It was a blast driving some of the mossland tracks today, before the sun had burnt the ice off the road - plenty of fishtailing in the Baby Black Death as I checked Plex, then went over onto the Withins.
Not many geese about, although a few groups seemed to be dropping down into the fields behind Formby Hall, and only small parties of Fieldfares, and even fewer Redwings.
Plex had a finch flock of about 35 Linnet, with Gringoes and Goldfinch, plus the usual Kestrel, Buzzard, Red Legged Partridge, Rook etc.
One or two Mipits about.
A few more Fieldfare on the Withins, with Stock Dove there, and about 70 Lapwing and 30 Golden Plover.
Just before I came into the back of Great Altcar vilage a superb hunting Barn Owl went falling across the fields in the bright sun, so I watched it for 20 minutes or so.
Great bird, often pitching down into the grass, or more infuriatingly perching up in such a way that I was unable to focus the camera on it against a background of farm buildings, ending up with fuzzy images - there's more to this photography lark than meets the eye!
Even less chance of getting a nice shot of it in flight as it flickered about like a giant moth, so I just watched it for most of the time instead, a real cracker...
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Also 2 Barn Owls from the Ron Barker hide at Martin Mere on Sunday. 2 White Fronted Geese also from the same hide, and 1 Bewick Swan.
29.12: Raven back on Southport Gasometer, being mobbed by Peregrine
Superb male Hen Harrier at Marshside this afternoon hunting the marshes on sea-side of road opposite Pollys pools, also pair of Stonechat and the now usual Little Egrets.
Hi I was just wondering if anyone knew were the best place in Martin Mere was to look for Stock Doves because I heard that there was 2 plumbing stations where they are seen a lot. Could someone email at johnnewton1993@googlemail.com if they know anymore info thanks John