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If you're looking for a truly wild location with great
vistas, the Dee Estuary which spans the English Welsh border is an absolute must. It's
one of Britain's best year round bird reserves, and is an autumn hotspot for thousands
of wildfowl and waders. | A
huge group of Knot at the Dee Estuary.
Photo - Guy Huntington. |
Panoramic views
 A
good way of making the most of your visit is to take a trip around the estuary,
starting in Wales, just over the Welsh border.
Connah's Quay Power station
is a dramatic location right in the heart of this coastal reserve. High
tides make this area brilliant for birding - as the tide comes in the waders on
the mudflats are pushed closer and closer towards the shoreline as they continue
to feed. There are large flocks of birds to be seen including Godwits,
Oystercatchers and Redshanks. There are many great spots to watch wildlife
around the Dee Estuary including Thurstaston, Point of Ayr, Talacre and Parkgate. As
well as waders, look around coastal areas for birds of prey in flight - Peregrine
Falcons can sometimes be seen hunting during the day. Busy
waterway  Today
the Dee is a peaceful location for wildlife so it's hard to believe that this
estuary was once one of the busiest waterways in the world.
Around 400
years ago there were countless ships travelling from across the world trading
in wines, spices and silk. Then in the 1800's paddle steamers sailed to
and from Ireland much like modern passengers ferries do today. But as the
port of Liverpool became busier, the Dee became unused and started to silt. As
the trade declined and humans left, the wildlife moved back in - which is great
if you're a keen birder! Abundant wildlife  Today
the Dee ranks amongst one of the top ten estuaries in Europe for its abundance
of wildlife.
Its appearance has also changed over the last century, largely
due to the deliberate planting of 'spartina' grass at Connah's Quay in 1928. This
abundant plant is a hybrid between the British and American plant, but since then
it's become a bit of pest as it literally binds the sand together, which is eventually
silting up the whole estuary. In fact parts of the Dee have now changed
beyond recognition from bare beaches to green grass carpets. Wintering
wildfowl  The
Dee Estuary's RSPB reserve is a top spot for wintering wildfowl.
This estuarine
habitat looks natural but is in fact man-made - arable land has been transformed
into a great place for wildfowl. Look out for Teal on the reserve pond,
Little Egrets coming into roost, and Barn Owls flying past. And if you
stay late into the day don't miss one of the stunning sunsets over the Dee which
are amongst the best in Britain.
Photo credits Images
courtesy and copyright of Dee Estuary Birding, Guy Huntington and Richard Smith.
The Dunlin image is copyright of Matt Thomas. | 
