November’s trip was to RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands which is our local RSPB reserve which is always good to visit at any month during the year. It was a very chilly start however it soon brightened up and it turned out to be a very pleasant sunny day, we should have left our thermals at home. The RSPB were carrying out some essential maintenance work on the scrape directly in front of the visitor centre so there were very few birds to see as most had relocated to the scrapes on the far side of the reserve, unfortunate for us however this work has to be carried out to maintain the reserve and there is no better time of the year to do this. Three Marsh Harriers were seen in the air at the same time and on the far scrapes there were numerous waders and wildfowl feeding which included Godwits, Teal, Gadwall and Shovelers. Following lunch at the reserve cafe I went along to Neston Old Quay where as it was approaching dusk I thought that I may catch sight of some Short Eared Owls however better luck next time, there were sightings of Marsh Harriers and Great White Egrets though. Our species count for the trip was 29. Next trip will be on Monday December 9th.