The Mersey Estuary provides roosting and feeding grounds for large numbers of ducks and waders.

 

Over the past 30 years the number of over wintering birds has risen dramatically due to improved water quality and the development of the salt marshes on both sides of the river where plants have begun to colonise high level mudflats.  

 

A site is considered to be of international importance for any species of bird if it supports more than 1 per cent of the European population.   The Mersey Estuary is internationally important for three species of duck and four

species of wading bird and so qualifies as a Special Protection Area, a status reserved for only the most important bird sites in Europe.   It also qualifies as a RAMSAR site, a wetland of international importance.    This recognises wetlands as vital links in a chain where migratory birds can stop and refuel en route between their breeding and wintering grounds.    To be considered nationally important, a site must regularly support more than 1 per cent of the UK population of any species.

 

Published counts during the winters 1996-97 to 2000-01  

 

Internationally Important Populations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nationally Important Populations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

BIRD POPULATIONS ON THE MERSEY ESTUARY

 

                                                                 

                                                                                                                                 

 

 

 

RECENT WEBS COUNT FROM FRODSHAM, INCE, STANLOW and

HALE

 

  JANUARY 2011.

 

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