Thurstaston Bird watching
Above all, Thurstaston is renowned for its bird watching opportunities. The land and vegetation within and around the Wirral Country Park is an ideal habitat for many bird species, some unique to the area. The Wirral Way is lined by miles of brambles, hawthorn and blackthorn hedges providing ideal hiding, nesting and food sites for the birds. Added to this are the open mudflats of the River Dee Estuary, (itself an important ecological site of special scientific interest). Thus the Wirral Country Park, and it's surrounding area within Thurstaston and the Wirral, can be regarded as a key bird watching areas within Merseyside and the North West of England, nevermind the UK as a whole.
Thousands of wading birds come to feed and survive within the mud flats, from as far afield as Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia and the Arctic. Among the many bird species which can be found in the area are; Coots, Curlew, Magpies, Pheasants, Thrushes, Finches, Fieldfares, Redwings, Lapwing, Oystercatchers, Skylarks, Shelduk, Herons, Short-eared Owls, etc.
Wirral bird watching Information
Wirral Country Park Wildlife
Outside the front of Thurstaston Visitors Centre is a large pond which is home to various birds, insects and pond-life, such as frogs, toads, newts and wildfowl. Dragonflies are attracted to the area and will lay eggs in the ponds. In the summer months you till find them darting through the air, along with over 10 different species of butterfly (including, Small Skippers, Speckled Woods and Common Blues). Other insects include Damselflies and Bumblebees.
The local wildlife can contribute to a fun-filled family day out. In the warmer months pond-dipping activities are arranged for children to take part in to learn more about the local environment and Wirral wildlife. You can enquire into and book onto these activities through The Visitors Centre.
The beach offers crabs which scuttle across the sand. As a fun tourist attraction, seashore searches are arranged for children and adults to take part in with the rangers. Contact The Visitors Centre for more information.
Other animals found in the area are badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, bats, mice, fieldvole and squirrels.
Flowers and plant-lifeare another key factor in the local Wirral wilflife and thrive in the spring and summer months. Wild flowers, such as Dog violets, Buttercups and Primroses, grow in the fields and bushes along the Wirral Way. Towards the autumn mushrooms, fairy rings and bracket fungi can be found, and 'Fungal forays' can be participated in with the Rangers. This is also an excellent time to walk the footpaths through the fields between Heswall and Thurstaston, as the Wheat is in season and you can see he coastal winds rippling through the sheafs like waves. Therapeutic and beautiful.
Trees to be found in the Wirral Country Park area include; Sycamore, European Maple, Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Horse chestnut, Sweet Chestnut, Douglas Fir, Rowan, Pine, Willow, Holly, Beech, Ash, Elm and Hazel.
Wirral wildlife conservation information
Wirral Government Conservation
Local nature walks and events to get involved in
Wirral Wildlife
