Shore Lark: This smart little beaut has been frequently spotted in a muddy field directly in front of the Old Man o' Mow rock face. This is an exceptional inland sighting
Shore lark are slightly smaller than a the more familiar skylark, with a bold yellow face, black eye mask, and a black breast band. Breeding males display prominent black feather tufts ("horns") on their heads and are one of my favourite British birds.
They are a scarce winter visitor to the UK and most frequently spotted on the east coast, particularly in East Anglia and eastern Scotland, though they can appear elsewhere. Som to get one in on the edge of the Cheshire-Staffordshire border is a rare thing indeed.
At the time of me writing this the bird is still being observed here so go, go tomorrow, go this weekend. If you do go, the area has been described as very muddy and exposed to wind and rain, so appropriate footwear and waterproof clothing are essential.
