WAYMARKERS

1 Check the scrub along Offa’s Dyke for finches, thrushes and mixed passerine flocks. Scan the river at high tide for flocks of Brent Geese, Wigeon, and Shelduck, plus Red-breasted Merganser and Slavonian Grebe. On a falling tide, search for waders such as Oystercatcher, Ringed and Grey Plovers, Knot, Dunlin, Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Dunlin, Sanderling and Turnstone. Peregrine and Merlin hunt along the foreshore. 2 An oak wood harbours common woodland birds including Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and a good chance of Marsh Tit among the tit flocks. Goldcrest, Blackcap and Chiffchaff are also likely, while Woodcock may be flushed from cover. Tawny Owls are active after dark. Another good viewpoint to scan along the river for shorebirds and wildfowl and early migrants such as Little Ringed Plover, Sandwich Tern, Black Redstart and Wheatear. Check creeks for Little Egret, Grey Heron and Green Sandpiper. 3 Arable farmland can attract mixed flocks of Golden Plovers, Lapwings Starlings and gulls, mostly Common and Blackheaded, but also the occasional Mediterranean Gull. Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat and Linnet are often present, plus an early Wheatear. Adjacent parkland is good for flocks of late Redwing and Fieldfare, Mistle Thrush, Stock Dove and Green Woodpecker, while scrubland attracts Linnet, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting. This is also a good spot to scan for Raven, Buzzard, Kestrel and Red Kite and at dusk Barn Owl are often seen.