Iceland Gull: Nice start to the extra, extra long bank holiday weekend as I had today off and made plans with Gary to head out early and pick up some recently arrived migrants.
First stop was Bickershaw Rucks, a local reserve and a place I know is petty good for grasshopper warblers. It didn't take long before we heard the distinct reeling call emanating from the rough grass.
We then moved on to the Wirral and straight to Leasowe Lighthouse which was in full migration mode. Dozens of blackcap, willow warbler and chifchaffs were singing from every tree and bush.
But the highlight for sure were these mountain equivalent of the closely related blackbird.
We had two in the fields behind the Wirral way before they vanished and were gone for good. Gary and I stayed in the are and were suddenly surrounded by whaetear with the estimated daily figure topping 60 birds.
Ring Ouzel: We eventually moved on and saw the pied fly that was hanging around the end of Lingham Lane, it was only a brief view but we were happy.
We were happier still when we relocated the ring ouzel foraging in a horse paddock along Lingham Lane, two birds were joined by another and then a fourth.
Other birds to note were two white wagtail in the horse paddocks behind the Wirral Way, a reeling Grasshopper Warbler in the reeds and this smart looking whinchat knocking about the wheatears.
Whinchat: On the way home I decided to take a detour to Sefton Park, were we connected with the long staying Iceland gull. The bird was happily chasing away the ducks, steeling the food that families have come to the lake to feed the birds with. I wasn't complaining as these free handouts encouraged the bird to come in closer.
Decent day all round and a good start the the extra long bank holiday weekend.
