Wirral Way 50th Anniversary: Vote for your favourite marshes bird

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Wirral Way Cheshire West and Chester Council has joined forces with the RSPB to run a competition to discover your favourite marshes bird.

The partnership is asking residents to vote for their favourite bird from a shortlist of five.  The list has been chosen by the RSPB and is based on the frequency of sightings and the bird’s unique story.

Nearly 200 votes have been received to date.

The winning bird will be crafted into a majestic willow structure, which will be unveiled at an event at the Old Baths site, Parkgate from 1pm on Sunday, 1 October 2023.

Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said:

“We have received a great response to this competition so far, but if you haven’t voted yet there is still time.

“With only four days to go to place your vote I would encourage everyone to get involved by following the link to the survey.

“The bird you choose as your favourite will be crafted into a majestic willow structure, which will be unveiled at the beginning of October to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our fantastic Wirral Way”.

To place your vote for your favourite marshes bird on click on this link – vote here – the vote will close on Friday, 15th September.

The winner will be announced on the Council’s social media channels on Monday, 18th September.

The five birds shortlisted by the RSPB and their unique stories are:

1. Marsh Harrier

   The impressive marsh harrier is a bird of prey that creates a distinctive V-shape in the air by holding up its wings. It can be seen all year round on the marshes – particularly in autumn and winter when it nests and roosts.

2. Little Egret

   The elegant little egret is a small white heron.  This dainty bird can be seen all year round and has a successful comeback story.  In the late 1800s and early 1900s the bird was hunted for its beautiful plumes.

3. Hen Harrier

   The slim hen harrier is a bird of prey and is a winter spectacle on the marshes.  The RSPB has worked tirelessly to promote its protection following past persecution.  The birds are distinctive for their low hunting flight.

4. The Pink-footed Goose

   The elegant pink-footed goose is a medium-sized goose. The bird makes the journey from Iceland in the autumn to spend the winter here.  The arrival of the pink-footed geese is one of the highlights of the autumn wildlife calendar.

5. Short-eared Owl

The stunning short-eared owl is a winter visitor to the marshes.  It is a day-flying owl and can be spotted hunting on the marshes from autumn through to early spring. The owl gains it name from the tufts of feather resembling mammalian ears, which are only shown when it is in a defensive pose.