3,000 Mud-lovers - 19 February 2013

Today I did a low tide count on the Mersey shore-line between Garston Dock and Oglet Bay and found 3,000+ birds (not counting the many gulls). Early fog made counting quite difficult but it soon lifted, leaving a pleasant spring(ish) morning. Here are the numbers:

• Black-tailed Godwit (17)
• Buzzard (1)
• Canada Goose (2)
• Cormorant (1)
• Curlew (76)
• Dunlin (1,337)
• Grey Heron (1)
• Kestrel (1)
• Lapwing (75)
• Mallard (217)
• Oystercatcher (352)
• Raven (1)
• Redshank (461)
• Ringed Plover (14)
• Shelduck (212)
• Teal (248)
• Great Spotted Woodpecker (1)
• Green Woodpecker (1)

Also, a few hundred gulls, 50 Goldfinch, 200+ Woodpigeon, 100+ Crows, 10 Stock Dove, plus a few of Dunnock, Wren, Song Thrush and Reed Bunting.

OK it's not a fantastic species count, I know, but I won't grumble at seeing over 3,000 birds on my doorstep. Mersey magic!

Thank-you PK for helping at Oglet.

Oystercatchers on Garston Shore