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http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/marshside/about.aspx

Marshside is located where the sand dunes of the Sefton Coast give way to the salt-marshes, mud-flats and reclaimed land of the Ribble Estuary.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/marshside/about.aspx

Marshside is located where the sand dunes of the Sefton Coast give way to the salt-marshes, mud-flats and reclaimed land of the Ribble Estuary. The reserve was created when the sea wall at Southport was extended as far as Crossens, to give a sea defence, and extending Marine Drive (‘Coastal Road’) in 1974. It is managed by the RSPB and is reputed to be one of the best places for birdwatching on the internationally important Ribble Estuary, which holds more birds than any other estuary in the UK. Up to 40.000 birds in winter.

The reserve has some of the best lowland wet grassland in the north-west of England, including the habitats of swamp, saltmarsh and scrub. (Migrant hawker dragonflies patrol the ditches on sunny days). It is an important refuge in winter for Pink-footed geese, Wigeons, Black-tailed Godwits and Golden Plovers and in spring provides nesting places for Lapwings, Redshanks, Shovelers and Skylarks.

Possibly the most popular birds on the reserve are the Avocets, best known as the bird on the RSPB’s logo. These striking birds, can be seen foraging for food in the shallow waters and aggressively defending their nests and young. Avocets can be seen from early spring until autumn when they migrate to South Africa and Asia.

Marshside is a favourite haunt of Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and small numbers of Ruff. Other typical waders of the area are Snipe and Curlew. Rarer visitors are increasing in numbers – Little & Gt Egret, Spoonbill and Glossy ibis. Marsh Harrier and a variety of waders such as Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint are seen on passage. On the seashore Bar tailed Godwit, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Ringed and Grey Plover can be seen.

Birds of prey regularly hunt the area such as Peregrine, Merlin, Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl. Flocks of smaller birds which feed on the saltmarsh and scrub along Marine Drive include various finches & buntings, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Whitethroats and occasional Twite.

Hides and screens overlook the marshland, which has been enhanced by the digging of scrapes to help retain water in the summer. It is managed by cattle grazing every summer to keep the grass in good condition for breeding ducks – Garganey, Teal and Shoveler and waders Redshank, Lapwing, Ringed and Little Ringed Plover and the Avocets.

Other wildlife you may see are Hares ‘boxing’ in the early morning.

Sightings:  11.00 – 13.30, 02/03/2017.

HH@BTO