Cumbria, Marshside, & Martin Mere

Female Linnet Maryport

And as always Beautiful to see

Male Mute Swan

Mrs W has had the week off this week so we have done a bit of touring about, and making the most of the weather . Firstly we had a ride over to the west coast and a visit to Siddick ponds. All the Mute Swans were sorting their territorial problems out , and there was still 6 Whooper Swans and 1 juvenile at the paper mill end of the main pond . There was also a couple of Heron about , but the wild fowl population had gone down quit a bit since our last visit . There was still some Goldeneye on and Goosander , also one or two Pochard .

Next we moved on to Maryport and by now Mrs W's stomach is beginning to remind her where the little harbour cafe is , so that had to be the next stop . Great, one of my favourites on the menu -- buttered shrimps and toast , all went down very well . So Mrs W is happy again and its back to birding. There wasn't a great deal about but it was nice to come across this Linnet near the beach wall.

So that was Wednesday the 10th , on the 11th we moterd down to where I still call Lancashire (can't stand "Mersyside") and had a look round Marshside . It was nice to see a few Hares about enjoying the sun, and we had Snipe , Godwit , Redshank right in front of the Sandgrousers hide.

Next we moved on to Martin Mere and just in time to sort out Mrs W's food problem again , all these places She knows to drop in for lunch never ceases to amaze me . Now Martin Mere is a great place when once you have left the arrival and check -in area , and the buggies and pink anoraks are far behind, (I do wonder sometimes) . Anyway back to birding, a spectacular sight is 1000 Whooper Swans, I didn't expect there to so many still with us, also masses of Black-Headed Gulls about and a Med gull with them apparently!. The Ron Barker hide was doing a good trade everyone looking for the American Wigeon , While we were there it was seen fleetingly before being spooked by a Sparrowhawk .

As anyone that knows the place will testify there is always plenty to keep birders happy , once you get past the blue rinse and pink anorak brigade.

After leaving we headed for my old town St.Helens and called in on some friends before making our way back up the M6 and home.