07/11/2020 Crosby Marina, Liverpool

Long-tailed Duck: Between the busy shops and fast food outlets of South Road in Waterloo and the Antony Gormley cast iron men that stand like soldiers guarding Crosby beach lies Crosby Marina Lake.

The waters of the marine lake often holds good numbers of diving ducks like goldeneye and tufted duck, as well as great crested grebes, and especially after storms, other aquatic specialists taking refuge from bad weather. 

Over the last two years or so there has been a wintering long-tailed duck often on the smaller boating lake keeping away from the much busier activity centre lake. When I saw the bird last year it kept itself to itself and stayed far out in the middle small boating lake, this time the bird was much more confident and showy! 

This was just incredible, I've seen many across the country in my time, but never like this. The bird wasn't bothered by the dog walker, children and passersby. 

With lockdown 2.0 now here it was great to get out with the family, have a pleasant walk outside with the baby and fit in some birding. I couldn't recommend it enough to everyone, if you can keep yourself and others safe get out there and enjoy the autumnal weather. 

08/04/2017 Wiagn Flashes

Reed Warbler: I rarely  come to Wigan Flashes, I'm not sure why as on a day like to day the place is buzzing wit wildlife. Brimstone Butterflies, Redpoll, Sand Martins, Cetti's, Blackcaps, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, the place was full of things to see!

I came to see the 1st Winter LTD that was found this morning by Ken Dunning, but got distracted on the way by my first Reed Warbler of the year who was singing away in the reed bed next to Pearson's Flash.

Willow Warbler: Then by a Willow Warbler who put a supurb show singing and flycatching. 

Long-tailed Duck: Eventually I made it to the LDT who sat far out on Pearson's Flash and was busily bathing and splashing around. 

I watched it for about an hour, hoping it might come closer before finally giving up and to enjoy the sunny walk back to the car. 

13/11/2016 Pennington Flash

Long-tailed Duck: I definitely wasn't disappointed after seeing todays LTD at penny as it came in pretty close, compared to its more distant movements yesterday.

While there I bumped into lots of familiar faces, Ste Culley, Paul Kurs, Laura Bimo and Jakie to name a few.

Yet another great find by John Tymon who picked out this drake LDT out yesterday afternoon, unfortunately I spent another day DIY shopping, this time for new wooden flooring.

I got more shots of the birds bum then I did of the actual bird, it was actively feeding and diving beneath the water and as soon as it came up and I raised my camera it was down again foraging.

02/02/2015 Crosby Marina Lake

Long-tailed Duck: After working the weekend and unable to find enough people who wanted to go to either Essex for the Serin or Aberdeen for the Harlequin Duck I decided to settle for another duck, not a mega but much more local.








This was my second attempt at this bird, my first try I ended up getting very wet and very cold, this time I was just very cold.









Upon my arrival the bird was right out in the far middle of the lake before flying toward the southern edge giving me some excellent views.