High Tide Wader Roost

The weather this last week has at last settled down. There has still been some rain but the heavy and prolonged rain and gales have at last gone away. The better weather coincided with some very high tides along the Lancashire coastline so I decided on a long overdue visit to a wader roost. One of my favourite areas to watch these large gatherings of waders is along the sandy coast near Southport.The high tide was due around lunchtime and I was in position about an hour before high water.

There was plenty of activity as the birds were coming and going along the coastline heading for their favourite roosting areas.Large distant flocks of knot could be seen in the sky with a background of wind turbines out in Liverpool Bay.Nearer to hand were many thousands of knot and oystercatchers which had settled down as high water approached.I was able to approach the birds without any disturbance,this coastline often attracts dog walkers who always seem to disturb the  large wader flocks.Perhaps they don't realise how important it is for the birds to rest and conserve energy to prepare for feeding activity once their feeding grounds are uncovered again.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself with the camera and took many images the best of which can be seen below.As the tide rapidly retreated a large carpet of resting knot were still on the sands.By carefully approaching I was able to get some nice images of the densely packed flock of birds.Eventually they gradually moved further out onto the sands and I decided to leave having enjoyed a wonderful session with the waders.The super almost springlike weather was a bonus with blue skies for most of the time.Thanks for looking in and hopefully the better weather is here to stay and Spring is on the way.