b

Hilbre Island Bird Observatory

Wales  >  United Kingdom

Bird Observatory and internationally important wader stopover, accessible only on foot at low tide.

Added* by Iain Crawford
Most recent update 3 августа 2022

Description

Because of Hilbre’s position in the River Dee estuary, it has always been a special place to see wading birds and wildfowl. The three small islands of the Hilbre Island Bird Observatory are accessible on foot. Warden sells teas and coffee but no food and no overnight stops. Basic rain shelter available, wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Waders of all description on passage, and excellent seawatching for skuas, auks, divers, shearwaters, etc.

Details

Access

Access on foot from West Kirby, which is 20 miles northwest of Chester via A540, 3 miles west of Birkenhead via A553. Check tide times ahead of your trip (see link to the tides table below). Following the recommended safe crossing route it will take between 45 minutes and an hour. The walk is over wet sand and rocks. Some people prefer wellies, some walking boots, others old shoes they don’t mind getting wet and muddy. Walking barefoot is not recommended.

Terrain and Habitat

Plateau , Sea , Beach , Mud flats

Conditions

Rocky , High water possible , Wet , Slippery , No shadow , Sandy

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Autumn , Spring , Winter

Best time to visit

Autumn , Autumn migration

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area