October’s bird group trip was to West Kirkby for a stroll around the marine lake which is always, especially at this time of year a bracing stroll. Our timing was perfect as the tide was ebbing and exposing the shoreline which attracted feeding waders in great numbers including very close to the lake wall Turnstones. These birds did not appear to be too concerned by our presence as they were almost mingling amongst us, some were seen bathing in some tyres which had been placed alongside the wall. While walking in a clockwise direction around the lake we could see a small flock of birds feeding in the lake, our first thought was Red Breasted Mergansers however they were actually Goosanders, 17 in total. Following the walk I stopped at Parkgate Old Baths on the way home hoping to catch site of a reported sighting of 7 Spoonbills, unfortunately they had moved elsewhere but there was a male and female Marsh Harrier quartering the marsh and a possible sighting of a Green Woodpecker. Our total species count for the trip was 21 not too shabby for a bright but chilly October day.