Morecambe Bay

[PeterB]

So, I am going to be heading up t' north for the gathering on Saturday at Leighton Moss.

September outing anyone.

My plan is to drive up Friday and if no work gets in the way, I will leave first thing and do a little looking around the area. My first thought was to hit LM Friday afternoon and check it out, but I want to discover it with the group.

So if I get up in time, and have a few hours of daylight left, where should I go? Been googling around and I am fascinated by the look of Sunderland Point, is it worth messing with the tidal road etc? Perhaps there is somewhere else I should head which would contrast nicely with what will await me Saturday at LM?

I don't get to go coastal birding much, so I guess I should really get sea side.

Anyone with some local knowledge point me somewhere not too far from Lancaster?

[astafjevs]

We'll be up in the area too, places I've i.d. as probably worth a visit include RSPB Hest Bank which is Morecambe Bay. Theres also a wildlife trust reserve at Heysham which looks like its worth a look.

Further afield there is RSPB Marshside and Hesketh Out Marsh, Brockholes and Mere Sands Wood.

I am intrigued by your mention of Sunderland Point, can you point me towards further info?

[devonsue]

I was born and bred in Morecambe so can heartily recommend Hest Bank. Glasson Dock isn't far from Lancaster either. Hope you have a good time.

[PeterB]

Stuart, I came a cross it whilst googling the area.

Wildlife of Sunderland point

Thanks Sue, two recommendations for Hest Bank is worth a look.

[alanjns]

I would suggest Heysham Bird Observatory, although I've never been as it's not easy to get to for a non-driver!!

I always hear good things about it and keep intending to make the effort - one day!!

Heysham Bird Observatory

[PeterB]

Thanks Alan, it's on the list.

I've just checked the tides and that day low tide is 2pm. Bang in the middle of the time I will be there. I am no expert, but I know when the tide is out in that part of the coast, you can walk half way to Ireland. Best advice is to be somewhere just after high tide. Doh!!

[devonsue]

Not necessarily. It's not Southport!!!! There are still the river gullies, sandbanks and huge mudflats etc. Still worth a punt. When I lived at Hest Bank I birded regardless of the tides (other than for my own safety) and was never disappointed. There's always something happening. Enjoy.

[PeterB]

Hest Bank it is then. Thanks Sue.

[alanjns]

Hope it's good for you Peter, whenever I've been at this time of year there have always been plenty of eider ducks, curlew, pipits and massess of oystercatcher!