Headed over to Mere Sands Wood this morning with Bazzo - and it was pretty good....
At least three Buzzards on Churchtown Moss as we drove out of Southport, with Corn Bunting and two Yellowhammers there too.
Siskin and Bullfinch around the car park at Mere Sands, and in the pines to the east of the "End Lake" two Crossbills.
A fiery red male and a female, they were ripping pine cones off the tops of the trees like there was no tomorrow, and while they occasionally gave great views, they were the very devil to try to digiscope high up in the canopy.
Always nice to see Crossbill in Lancs though.
In nearby alders and birches 13 Lesser Redpoll, with Jay and Greater 'Pecker calling in the woods.
Out on the water from the Redwing Hide, at least 6 Goldeneye and 4 Goosander amongst the Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall etc.
Kingfisher zipped along the overhanging rhodedendrons and Great Crested Grebe on the lake in full summer plumage now.
All very nice winter birding - the Bittern was still at the reserve yesterday, but we couldn't find it today - not that we looked very hard, we spent most of our time craning our necks to look up into the canopy and dodge falling pine cones.
A quick look at Marshside on the way home was uneventful - the outer marsh was kinda bleak, but loadsa Blackwits on the inner, with Little Egrets flopping around, Lapwing, Golden Plover etc.
28+ Pochard on the Sandplant Lagoon.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Grey Phalarope mooching around the freshwater pools right at the edge of Ainsdale beach today (18th) about 13:00. Got a couple of pics but nothing that's gonna appear on the front of Birdwatch!
February events at Leighton Moss RSPB reserve, Silverdale:
Singles walk, Sat 14 Feb
2-3.30pm:
A sociable afternoon for individuals that wish to come for a relaxed guided walk and meet people with similar outdoor interests. Booking essential. Cost: RSPB members: adults ã2, non-members: adults ã4.50.
Valentines Quiz night
Sat 14 Feb
7.30 â 9.30pm:
An evening of fun! Have a go at our general knowledge valentine themed quiz. Come as a team of up to 6 people (or make a team when you get here) and bring your own drinks. Prizes for winning teams. Cost: ã1 per person.
For more details, call 01524 701601.