Wader Migration on the Sefton Coast

Spring passage (April – May)

Spring wader passage on the Sefton Coast is less dramatic than autumn but can produce good birds. Dunlin in breeding plumage arrive in April — the black belly patch and rusty back are a dramatic change from the grey winter birds. Ringed Plovers pass through in numbers. Whimbrel appear in late April and May, usually on the saltmarsh.

The rarer spring waders require some luck — Temminck's Stint, Broad-billed Sandpiper and Dotterel have all been recorded. Black-tailed Godwit numbers peak in late April.

Autumn passage (July – October)

Autumn passage is when Marshside is at its wader best. Failed breeders start returning in late June and numbers build rapidly through July. By August the scrapes can have impressive counts: 500+ Dunlin is not unusual, with smaller numbers of Ringed Plover, Ruff, Knot and the more sought-after species.

Late August into September is prime time for scarcer waders. Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper both appear regularly in good autumns — watch for them among the Dunlin flocks on the scrape edges. A Curlew Sandpiper in fresh plumage, all brick-red above, is one of the better-looking waders you'll see on the coast.

Greenshank, Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper pass through from July. Black-tailed Godwit can arrive in large numbers in August — flocks of several hundred are regular. The odd Spotted Redshank or Marsh Sandpiper is possible.

Key species to look for

Dunlin — by far the most numerous wader, present almost year-round but peak passage July–October. Learn this one first — everything else is easier once you know your baseline.

Curlew Sandpiper — similar size to Dunlin but with a longer, drooped bill and white rump in flight. Fresh autumn adults are unmistakable in reddish-brown plumage.

Little Stint — tiny, shorter-billed than Dunlin. Juveniles in August–September are neat, scaly-backed birds. Usually a few per good autumn day.

Ruff — variable in size and plumage. The breeding-plumage males in May are extraordinary; autumn birds are plainer. Often with Black-tailed Godwit on the saltmarsh.

Spotted Redshank — slightly larger than Common Redshank, longer bill, more elegant. Breeding birds are almost entirely black. Usually in small numbers.

Viewing tips

The main hide at Marshside looks directly over the managed scrape — this is where most of the passage waders concentrate. Visit early morning for best light and least disturbance.

High tide pushes waders off the estuary mudflats and onto the scrapes — check tide times before you go. The two hours either side of high tide are usually the best.

Hesketh Out Marsh, a short drive north of Marshside, holds good wader numbers in autumn and is often quieter. Worth including on a wader day.