Spotshanks showing well

Photos:

Black Redstart, Knott End
Spotted Redshanks, Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit at Conder Creek
Drake Scaup on Conder Pool
Drake Ring-necked Duck, Fleetwood Nature Reserve

17^th March pm 

Later morning I headed up to the van. I diverted towards Conder on the way and, noticing some gull movements in Moss Lane, I decided to investigate. There was a large flock of Black-headed Gulls with good numbers of Common and Lesser Black-backed too. I soon found a pair of adult Med Gulls – unfortunately the birds were then disturbed by a farmer and flew off. 

Next stop was Conder Green where three Spotted Redshanks and a Greenshank were present in the creek. The drake Scaup was present on the pool too. I didn’t stay long and continued on to the van. 

18^th March 

Interesting if somewhat lazy day. I took Bill out early morning (very bright and sunny) and then headed off to Fleetwood. I was looking for the Ring-necked Duck, however on arrival I spent the first half an hour reading the papers in the car park! Not much enthusiasm today I’m afraid. I did eventually get out and go and watch the yankee aythya for a bit and then headed off to Knott End. Here I soon found the first winter Black Redstart and watched it for a bit – there was little else in the immediate area. 

On my way back I called in again at Conder. Three Spotted Redshanks showed well until everything was flushed by a female Sparrowhawk. Four Black-tailed Godwits and the Scaup were present on the pool. After this I went back to the van and spent the rest of the day doing not a lot. 

19^th March 

This lot was the sum of my usual, short visit to HGF early morning: 

Coot                            4

Great Crested Grebe   15
Mute Swan                  1
Oystercatcher              4
Redshank                    1
Skylark                        3
Tufted Duck               32
Wigeon                        35 

The Green Sandpiper was on Moat Lane pools this am on my way to work – I also noted two Sparrowhawks. 

20^th March 

Working in Birmingham today and no birding this am. When I arrived, however, I did hear a Chiffchaff singing in the grounds of the plant I am working at. 

It’s nice to get home in daylight when I have been working away  - makes a change from parking on the M6 north of Brum in darkness! An evening visit to HGF didn’t produce anything of note  -it was just good to walk Bill. At the feeding station were 45 Tree Sparrows and 2 Yellowhammers just before they flew off to roost.