Many thanks to Eileen MacDonald for her news of the two Cattle Egrets near Woodvale on the blog last night - I found the birds still feeding happily amongst cattle this morning near the caravan site, between Plex Moss Lane and Woodvale Road.
Although they can be distant, you can get good views from Plex Moss, although with the limited space for parking and crumbly, narrow tracks, you maybe better walking on from the housing estate on the Ainsdale side - it's not far and it'll keep the farmers sweet.
Do not go in the fields.
Both birds in full summer dress, and occasionally being very obliging little characters as they fed away in the pasture.
They seem contented enough, and according to farmers, don't budge when the tractors go by - they have been in the fields since yesterday afternoon at least.
I bumped into them at about 11am, after spending an hour or so on Dotterel vigil duties further out on the moss - still no sign.
Plenty of Whimbrel about though, with at least 36 feeding in the crops opposite the entrance to the Cheshire Lines cycle track, with smaller numbers of Curlew.
Wilow Warbler, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Blackcap all singing away on the moss this morning, with nine Wheatears by Getterns Farm and a few more scattered about here and there.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies.,..
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Hooded Crow also on Plex according to pager.
The Hooded Crow was in the next field east of the Cattle Egrets and was picked up by Duncan Rothwell.
It then flew over the Lancs - Merseyside border and perched on telegraph wires - a Merseyside tick!
The Cattle Egrets however, remained firmly inside Lancashire (by about 50 yards), even though we were stood on Plex Moss Lane, which at that point forms the boundary between Lancashire and Merseyside.
Still looking for a Mersey Cattle Egret.
Your pictures are excellent John and I have one as my desktop background.
Glad you like the pics Ralph - usual fee. Ha. Ha.
A pint of Timothy Taylors Landlord in the beer garden of the Crown and Anchor, Kilnsea suit you?
If you're driving.