Croatia May 2014

Squacco Heron: So I have finally got around putting together a trip report for Croatia, please see below for more.

 Rock Partridge: Croatia is by far one of the best places I have been birding, Croatia is stunning a place full of some really nice people and great birds.

Pygmy Cormorant: the trips highlights included, Whiskered Tern, Rock Partridge, Alpine Swift, Black-eared Wheatear, Flava Wagtail - black headed and Moustached Warbler








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19/11/2014 West Kirby Marina Lake

Red Breasted Merganser: An after work trip to West Kirby and Red Rocks didn't  throw up anything too rare.

The highlight was by far was six RBM loafing on the marina, although I was far too late for the Great Northern Diver that was spotted off Red Rocks

From West Kirby I went across to Leasowe with the hope I could connect with the snow bunts, however knowing they haven't been spotted in a day or two I wasn't that surprised when there was still no sign.  

15/11/2014 Lytham Moss

Great Grey Shrike: There are times I love this time of year, when I am watching a Hen Harrier down on Burton Marsh or the times when I successfully find a large white winged gull among the gull flocks on Richmond Bank.

What I don't like is the lack of daylight hours we have, the lack of photography light and birding time.


This was my second visit to Lythams Shrike hot spot, however this time I took Garry along.

We didn't have to wait too long before the bird was spotted on the other side of the road to Easterleigh Animal Sanctuary.

Garry and I spent the last of the light watching the bird getting mobbed by the local Great Tits.

It was also great to bump in to Mr Carlton-Jones, who had a two Shrike day bagging both this bird and Grindleton bird.

03/11/2014 Dovestone RSPB

Rough Legged Buzzard: After the RLB invasion I was thrilled to finally catch up my first over Dovestone Reservoir.

Gary, Jon and I sped up straight to the site where the bird has been spotted the day before, thanks to Damien for the directions.

Almost as soon as we arrived not one bird but two came soaring over the ridge, we didn't have to wait long before one bird came right over the road above our heads!

This bird gave us some cracking views however the winds made it pretty difficult to get a decent shot, never mind as I was just pleased to catch up with this striking bird.

It was nice to bump in to Andy Makin- the old man of the moors (his words not mine) he was on the wrong moor though.

Red Grouse: The place was full of Red Grouse, no surprise I guess but I had never seen so many so close up there before.