Ring Ouzel

Ring Ouzel, Leasowe

Wheatear, Houghton Green Flash

Common Sandpiper, Houghton Green Flash

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Typical - just over a week ago I walked up Langden Valley and saw only a fly over Ring Ouzel while this morning I found two in a field on the way to work on the Wirral. I had briefly spotted a male in front of a hedge - it then disappeared. I thought that was it, however a bit of persistence and I located this female in a nearby horse paddock where it was badgered by a Blackbird. Cracking birds!

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HGF this evening was sunny but with an extremely cold and strong wind. Over the water tonight were 80+ Swallows, 400+ Sand Martins and a single House Martin. These birds swarmed over the choppy water and many seemed to just hang over the waves when caught by a gust of wind. A number of the Swallows were engaged in hedge hopping over the south hedge - I stood on the path and watched almost mesmerised as they continously flew past me! Four Common Sandpipers were still present and the same number of Black-necked Grebes. A single Wheatear was flitting around on the lawn in the south field. In the garden tonight were 2 Reed Buntings and 3 Tree Sparrows.