Inner Marsh Farm - from the horse's mouth

[bradinho]

Hey,

Seeing as though I cannot find a thread specifically devoted to IMF I thought that I'd start one. I shall try:


post regular sightings
list events
give updates on news
answer any queries
well you get the picture, if you think of anything ask!


Today's birds include:

2 Curlew Sandpipers
6 Ruff
Ringtail H Harrier
at least 3 lesser whitethroats
spotted flycatcher

Later

[bradinho]

I knew this wood come in useful - we have just had a report of a Wood Sandpiper seen in front of hide!

[laesevets]

Inner Marsh Farm this evening,
Wood Sand,
Curlew Sand x2
Merlin female,
Ruff x7,
Hobby x2,
Marsh Harrier x2,
Little Egret x88.
SS........... images on my blog.
http://steveseal.blogspot.com/

[bradinho]

Nice one Steve!

Has been more of the same today!

[bartolli]

Nice photos Steve!

Could I ask what camera gear you use?

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Great thread. IMF is one of my favourite reserves and where I ended up joining the RSPB - any news on the extension?

[Preacherman]

Inner Marsh Farm this evening,
Wood Sand,
Curlew Sand x2
Merlin female,
Ruff x7,
Hobby x2,
Marsh Harrier x2,
Little Egret x88.
SS........... images on my blog.
http://steveseal.blogspot.com/

Hi Steve, just wanted to say thanks. What for? Well, I have just started bird watching and I treated myself to a Canon 500d and a Sigma 150-500 OS lens and went out with it yesterday. I wish I knew what I was doing. I want to know everything all on day one. Doesn't work like that, does it? Well, I just went on to your web page re. IMF and clicked on the "Photography for Beginners" link. Fantastic. Just what I have been looking for. Thanks again and I will come down to IMF week beginning 21st. God Bless. Paul.

[bradinho]

Great thread. IMF is one of my favourite reserves and where I ended up joining the RSPB - any news on the extension?

News on the extension is this - if you look from the bench(or path before) you can see over to the far side behind the pools. You may have noticed that several dithces have appeared - these were created by the RSPB's Rotary Ditcher(only one in Europe) in a matter of 5 days (convential methods est. to take 70 days) and they total over 4000m! Already they are filling up with water and have had birds move into them, the intention is for them to provide habitat for lapwing, redshank, snipe etc. This completes "Phase One" of the habitat creation next step is to create the large scrape/islands that will be in front/surround the hide...

[laesevets]

Inner Marsh Farm this evening, Wood Sand still present, Curlew Sands have now departed, female Marsh Harrier over back of the pool, and 8 Ruff on hide pool. Small number of Little Egrets were arriving when i left, and 2 Stonechat were along the top path .
Images on my blog.
Regards Steve...............:t:
http://steveseal.blogspot.com/

[John Barber]

Inner Marsh Farm, one of my favourite reserves. I'll follow the thread with interest.

PS I'm dying to see a Merlin, when is the best time to see one ?

[laesevets]

Merlin is around IMF, but you will have to put the time in to see it. Also Burton Marsh and nearby Parkgate are a good bet.
Steve ..........

[bradinho]

Anyone interested in mothing or want to learn?
Then book onto our upcoming moth night at Burton Mere.
www.rspb.org.uk/innermarshfarm and click the events tab for details

[Pitvar]

Excellent evening visit to IMF today saw:

2 Pec Sands [wondered why the car park was unusually busy when I arrived!]
Green Sand
Golden Plover
Lapwings
Greenshank
Redshank
Loads of teal and egrets

and a lifer for me a water rail - shot isn't going to win any prizes but had literally ten seconds to grab a shot and the camera was set for the Pec Sands in the sun when the Rail walked out in the shade:eek!:

[bradinho]

Sorry Guys and Gals,
I missed the Pec Sands - but I guess I have to have a day off!
At least somebody gor a shot - Nice one Pitvar!

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Excellent evening visit to IMF today saw:

2 Pec Sands [wondered why the car park was unusually busy when I arrived!]
Green Sand
Golden Plover
Lapwings
Greenshank
Redshank
Loads of teal and egrets

and a lifer for me a water rail - shot isn't going to win any prizes but had literally ten seconds to grab a shot and the camera was set for the Pec Sands in the sun when the Rail walked out in the shade:eek!:

Looks like things are going well. Pec shot is one I need :t:

[Cheshire Birder]

Excellent evening visit to IMF today saw:

2 Pec Sands [wondered why the car park was unusually busy when I arrived!]

....and a lifer for me a water rail - shot isn't going to win any prizes but had literally ten seconds to grab a shot and the camera was set for the Pec Sands in the sun when the Rail walked out in the shade:eek!:

What time were you there? I came down in the evening and was present till they flew off at 6.30pm. Congrats on the Water Rail. :t:

Looks like things are going well. Pec shot is one I need :t:

I managed a couple of record shots myself. Not as good as Pitvars tho. The best ever shot i've had of Pec were on Scilly in the late 1990's. The bird actually walked underneath the hide where I was watching it. That was awesome!!!

CB

[Cheshire Birder]

Forgot to say - Marsh Harrier roosting at Parkgate just before I was about to leave.

CB

[Pitvar]

Thanks all.

Hi Marcus I was listening honest: left ISO at 200 and got 1/500 at f5.6 for some shots (300mm plus 2x to get 600mm) There were some pro photographers leaving as I arrived so they must have got some ace shots...

CB I was about 4th from the left - did we leave at the same time as well as being the last two at Parkgate watching the egrets fly in - unless you were the bloke in the Range Rover with the 4ft camera lens?? I would have said hello and thanks for all the help on here if I'd known!

Bradinho there are some really helpful people at IMF despite my beginners questions, always enjoy spending some time there.

[Cheshire Birder]

Thanks all.

CB I was about 4th from the left - did we leave at the same time as well as being the last two at Parkgate watching the egrets fly in - unless you were the bloke in the Range Rover with the 4ft camera lens?? I would have said hello and thanks for all the help on here if I'd known!



I was next to the guy in the range rover. Yes i think we did leave IMF at the same time. You are my 4th BF member i've met, although i didnt know it at the time. The last two i met at the sabs gull but again didnt find out till later that they were BF members.

CB

[bradinho]

The Pec Sands were seen for about an hour on Monday...no sign today though.

Anybody had a record of a Redwing on the reserve yet?

Pitvar - thanks for the positive comments I shall pass them on.

[Cheshire Birder]

Anybody had a record of a Redwing on the reserve yet?


Still a bit early for them first dates normally last week of Sept but having said that quite a few reported in Lancs and Manchester during last few days

CB

[PhilW]

Two Pec Sands were a good find! Lying snoozing in the garden when I got the call. Apparantely a silted-up sluice on the other side of the railway embankment has now been cleared allowing a lower water level to be maintained. IMF has had a good run of waders recently - as well as the Pecs theres been the two Wood & Curlew Sandpipers. All we need now is Anglesey's Baird's to make an appearance. Although with Baird's claimed annually it'll be a brave person who rings Colin & gets him out of bed!!!;)

[Rob Smallwood]

[QUOTE=PhilW;1588756]Lying snoozing in the garden when I got the call. QUOTE]

Working the local patch hard you mean... ;)

[PhilW]

[QUOTE=PhilW;1588756]Lying snoozing in the garden when I got the call. QUOTE]

Working the local patch hard you mean... ;)

best way to study visible migration..............................;)

[bradinho]

2 Pec Sands have put in an appearance today briefly before flying off to the marsh (or did they land on No1?) along with a Curlew Sandpiper.

Spotted Flycatcher seen along path to hide.

[Cheshire Birder]

2 Pec Sands have put in an appearance today briefly before flying off to the marsh (or did they land on No1?) along with a Curlew Sandpiper.

Spotted Flycatcher seen along path to hide.

Might have to make a visit again for them!

CB

[bradinho]

www.deeestuary.co.uk showing curlew sand again today

[bitterntwisted]

www.deeestuary.co.uk (http://www.deeestuary.co.uk) showing curlew sand again today

They were on the back pool from the hide and views not great. Merlin belting through was great, though, and Water Rail showing well in front of the hide. Great reserve.

Graham

[Rob Smallwood]

Some photos from Friday - also present Hobby, 11+ Greenshank, 2 Green Sand but missed the PC's

[Rob Smallwood]

PS - if ever a hide needed a sign saying "keep your voices down, don't point your hand or long lens out of the hide and shuffle up to make room for newcomers" this is it - great reserve but some really dodgy practices!

[PhilW]

PS - if ever a hide needed a sign saying "keep your voices down, don't point your hand or long lens out of the hide and shuffle up to make room for newcomers" this is it - great reserve but some really dodgy practices!

:t::t::t:

[sleipnerofasgard]

Had my first visit on saturday, arrived at neston and went down to parkgate as i was on my bike and travelling light, just bins and camera. High tide didn't produce much, plenty of Little Egrets and a pair of Peregrines, so cycled up through the country park, ended up going down marshlands road and past the Harp inn to Burton Marsh, having no idea where i was, so had a bit of a wander across the marsh where i found more Wheatears than you could shake a very big stick at:king: and some beautifully summer plumaged Stonechats and a couple of marauding Buzzards, excellent place that i will return to for another look, a pity i had to retrace my steps or get shot at;) was just about to give up when i spotted the RSPB sign halfway up the hill so popped in for an hour or so.
Next time i'll bring my scope and stay a little longer, if i can get a seat:-O, nice to hear that big plans are in the offing to improve the place, another reserve to visit along with brockholes and hesketh out marsh, can only be a good thing, keep up the regular reports and thanks for all the info

Frank

[bradinho]

With all these complaints about lack of seats I am thinking of suggesting that we make the walk to the hide a little longer....

[PhilW]

With all these complaints about lack of seats I am thinking of suggesting that we make the walk to the hide a little longer....

Lateral thinking. Love it!:t:

Maybe a big sign above the door as seen at other reserves along the lines of 'the birds will come closer if you keep quiet and don't wave your arms out the viewing slots'.

[Jane Turner]

It was much more fun when there was no hide and you had to get a car up onto the railway line from behind the headquarters of the rifle range :o)

[laesevets]

Showing your age Jane ;)

[Rob Smallwood]

With all these complaints about lack of seats I am thinking of suggesting that we make the walk to the hide a little longer....

or make the bench in the hide longer!

[bradinho]

or make the bench in the hide longer!

Unfortunately, unlike the Tardis our hide does bend the constrainst of the space-time continuum and of course abides all current laws of physics.

[John Barber]

Some photos from Friday - also present Hobby, 11+ Greenshank, 2 Green Sand but missed the PC's

Rob, What are the four birds in your photo's - I want to check I'm right as I'm trying to get up to speed with my waders and such like .

[Rob Smallwood]

Unfortunately, unlike the Tardis our hide does bend the constrainst of the space-time continuum and of course abides all current laws of physics.

That's the sort of narrow minded thinking that puts people off organised reserves!

JB - Ruff, Curlew Sand, Snipe & B-t Godwit...the Ruff were causing havoc with those looking for Pec Sands - especially the smaller Reeves....

[John Barber]

Thanks Rob, I managed the last three, but wasn't sure about the first.

[bradinho]

Short-eared owl seen flying along the visitor path late yesterday evening PLUS a RECORD number of little egrets!

Good numbers of pintails.

Gotta love those reeves! Anadin anyone?

[Cheshire Birder]

....a RECORD number of little egrets!

Almost unbelievable 315!!! Got to be one of the largest roost sites in the country!!

CB

[upstarts1979]

I remember going to IMF many years ago - (the best kept secret in birding in those days)
a great place being at the top of the estuary I suppose birds are funnelled into it at high tide.
What I like about the reserve is its 'homely' feel and its attraction to waders. It reminds me of my local patch Upton Warren.
what are the plans for expansion, ie size and target species. and will access be more advertised
I'm sure with the RSPB management techniques the place will be even better.

[bradinho]

I remember going to IMF many years ago - (the best kept secret in birding in those days)
a great place being at the top of the estuary I suppose birds are funnelled into it at high tide.
What I like about the reserve is its 'homely' feel and its attraction to waders. It reminds me of my local patch Upton Warren.
what are the plans for expansion, ie size and target species. and will access be more advertised
I'm sure with the RSPB management techniques the place will be even better.

Check back a page for the extension update or ask next time you visit the reserve.

Targets - well creating more lowland wet grassland for breeding waders and continuing to provide wintering areas for wildfowl and mud for passage waders. Intersetingly though we have now planted an extra 3500 reeds toatlling 7000 now - obviously for reed bed specialists.

And yes the site will be more widely advertised - although we will try and retain our "homely" feel - thanks for the comments

[bartolli]

Nice to see the 9 golden plovers there yesterday.

There was a small flock of abt 20 birds in the top field by the bench, looked a bit like spotted flycatchers but not sure, is this likely?

[bradinho]

Nice to see the 9 golden plovers there yesterday.

There was a small flock of abt 20 birds in the top field by the bench, looked a bit like spotted flycatchers but not sure, is this likely?

Linnet? Have been present in good numbers as winter flocks start to form.

[Boom]

Am amazed at some of the negative comments about IMF, as a regular visitor to the reserve over the last few years i`ve found the local birders and the staff really pleasant and helpful.

Some of the sightings have been excellent-stopped for an hour earlier on in the year and saw a calling Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier and Peregrine sending all the Godwits up- all in less than an hour.

You can only go on your own experiences admittedly and they`re mine. I`ll be there on Monday-just hope the expansion doesn`t loose the what it`s already got.

A great reserve.

cheers.

[derekg]

My first and certainly not my last visit today and what a great place. It's what I hope my local patch of Brockholes Wetland turns into in years to come.
Did find the hide a little noisy though but with the Long-billed Dorwitcher on show it was busy, very little space to move around but thanks to the couple who gave up their bench space for my son and I as they left.

Sightings whilst we were there between 14.00 - 16.00


Long-billed Dorwitcher, Hobby, Water Rail, Black Tailed Godwit, 3 Golden Plover, Teal, Shoveler, Dunlin, Ruff, Sparrowhawk, 5 Buzzard, Common Gull, BH Gull, Med Gull, 2 Greenshank and a Peregrine.

May have been more around but thats all we saw.

Derek

[Rob Smallwood]

Am amazed at some of the negative comments about IMF, as a regular visitor to the reserve over the last few years i`ve found the local birders and the staff really pleasant and helpful.

Some of the sightings have been excellent-stopped for an hour earlier on in the year and saw a calling Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier and Peregrine sending all the Godwits up- all in less than an hour.

You can only go on your own experiences admittedly and they`re mine. I`ll be there on Monday-just hope the expansion doesn`t loose the what it`s already got.

A great reserve.

cheers.

Boom - it is a great reserve and can be very friendly. It can also be noisy, a little "cliquey" and unfriendly, depending on when you visit and who is there.

That makes it a great reserve, and very like every other reserve in the country, not perfect!

My comments earlier were meant to perhaps jog some of the "regulars" who treat it as a personal and private members club reserve.

Don't be put off going - just help change some of the practices there!

[Cheshire Birder]

A great reserve.

:t::t:

Boom - it is a great reserve and can be very friendly. It can also be noisy, a little "cliquey" and unfriendly, depending on when you visit and who is there.

My comments earlier were meant to perhaps jog some of the "regulars" who treat it as a personal and private members club reserve.

Don't be put off going - just help change some of the practices there!

I made a visit today to see the two Long-billed Dowitchers. When I arrived the hide was packed with what I can only describe as "hide-hoggers" who had clearly been there some time when I arrived mid afternoon. One group had spread themselves blocking the seating for me and the other three birders, who arrived shortly after me.

That said I must thank the couple who left so that I could sit and the two mature ladies who I showed the Dowitchers too for their kind thanks. I did manage some photos including some rather good shots of Water Rail!

CB

[bradinho]

A note to all,

Due to the presence of 2 Long billed Dowitchers the hide may be a liitle crowded so could all visitors ensure that they are not occupying more room than they need and make space for others where possible.

Also, if you could try and keep the noise to a minimum as although the birds may be used to your voices we wouldn't want to disturb any of the birds whilst they are roosting/feeding etc.

Thanks a lot.

[bradinho]

On a differnt note the 2 long billed dowitchers are currently in front of the hide. WHilst a female mandarin and a garganey have also been reported.

Hen Harrier and Hobby spotted too.

[John Barber]

Excellent views of the LBD's this morning, plus the Hobby. The mandarin and garganey are less easy to see in the far pool to the left ( No. 1 pool ? )

PS everyone well behaved !

[Rob1991S-O-T]

first visit this morning to site great little patch there :T:

2 LBD
4 golden plover
5 black tailed godwit
3 dunlin
6 ruff
2 snipe
8 red shank
water rail
pintail
gargney
in a very brief visit of about 45 mins

[bradinho]

Good News:

The reserve will be open tomorrow due to the continued presence of the 2 long billed dowitchers.

However, due to essential maintenance/conservation work being carried out at the back of No. 1 pool there may be some disruptions. We will do our best to ensure that as few birds as possible are disturbed.

See You there!

[Boom]

my least enjoyable visit today. couldn`t move for birders, the hide was loud/over crowded and generally rather unenjoyable.

Obviously this was no doubt down to the LBDs, each to their own, obviously but think i`ll be waiting a while before visiting again.

No wish to offend as i`ve always tended to have great days here-just was a bit dissapointed today.

cheers.

[Robert L Jarvis]

I wonder how many were members of the RSPB?

[Cheshire Birder]

I wonder how many were members of the RSPB?

Not as many as you might think.

CB

[Boom]

To be fair, i was asked to show my membership card upon arriving. The first time that`s happened. Don`t know if everyone was asked but i was.

Apparently there was a queue before the reserve opened.

[Bananafishbones]

Was going to go in the morning but cant make it until around 09.30 and can only stay an hour tops, not sure if to bother now as I guess it will already be packed out at that time!!

I can make it earlier on Wednesday when the queues maybe a little shorter at 08.30am

Hmmm

*** decided***

Wednesday morning, if anyone is in and around the Poynton area they are more than welcome to a lift to IMF
Dave

[John Barber]

I too was asked to produce my membership card yesterday, for only the second time in eight visits - it's something the RSPB need to sharpen up on; unfortunately, you can't trust anyone these days.

Just for the record, the staff told me they had about 150 visitors on Sunday, their highest number in one day at the reserve.

[bradinho]

Indeed Sunday was our busiest day ever! SO you can only imagine how hard it may be to get a seat - all we can do is ask for a little patience and that you are fair and kind to your fellow man.

With regards to showing your membership card - please volunteer to do this automatically if not asked. The volunteers and staff endeavour to ask all visitors if they are members but obviously may miss the odd one or two.

The two "LBD's" are currently viewable.

The reserve is open from 9am until dusk. Closed on Tuesdays - but to allow as many people to see the birds we have specially opened for today.

[Dean Powell]

I visited yesterday afternoon (3.30pm) and the hide was quiet and peaceful. There were a few birders present but it was not packed. I was asked for my RSPB card and in fact have been asked for the card every time I have visited over the last 3 years. I also had a good chat with the person who asked for the card. Only just over an hour away from North Staffs its so easy to get to.

I had a positive experience and generally do when I go there.

Dean:t:

[upstarts1979]

Indeed Sunday was our busiest day ever! SO you can only imagine how hard it may be to get a seat - all we can do is ask for a little patience and that you are fair and kind to your fellow man.

With regards to showing your membership card - please volunteer to do this automatically if not asked. The volunteers and staff endeavour to ask all visitors if they are members but obviously may miss the odd one or two.

The two "LBD's" are currently viewable.

The reserve is open from 9am until dusk. Closed on Tuesdays - but to allow as many people to see the birds we have specially opened for today.

We recently had a Sabs Gull at upton warren and all members of wildlife trusts were allowed in . Those that were not members were charged £3 . At IMF do you charge non RSPB members if not you should do . Its a good money earner for RSPB at all other reserves they would be chardged.

[Dean Powell]

Hi there,

I visited a few weekend ago with a non member friend and he was charged £3.50 so yes they do charge and also offer non members the opportunity to join the RSPB. This is done at the point where you park which is better than being asked for money/membership cards from a hide.

Dean:t:

[Pitvar]

Swift visit after work with excellent views this evening from 18:00 to 18:20 and only three other birders who kindly put me right on a few other IDs and didn't laugh too much when I said something daft about the distinctly long bills on the pair of Dowitchers! Interesting difference in plumage between the two - and very interesting feeding pattern.

[upstarts1979]

Hi there,

I visited a few weekend ago with a non member friend and he was charged £3.50 so yes they do charge and also offer non members the opportunity to join the RSPB. This is done at the point where you park which is better than being asked for money/membership cards from a hide.

Dean:t:
Totally agree Dean, I think we are not always able to get on top of the situation at Upton warren as we all volunteers there is not always the people available. Hopefully when the next big one arrives we will be more prepared and check memberships at the car park.
any true birder should join the RSPB without them we would have very little in the way of wetlands, they have set the standards for conservation throughout the world. Ps I am a Life Fellow

[Bananafishbones]

Cant wait to see them in the morning now!!

Have they been near enough to the hide to get photos?

[Pitvar]

Cant wait to see them in the morning now!!

Have they been near enough to the hide to get photos?

I got a few poor record shots - should have stuck to 300mm [300mm plus 2x extender] but the light was poor and I didn't take a hide clamp/tripod. I believe they have been closer though and there are photos on the web which are very clear - better light, good digiscopers and better photographers than I! Have a good morning and watch out for the water rail 15 feet in front of the hide.

[Bananafishbones]

Got them.....

Great morning for me personally with more than a few life ticks.

Started off with a good veiw of a Redstart sat on the gate close to the train track, lots of Reed buntings showing well.

At the hide I soon picked up my first life tick with 9 Golden Plover.

No Dowitchers to be seen at first but were soon spotted after a few sorties from Sparrowhawks had sent everything airbourne twice and they settled down to the right of the hide away from the main flock of Lapwings, Godwits etc.

As more people settled in the hide a few more species were picked out, Curlew Sandpiper being the prize.

A stoat showed well where the Water rail should have been..... but luckily for me it showed briefly before I had to leave.

Looks like it could be a good day there with Ruff, Snipe, Knot, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Pintail, Marsh Harrier all showing well

Dave

[parkgater]

I spent the morning at IMF and the atmosphere there was great! There was a real air of excitement, and although we had a couple of complaints about the hide being crowded, generally visitors were delighted with what they saw, and were happy to wait for a seat.

Hen harrier, water rail, LBD all showing well.

Of course, it goes without saying that the staff were pleasant & helpful.... as usual;)

[bradinho]

Got them.....

Great morning for me personally with more than a few life ticks.

Started off with a good veiw of a Redstart sat on the gate close to the train track, lots of Reed buntings showing well.

At the hide I soon picked up my first life tick with 9 Golden Plover.

No Dowitchers to be seen at first but were soon spotted after a few sorties from Sparrowhawks had sent everything airbourne twice and they settled down to the right of the hide away from the main flock of Lapwings, Godwits etc.

As more people settled in the hide a few more species were picked out, Curlew Sandpiper being the prize.

A stoat showed well where the Water rail should have been..... but luckily for me it showed briefly before I had to leave.

Looks like it could be a good day there with Ruff, Snipe, Knot, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Pintail, Marsh Harrier all showing well

Dave

Glad you enjoyed yourself - did anybody else see these spotted redshanks? That would make it 13 species of wader in 24 hours!

And where exactly was the Redstart?

[John Barber]

any true birder should join the RSPB without them we would have very little in the way of wetlands, they have set the standards for conservation throughout the world.

I agree, well said !

[bartolli]

Didnt see the spotted redshank but greenshank yes!

Excellent display from the female hen harrier this pm just by the reeds opposite the hide!

LBDs showing well. Not too busy at the hide either! Even managed a few photos of the w rail.

[Bananafishbones]

Glad you enjoyed yourself - did anybody else see these spotted redshanks? That would make it 13 species of wader in 24 hours!

And where exactly was the Redstart?

One Spotted Redshank, seen by the few in the hide at around 10.00am towards the back left of the main pool. (the guy who spotted it pardon the pun was first in the hide and seemed to be a regular so maybe remembered by site staff)

Greenshank seen about the same time centre left of pool very isolated, didnt see it again after one of the aerials from a raptor spook!!

Redstart 09.10am on a gate post very close to the railway line by a load of bushes as you get to the end of the field and turn left towards the wood and hide.

Dave

[bradinho]

I agree, well said !

Indeed did you know that the most cost effective way to join is on site? Saves on postage and you get all your goodies there and then!

LBD's still present, amazing veiws of a ringtail hen harrier last night too!

[bradinho]

Redstart 09.10am on a gate post very close to the railway line by a load of bushes as you get to the end of the field and turn left towards the wood and hide.

Dave

Good spot - we have had a few reports from this area but I believe that the whole walk down to the hide is underwatched...

[bartolli]

.....but I believe that the whole walk down to the hide is underwatched...

The walk down to the hide is very enjoyable. I had a wheatear and then a stonechat eating an enormous scary bug the other day on the wall in the top field.

Will this area still be accessible when the new entrance/path etc are completed next year?

[John Barber]

I've heard a new hide is being built next year.

As a novice birder visting many hides for the first time this year, I can't help wondering why the ' hides ' are not better hidden.

While some birds do come relatively close to the hides many seem to prefer to keep their distance. They are obviously well aware of the large unnatural structure by the side of their habitat.

Could more not be done to camouflage hides and tempt more of the birds closer to the viewing area ?

[Robert L Jarvis]

As I understand it the new hide will be associated with the new visitor centre at the fishery. There will be a footpath out in to walk between the two hides. For me one opportunity missed would have been to put a third hide in midway on the footpath so the stretch of water which is to the left of the current hide could be viewed more easily. As it stands that stretch is too far from the current hide to see birds well and from seeing what is proposed will be too far from the new hide or completely hidden!

[bartolli]

I thought they were going to be putting viewing screens up at strategic locations around the new path?

[Robert L Jarvis]

That was not mentioned to me but from the indicated route of the path I think the trees would be in the way.

[bradinho]

The walk down to the hide is very enjoyable. I had a wheatear and then a stonechat eating an enormous scary bug the other day on the wall in the top field.

Will this area still be accessible when the new entrance/path etc are completed next year?

This area will still be accessible and the bench can still be utilised!!!

[bradinho]

I thought they were going to be putting viewing screens up at strategic locations around the new path?

Yes that is certainly within the plans - we are fully aware of the large numbers of birds that utilise the back of No. 1.

[Gronk08]

Hi All

Paid a quite visit to Inner Marsh today with the wife, stayed for about an hour, would have liked to have stayed longer but as it was getting to be standing room only we thought it best to give up or seats.
Saw quite alot in the hour though
Lapwing
Red Shank
Snipe
Curlew Sandpiper
Black Tailed Godwit
Ruff
Long Billed Drowitcher was missing when we first arrived but few in after about 15min
Water Rail (x2)
Black Headed Gull
Common Gull
Teal
Pintail
Shovler
Hen Harrier

Was a pleasant hour with some good banter in the hide.

Tim.

[Dean Powell]

It would be brilliant if a hide could be placed in the field at the back of the current building opposite car park and looking out over the marsh towards the Dee. A raised location to watch birds out on the marsh and flying by would interesting.

Dean:t:

[bradinho]

It would be brilliant if a hide could be placed in the field at the back of the current building opposite car park and looking out over the marsh towards the Dee. A raised location to watch birds out on the marsh and flying by would interesting.

Dean:t:

It is our intention to eventually open a footpath to Burton Point - allowing unrivalled views along the estuary and to also include some interpretation about Burton Points itself.

[bradinho]

No sign of the dowitchers today so far .....

[Dean Powell]

It is our intention to eventually open a footpath to Burton Point - allowing unrivalled views along the estuary and to also include some interpretation about Burton Points itself.

Is this a path that will go across fields over the back of the current RSPB office where we park now. It was across fields from here that I was thinking of with great views from a lofty location over marsh.

I was there for the day with some RSPB volunteers about 3 years ago and went for a walk around the back of the office and across field and I thought what a great view over the marsh towards the Dee. Also had great views of birds flying over head down towards the pools. Need a hide there for cold breezy/windy days.

Dean

[bradinho]

Is this a path that will go across fields over the back of the current RSPB office where we park now. It was across fields from here that I was thinking of with great views from a lofty location over marsh.

I was there for the day with some RSPB volunteers about 3 years ago and went for a walk around the back of the office and across field and I thought what a great view over the marsh towards the Dee. Also had great views of birds flying over head down towards the pools. Need a hide there for cold breezy/windy days.

Dean

A slightly shorter path from the arable field over the lower railway bridge and out across the fields to Burton Point is the preferred option I think ... equally good views over the estuary and pools.

Watch this space though

[bradinho]

2 long dowitchers
1 spoonbill
2 ruff

!!!

[bartolli]

Nice visit this pm! Pleasantly surprised to see the dowitchers back! Showing well infront of the hide

Also 11 golden plover, snipe out in the open and the water rail was out a lot.

1 spotted redshank, 1 curlew sandpiper & loads of all the other regulars!

No sign of the spoonbill tho!

[bartolli]

Couple of pics of GPs & LBDs:

[gareth_blockley]

Evening all

I was one of the first people in the hide this morning (first bar the RSPB staff I believe*) and the Dowitchers and Spoonbill were out of sight on no. 1 pool to begin with. Spoon bill came into veiw feeding around the islands, then preened for a bit and flew off at 10:20. It appeared to fly out towards the Dee but of course I cant be sure. By that point the Dowitchers were showing at the back but elusive until a Sparrowhawk flushed everything and they came over to no. 2 pool.
Curlew sand remained mostly out of sight and best veiws were of it flying. 2 Spotted redshanks showed well and Ruff mainly on no. 1 pool. At least 1 Raven over (2 passes) and Siskins heard over the woodland.

* What time can you get in? Is 9am the earliest?

Gareth

[John Barber]

Yes, 9am is a bit late in the day.

[Rob&Fran]

Be nice to be there at dawn now and then, do they have early days?

[Pitvar]

Went along this afternoon til dusk and had very good views of Water Rail and Merlin, plus golden plover, godwits, lapwings etc missed the LBDs but they had been seen earlier.

I guess some people are new to birding and no doubt my taking record shots upsets some but even as a newbie I'm always careful to be quiet in hides/not slam the door etc but today there were a few loud conversations and slammed doors...once it quietened down though the Rail appeared and fed quite confidently - every cloud... and all that!

Couple of the best shots - shame I'd had to boost the ISO to get a half decent shutter speed but I'm still learning!

[Cheshire Birder]

Nice shots Pitvar!! Always a tricky species to phtotgraph even when they come close like here at IMF. Just as you get them in focus, having crept from the vegetation, they do a runner!!

CB

[Pitvar]

Nice shots Pitvar!! Always a tricky species to phtotgraph even when they come close like here at IMF. Just as you get them in focus, having crept from the vegetation, they do a runner!!

CB

Thanks CB - it was really tricky - if it had crept out from hiding 30 mins earlier I'd have been OK with the light but as you say it crept around the edges then dashed across the scrapes! I probably should have taken more shots but I was pleased just to able to watch it without needing the bins!

[bradinho]

2 swallows yesterday
1 female merlin
lots and lots of pintail and shoveler

[bradinho]

Long-billed dowitcher and spoonbill reported in past few days

[Wimpy]

Had my first visit to Inner Marsh yesterday. Very helpful staff helped me rejoin after a membership ran out!
I was impressed with the place. Considering there is only the one hide at present, it has generous proportions and gives a surprising view after the low level approach along the path.
Very busy for a monday afternoon, but we all got a seat!!

Highlight for me was the spoonbill, spotted on the farside, preening then took of for a fly past of the hide o:D

First image was "digiscoped" (if you can call my picolo a scope!)

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EOKjF26ZoOUzG4uWKJogOQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCJjOjNeczMGMB g&feat=directlink

The others taken on a Canon 400D + Sigma 70-300mm

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JuvXhhp7t0WjTH0d55ZDig?authkey=Gv1sRgCJjOjNeczMGMB g&feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6EQAqUxCgG-vsG0iocpOkw?authkey=Gv1sRgCJjOjNeczMGMBg&feat=directlink

Plenty of others, black tailed godwits, pintails, shelduck, shovellers, teal, greylag, pf geese, sp redshank, stonechat, flocks of linnets, missed the marsh harrier by seconds!!

Thanks to everyone in the hide for their help.

I agree the walk down is wel worth a stop, sadly I was in too much of a rush to get to the hide.

The plans look very impressive with a circular walk encompassing further pools and I think I counted at least seven "observation points".

We will certainly be back, if I'm let in again and maybe this time with a half decent scope ........... dream on;)

[bradinho]

Glad you enjoyed your visit Wimpy.

Last night 9 Bewick's touched down for at least 30mins before heading toward Cheshire.

This morning 3 whoopers were present intil 10am and a single white-fronted goose was present until 11am

[thesalebirder]

Re the mothing event at IMF I have had a look on the events tab but nothing appears, have i missed it ??

[bornwild]

been IMF twice and its a cool little place went last month and saw the long billed dowitcher that had the twitchers out ..

bornwild x

[bradinho]

Re the mothing event at IMF I have had a look on the events tab but nothing appears, have i missed it ??

Unforntunatel the Moth Event has been and gone - there were not a great deal of species but it did produce a few new records for the reserve. Keep an eye on the RSPB website for future events - www.rspb.org.uk - search for Dee Estuary or search by area.

We do have a regular team of volunteers that moth here, I may be able to put you in touch if you PM me.

[bradinho]

A bit quiet recently here at IMF - water rail showing wel in fron to fthe hide and a stonking male green woodpecker foraging along the car park wall yesterday!

Elsewher, on the reserve 2 shorelark and several snow bunting at POA. Obviously, Parkgate marsh good for hen harrier and short-eared owl.

[Zoot]

Hi Bradinho,

any chance you could give us an update on the reserve extension? I'd be interested to hear how it's progressing and what uou anticipate over the forthcoming months.

Thanks very much.

[bradinho]

Hi Bradinho,

any chance you could give us an update on the reserve extension? I'd be interested to hear how it's progressing and what uou anticipate over the forthcoming months.

Thanks very much.

It's quite tough to describe in so few words but a lot of work has been done "behind the scenes" if you like - we host a guided walk once a month around the development (in fact had one just yesterday) phone IMF office to find out the dates and to book.

4km of footdrains have been dug, paths have been created, reedbed project extended. H&S tree work done, lots of liiter removed, but best to see all this for yourself by booking on a "Burton Mere Walk" or come into the reception at IMF and have a chta with one of the volunteers/staff.

[PhilW]

Hi Bradinho,

any chance you could give us an update on the reserve extension? I'd be interested to hear how it's progressing and what uou anticipate over the forthcoming months.

Thanks very much.

Me thinks someones planning next years bird race already......................:t:

[Zoot]

Me thinks someones planning next years bird race already......................:t:

Bradhino, thanks for your update. I will probably come down soon and take a look for myself.

Mr Woollen you are very cinical! Just taking a genuine interest in the expansion - I think it will be great for the county. I've never been that regular a visitor to IMF, mainly due to the restrictions of a single hide, so I'm looking forward to this.

(As for the birdrace, it seems we were the highest scoring team in the country last year, which says quite a bit for general birding in Cheshire (as well as our team's superior ability |:D|). Are you up for a rematch next year? Get planning soon)

[PhilW]

Bradhino, thanks for your update. I will probably come down soon and take a look for myself.

Mr Woollen you are very cinical! Just taking a genuine interest in the expansion - I think it will be great for the county. I've never been that regular a visitor to IMF, mainly due to the restrictions of a single hide, so I'm looking forward to this.

(As for the birdrace, it seems we were the highest scoring team in the country last year, which says quite a bit for general birding in Cheshire (as well as our team's superior ability |:D|). Are you up for a rematch next year? Get planning soon)

I reckon it was me putting you on to those Crossbills at Ness Gardens when t'other team told me not to that won The Comberbach Casuals the title! ;)

Didn't take part this year and 'my' team obviously strugled without me. To many stops for the pub and fish & chips I reckon.

[Cheshire Birder]

Just what I like to see a bird race challenge. Not done a birdrace for years.

CB

[bradinho]

When the new reserve opens I imagine there will be a lot of "firsts" up for grabs ...

[bradinho]

Busier bird numbers of the reserve yesterday lots of lapwing, golden plover, teal, wigeon, shoveler and a few pintail. Female merlin putting in a few appearances plus fleeting glimpse of ringtail hen harrier. Water rail showing for over an hour! Brambling on the feeders and in the fields on Sunday too.