Woodland Treasures

Myself and Dave went to Errwood Reservoir early morning to try for woodland birds. We were not disappointed, quickly on several singing Redstart. We also saw several Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Tree Pipit and a Little Owl. A Common Sandpiper was walking down the road and we heard a Cuckoo

Blue headed Wagtail or possible Channel Wagtail

Spotted an interesting Yellow Wagtail at Audenshaw today.Initial thoughts were it was a Blue Headed Wagtail but the head is on the pale side and with this amount of white on the throat it could be a hybrid between Yellow wagtail and Blue headed wagtail- A so-called Channel Wagtail. Also present were nominate British Yellow wagtail, White Wagtail, Wheatear the first Swifts of the year, Great Crested Grebe and  Common Sandpiper

Buff Breasted Sandpiper

Me and Dave went to Frodsham and eventually I picked out the Buff breasted sandpiper amongst Dunlin and Black tailed Godwit. It quickly flew off though I we didnt see it again. Also present were 2 Ruddy Shelduck and a Peregrine which sent the whole flock up in a panic.
We then went onto Elton flashes where we had good views of Green sandpiper, Common sandpiper, Common tern, juvenile Garganey and finally excellent views of a Wood sandpiper.  A nice short day's birding with one lifer and some excellent year ticks.


                                                           Wood Sandpiper

Water Pipit

I had excellent views of one of two Water Pipits at Conder Green near Lancaster this lunchtime. They were still a bit far away for photography but I got some record shots anyway. Also of note were 2 Spotted Redshanks, a Common Sandpiper and several Meadow pipits which made good comparison to the less marked Water pipits.