MANY people have gathered at Parkgate Marsh for RSPB Dee Estuary Reserve's three-day High Tide Watch event.

The Parkgate reserve, which is owned by RSPB, is a vast salt marsh beside the former seaside promenade.

During the High Tide Watch events, you can expect to see species such as Hen Harriers (in Winter), Little Egrets (throughout the year), Merlin (in Autumn and Winter), Short-eared Owls (Autumn through to early spring) and Skylarks (in Spring).

The event started on Sunday (February 11), and continued yesterday (Monday, February 12) and finishes today (Tuesday, February 13). 

On Sunday, the first Avocet of the year was spotted. Elsewhere, two White-fronted Geese and a pale-bellied Brent Goose were on the marsh from Burton Point.

One Bittern was again seen from Reedbed Screen.

Here are some pictures from Sunday's event:

Chester and District Standard: The tide was perfect for spottingThe tide was perfect for spotting (Image: Robert Clive)Chester and District Standard: There were dozens of watchersThere were dozens of watchers (Image: Robert Clive)Chester and District Standard: People searched with their binoculars People searched with their binoculars (Image: Robert Clive)Chester and District Standard: There was an impressive turnoutThere was an impressive turnout (Image: Robert Clive)Chester and District Standard: What a great picture!What a great picture! (Image: Robert Clive)Chester and District Standard: It was a successful eventIt was a successful event (Image: Robert Clive)

For more information about the high-tide watch events, click here.