Shorter days are on their way... as are ‘travellers’
AS families flock to enjoy the Sefton coast, often travelling long distances to get here, it seems like the summer is in full swing.
But in many ways as a species we are late to the party – for birds, mammals, plants and invertebrates it’s autumn already and the clock is ticking.
They have to get ready for shorter days ahead, storing energy and in the case of plants, setting seed.
Many have long migrations to prepare for with some of the bird species that call in on the Sefton Coast set to journey as far as southern Africa and some of our seabirds, most notably the Arctic Tern, winging their way right down to Antarctica for our winter.
Alongside the terns the numbers of wading birds begin to build up now as they descend on the Sefton coast to feed up and rest before continuing southward journeys.
To Sanderling, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Bar-Tailed Godwits and Oystercatchers this stretch of coastline is like a motorway service station – a vital place to stop off and refuel before moving on.
These birds are vulnerable when they visit us though, and must not be disturbed – do not allow dogs to chase birds on the coast, and horse riders should avoid visiting two hours either side of high tide to prevent disturbing these protected species.
If birds are forced to fly, which they will do if you get too close, they burn energy which should be conserved for the massive journeys that lie ahead of them.
When the tide is high wading birds are unable to replace that energy as feeding grounds are covered by the waves.
The same waves cover the beach leaving restricted space for the birds to rest – this is when we should detour to allow them to take a break.
It’s no real hardship and can mean the difference between life and death for these travellers.
Something for visitors to ponder next time they settle down in front of a wildlife documentary.
The fauna of the Sefton coast is just as vulnerable as the species that cling on in rainforests and deserts across the globe.
And it demands an equal amount of respect.
Many of our wild flowers are starting to fade too as autumn approaches.
The beautiful orchids of early summer have now mostly gone over, but swathes of colour can still be enjoyed at a number of locations along the coast.
The combination of Sea Holly, Ragwort and Yarrow was stunning in the frontal dunes at Crosby last week – natural late summer colour that would make any gardener envious.
And there are still treats to look out for – delicate blue Harebells will flower right into November and the dazzling white of Grass of Parnassus is a beauty we can enjoy in the dunes from now to the end of October.
John works for Green Sefton, the Sefton Council service that brings together the coast & countryside, parks & green spaces, flooding & coastal erosion, risk management and grounds maintenance teams for a joined-up approach to the vital management, development and oversight of Sefton’s beautiful coastline, parks and green spaces. This column looks at the flora, fauna and history of the coastline, and the work carried out to protect it.