I had always wanted to visit RSPB Marshside which is a few miles up the Sefton Coast from Ainsdale near Birkdale. It also provided a good opportunity to try to see some of the winter birds of the saltmarsh at Southport which is where I started the day having arrived just after 9.00 a.m. The temperature was just above zero with clear blue skies so perfect for birdwatching. Within about 30 minutes I located the flock of 5 Snow Buntings which had been reported recently, including 1 male. They were very approachable and could be observed down to 10m. I then walked up the coast to RSPB Marshside, flocks of Pink-footed Geese constantly flying overhead with some settling close by the road on the saltmarsh. At Marshside there were excellent close views of Wigeon, Pintail and Shoveler together with Curlew. Finally I walked back to where I started the day, near Southport Pier, and found the flock of 50-60 Twite. They mostly spent the time ca. 100m out on the saltmarsh but on one occasion came closer on to the shingle, albeit briefly, to allow some photos.
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| male Snow Bunting |
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| female Snow Bunting |
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| male Snow Bunting |
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| male Snow Bunting |
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| male Snow Bunting |
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| Pink-footed Geese |
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| Pink-footed Geese |
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| Pink-footed Geese |
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| male Pintail |
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| male Shoveler |
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| male & female Wigeon |
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| flock of Twite |
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| flock of Twite |