WAYMARKERS
1 From the road bridge check along the river for Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Green Sandpiper, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Grey Heron and a chance of Goosander and Dipper. The estuary to the south supports a wide variety of shorebirds at low tide including large numbers of Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Knot, Dunlin and Oystercatcher. At high tide, wildfowl can include Eider and Red-breasted Merganser among the more numerous Shelduck and Wigeon. Peregrine and Merlin hunt the foreshore. 2 The woodland holds roving flocks of passerines, including Coal, Marsh and Long-tailed Tits, plus resident species such as Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Jay. Check conifer stands for Goldcrest, redpoll, Siskin and Crossbill. Migrant warblers should include Chiffchaff and Blackcap and there is a chance of flycatchers. 3 The open moorland may still harbour a few Wheatears, plus one or two Stonechat or Whinchat, along with Meadow Pipit and Linnet. Check the rocky terrain for Ring Ouzel, and Raven, plus Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine overhead. 4 Open farmland towards Meathop Moss harbours flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover, corvids, gulls, Sky Lark, starlings, finches and pigeons. A good spot for a Barn Owl at dusk.