A Morning with Merlin
Today, I want to shine the spotlight on Port Sunlight River Park—a brilliant example of environmental restoration in action. This 28-hectare green space was once a landfill site, but now it’s managed by The Conservation Volunteers on behalf of The Land Trust and has been transformed into a scenic haven for nature lovers. It boasts diverse walkways, panoramic waterfront views, and, of course, an abundance of birdlife—perfect for fellow waterfowl enthusiasts like us.
One of my personal favourite tools to enhance a day’s birdwatching here is the Merlin Bird ID app, developed by the clever people at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It’s completely free and offers several handy features for identifying birds as you stroll along the park’s wetlands:
- Bird ID Wizard: Answer three simple questions about the bird’s size, colours, and behaviour, and Merlin serves up a tailored list of likely suspects.
- Sound ID: Hold your phone up, let it listen, and it gives you real-time suggestions of which birds are singing. You can then compare your recording to Merlin’s archive to confirm your suspicions.
- Photo ID: Snap or upload a pic of a mystery bird, and Merlin will propose a short list of possibilities—even offline, which is handy if you’re in an area with spotty reception.
With Port Sunlight River Park’s wetlands being just a stone’s throw from the River Mersey, you’ll find a variety of waterfowl species, including:
- Mallard Duck: You can spot the drakes with their glossy green heads and the more subtly coloured (but just as charming) females.
- Mute Swan: Keep an eye out for these graceful beauties gliding around with snow-white feathers and a distinctive orange bill.
- Coot: Notice their white bills and forehead shields popping against dark plumage—often found in the park’s calm waters.
- Tufted Duck: The males are black and white with a dashing little tuft on their heads. The browner females also sport a shorter tuft, and both love to dive for food in deeper water.
By pairing a wander around Port Sunlight River Park with the Merlin Bird ID app, you’ll have all the tools you need to explore, learn, and fall in love with the park’s feathered residents. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply fancy a leisurely weekend outing, I can’t recommend it enough for a proper taste of local wildlife—particularly if, like me, you have a soft spot for ducks and waterfowl.
If you’re unsure about how to use the Merlin Bird ID app, there’s a brilliant video tutorial below—worth checking out before you head off on your adventure!
Enjoy exploring, and as always, feel free to share your sightings with me in the comments or on social media. Let’s celebrate these revitalised green spaces and keep our wetlands teeming with life.
Happy birdwatching!
—Claire
*(Mallard Munch – championing the wonders of our local waterways, one quack at a time!))
