from such a stunning looking duck!
We headed back the same way that we came and thus decided to reinspect the same locations that we had seen on our way. The first port of call was the 'mitigation pools'. Marc was eagle-eyed and noticed that another bird had joined the teal. He raised his binoculars and gave the much hoped-for call of 'Green-Winged Teal!'. He wasn't lying! We'd struck lucky at the second time of asking as our target for the day had seemingly appeared from out of nowhere! Needless to say, the bird was a lifer for me and I was absolutely made up to see it. As had been the theme with the day, the bird also showed really well - making its vertical stripe extremely obvious with a pair of binoculars. This bird was made all the more sweeter having dipped a Green-Winged Teal at East Tilbury only a month prior!
After being happy with our filling of this scarcity, we decided we better head back to the station promptly in order to catch the train home. However, we made time for a quick second look at the number 6 tank, which was now devoid of any gulls whatsoever. But we certainly could not complain with our output for the day. Frodsham had found its spring form - providing a selection of species that would constitute a highly successful day out at any reserve in the country. What a great fleeting visit to an underrated reserve!
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