Mark and I headed west this morning. I promised him a grey partridge at Plex Moss near Southport, only to discover that the whole area has had a make-over since my last visit: lovely, neat, managed fields and even a newly tarmacked road running between them. No Greys, but plenty of red-legged partridges peppered the flat, manicured landscape...
Red=legged Partridge, 17/05/15, Plex Moss, Merseyside.
Corn Bunting, 17/05/15, Plex Moss, Merseyside. This made up for the lack of grey partridges.
On to Marshside where the hides provided welcome shelter from the howling wind...
Swift, 17/05/15, Marshside. Lots flying low this morning, presumably to avoid too much wind.
Garganey, 17/05/15, Marshside. This time at close quarters, from a viewing platform opposite the golf course.
Gadwall, 17/05/15, Marshside, Southport. At Nell's Hide.
Shovelers, 17/05/15, Marshside, Southport. Seen from the main "Sandgrounders" hide.
Black-headed Gulls, 17/05/15, Marshside, Southport. Good attempt, but the female's having none of it. Must be out of his depth. (Geddit? Out of his depth?!) Oh, never mind.
Avocet, 17/05/15, Marshside, Southport. A much more receptive pose.
Ruff, 17/05/15, Marshside, Southport. This male was sporting its breeding plumage.
An afternoon trip to Martin Mere with the kids almost produced a Temmink's Stint but the bird was too illusive and distant to scoop. In any case, the kids had other ideas...
Daniel, Holly and Mark on a boat safari.
Holly, taking the mick out of birders.
Martin Mere again? Nope: our back garden. Just look at the size! The ducklings have grown too!
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