Today there was a forecast high Spring tide and a visit to Parkgate on the Dee Estuary seemed a good plan – we might all be locked-down again before the next Spring tide. Sadly the tide was not as high as forecast, courtesy of the high pressure over the UK and also a slight E wind. So there was no spectacle of wildfowl and waders making their way past to roost. There are always some birds to be seen and here are a few images from the day.
The Dee Estuary is known for thousands of overwintering Pink-footed Geese. There are quite a challenge to photograph as they usually fly over quite high in long skeins making it difficult to show their features.
Just about managed it with this one. Has the grey on forewing as does Greylag Goose, though it seems less pale and contrasting with the rest of the wing. The bill is the give-away. Much smaller and not orange – just occasionally with some orange marks. All geese can be identified by their calls.
Just this one Common Snipe was seen flying out of the marsh. The long straight bill and short almost dumpy appearance identify. In real life the erratic, evasive flight action is also distinctive.
A female Marsh Harrier quartering the marsh. White on the crown is just visible. A male has grey panel in the wing, contrasting with dark wing tips. In winter this site also attracts Hen Harriers. These can most easily be identified by their 'ring-tail' - a white band around the upper tail.
There was a very cooperative Mrs. Kestrel, clearly used to people and giving good view. On a favourite chimney here.
Do you ever get the feeling you are being watched?
Now she is watching for movement in the marsh – it is full of voles and other prey items.
While hovering the small feather at the bend on the leading-edge of the wing – the alula – is pushed forward to help the bird maintain control. Those of you with any aeronautical interest probably know that most aircraft have leading-edge slats on their wings that are deployed for landing and take-off. These are the equivalent of alula – they improve control at low airspeed.
Oops. Cut the wing-tip off.
A friendly pair of Stonechats were on tourist duty. The plumage difference between the sexes is less pronounced in winter. The male always has a dark, almost black, head. Here he is standing on a dead dock (
Rumex sp.) stem.
The more delicately marked female Stonechat.
And why not another view.
(Ed Wilson)
