Out past the Polar Bear riding the Donkey, and then down Engine Lane into a sparkling, sunny afternoon on the mosses - plenty of Kestrels about, with one or two Sprawks, straightforward gull flocks, and ever-increasing numbers of Stock Doves.
As is often the way, sitting quietly in the car on the WIthins for half an hour or so produced results - a fine ringtail Hen Harrier cutting low over the fields, and out towards Lydiate, the Red Kite doing its thing again, although distant as ever.
Not even the unwanted attentions of a few Carrion Crows could drive it closer.
Seven Buzzards up here, with more out on Plex, including this unfortunate individual, which also got its share of corvid hassle.
Plex had a few good flocks of Skylarks in the stubble, 5 Golden Plover and a Grey Partridge, which is always good to see these days, plus the usual Corn Bunting, Lapwing, Fieldfare etc.
A ringtail Hen Harrier flapped north over the fields here just before 4pm, and although it looked very similar to the one earlier on the Withins, it could just have been a second bird.
The sun seemed in no hurry to sink down the sky, but once the Pinkies began plugging out to roost on the Ribble, I knew it was time to head home.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Got ringing return back on an adult Herring Gull I saw coming to scraps at Weld Rd on January 3rd.
Colour ringed "A3RS" (BTO GC23749), was admitted to RSPCA Stapeley Grange as a chick in June 2007 weighing 330g, after being found on Richmond Street in Liverpool.
It was released with other juveniles the following September at Spike Island, Widnes.
The bird was also sighted in July 2007 at Southport Marine Lake.
The sighting confirms a post release survival of over 4 years.
Scaup dozing on Sandplant Lagoon late this afternoon, "lame" 1st winter Glauc back bathing south of Weld Rd this morning.