Nature's Corner

Nature’s Corner – Cornel Nature

Parkgate - an avian winter wonder.

If you’ve never ventured over to Parkgate on the Wirral, you will have indeed missed a real treat.

Tantalisingly close to us as the crow flies and clearly visible across the Dee estuary from anywhere in Flintshire overlooking the Wirral, easily recognised from afar by the line of pale coloured buildings on the estuary.

People are out strolling up and down the promenade when the weather is good, everyone seems to be in a pleasant mood, it’s just that this small village on the western shore of the Wirral has such a feelgood factor.

A mere 40 minutes’ drive from Dyserth and long renowned for its quality Cockles and Mussels, ice cream and Fish and Chips, Parkgate was an important port from the start of the 18th century, particularly as an embarkation point for Ireland. The river Dee, which was a shipping route to the Roman city of Chester, had partly silted up by AD 383, creating a need for a port further downstream. Three quays in all were built, first at Burton and later near the small town of Neston, but further silting required yet another re-siting slightly further downstream near the gate of Neston's hunting park. Hence the settlement of Parkgate was born.

Of course, as the river Dee silted up even more through time, Parkgate became unusable as a port and the silted area west of the village eventually came to look as it does today, a mass of saltmarsh as far as the eye can see creating such an important mainstay for a myriad of birds and rodents.

During the winter months, beginning mid-October through to March, many birds descend on these marshes having spent the Spring and Summer breeding inland on the moors and uplands to feed on the bounty of small rodents that are lurking in the grasses and are often displaced by the incoming tide. Migratory geese abound enroute from colder climes such as Iceland, Greenland and Scandinavia to feed on the succulent vegetation.

During the exceptional high tides (Over 9 and very occasionally 10 metres in height) which occur mainly during the Winter months; it is well worth noting the actual high tide time and arriving on site about an hour before to view the ensuing spectacle of Marsh Harriers, Hen Harriers, Kestrels, Merlin, Short Eared and Barn Owls, along with Egrets, Curlew and Ducks with Gulls of all kinds cashing in on smaller creatures such as Mice, Rats and Voles flushed from their hiding places and striving to find a safe haven amongst the rising water.

The Old Baths car park near the Boathouse pub at the Northwest end of Parkgate is a strong favourite as a look out, but all along the public footpaths that run parallel to the shoreline either side of the Promenade are equally as productive. Little Neston down in the area around the Harp pub at the bottom of Marshlands Road is another hotspot and a particular favourite of mine.

Owls can be seen hunting at any stage of the tide and even on smaller tides as the afternoon draws to a close and the Short eared and Barn owls that have hunkered down during the day will venture out as evening falls, so when the tides are smaller rather than exceptionally high, it may be worth a trip during the late afternoon about an hour and a half before darkness.

Geese, mainly Pink Footed congregate in their thousands on the saltmarsh too and give a fantastic spectacle as they are displaced by the incoming tide and encircle the marshland in huge Skeins. Some of these will no doubt be the birds we see flying over Dyserth in the winter months, off to graze on the stubble fields before returning to the estuary to roost.

An easy and accessible way to birdwatch with a great chance of spotting something different, even from the warmth of your car with commanding views and a guarantee to see an avian spectacle unmatched anywhere else in our area during the winter months.......Dave Parry.