Lesser Yellowlegs

Myself and Dave went birding today and for a change stayed fairly local. went for the long staying Lesser Yellowlegs at Aldcliffe. We were straight onto it and had good views of it alongside a Wood Sandpiper. We then went to Sizergh Castle in hope of Hawfinch but no luck, it must still be too early. We then went to Leighton Moss where it was pretty quiet. Best birds were a Marsh Tit on the feeders, a few close Snipe, a Raven , a very tame Robin and a Spotted Redshank. We finished off this short day at Woodwell again hoping for a Hawfinch but again they proved to be elusive. We did see another Marsh Tit and I heard its distinctive call.

Waxwings

Had a look at some lovely Waxwings in Wythenshawee today. Still waiting for some to arrive in Saddleworth. Also seen was a Mistle Thrush.

Bee-eater

Wow!! Few words can describe how damn good the Seaburn Bee-eater looked. Just feast your eyes on it!!

Hoopoe

Well worth the trip to Sand Point near Weston Super Mare today for the long staying Hoopoe. Showed well several times between being spooked by dog walkers. Has to be one of my favourite birds which I've seen abroad but to get on my british list is really sweet!

Lesser Redpoll

Dave Evans has sent me a pic of this Lesser Redpoll on his feeder. I have yet to see any in my garden and this is really encouraging so soon this year. Following the wet Summer the yield of acorns and other seeds and nuts has been lower than average so hopefully we should all get good numbers of good birds in our gardens if we put out feed regularly. Niger feed is especially good for finches and redpoll and was successful last year in our garden.