University of Liverpool Bird Race – Thanks for supporting our Green Nudge
The bird race closed at midnight on the 23rd April. Ten teams took part, consisting of about 40 staff and students (and no doubt the odd mum and dad) and so far we have raised £180 for the RSPB. The ‘Dippers’ recorded the single largest list of 77 species and cumulatively 89 species were recorded. It was perfect weather for migrant birds and there was clearly a lot of movement.
There were tens of blackcap, willow warbler, chiffchaff, reed warbler, sedge warbler and Cettis warbler. Some notable sightings included four spoonbills recorded on the Dee marshes by Dr Lycett (image below) and Dr Lewis and a single barnacle goose that should have already left the UK for its Arctic breeding ground.
(courtesy Dr John Lycett)
One team were lucky enough to see a tawny owl roosting in an owl box (Steve Jennings) near Martin Mere, 14 marsh harriers and seven whimbrels flying north to their breeding grounds. Dr Jones et al. saw avocets and summer plumage black-tailed godwit and spotted-redshank at Burton Mere. Some team members took part from their homes/offices and recorded siskin, song and goldcrest.
(courtesy Steve Jennings)
A special mention goes to one team of zoology student friends who could not be together because one of them was at home in Yorkshire. They managed to see over 30 species, including the peregrine falcons on the Cathedral. They were called ‘One Yorkshire bird and toucan can play at that game’ – teams were encouraged to come up with bird themed team names, most of which I cannot repeat here. A team from Child Health International Team (CHIT) from the Institute of Life Course and Medical Science were creatively called the ‘Chitchaffs’.
It is clear that team members had a really enjoyable day and contributed to our understanding of the status of birds in our region. We dipped (didn’t see) some species that we expected to including, nuthatch, treecreeper, bullfinch, yellow wagtail and wheatear. The records will be submitted to the County bird recorder.
If you still want to donate please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carl-larsen3