Baikal Teal

Good scope views in windy conditions of the Baikal Teal at Marshside Marsh Southport. Other sightings included  Willow Tit at Pennington Flash and Mediterranean Gull, Twite and Bar tailed Godwit at Heysham

Curlew Sandpiper

Curlew Sandpipers showing nicely at Hoylake on the Wirral amongst the thousands of Dunlin and Oystercatcher. Also of note was an adult Yellow legged Gull, several Bar tailed Godwit and some stunning summer plumage Grey Plover that were too distant to get a shot

Spurn Head and North Lincolnshire

Had a great day firstly at Spurn. It was relatively quiet due to southerly winds but redeemed itself with a fabulous female Black Redstart.

We also had good views of grey plover, redshank, bar tailed godwit, sanderling, curlew and knot. Other highlights were a great skua and lots of dark bellied brent geese.

We then went onto Far Ings just over the Humber Bridge to see the Ferruginous Duck and were told at the visitor's centre that it hadnt shown today. However, the Gods were with us and we had good views in a pool next to the visitors centre before it skulked off into the reeds!

We then went off to Worlaby Carrs where a rough legged buzzard has been seen the last few days as well as hen harriers and up to 8 short eared owls. We stared at the skies for 2 hours but it was a no show regarding the rough legged buzzard. We did see plenty of common buzzard, hunderds of fieldfare and large numbers of geese flying over, probably pink footed geese. As the light faded we at last enjoyed a great show of at least 4 short eared owls hunting.