Saltholme

We decided to head off to RSPB Saltholme yesterday a place that I have never been to and it ended up being a fab day. Camera man for the day Mike had a job on his hands at times as the birds were quite distance, but still got some cracking shots and 2 ticks.

This bird I think is a female Pochard and I hope it is as it will be tick number 1. A very dainty looking bird and one of several on the first pond we visited. Other ducks were Teal, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Widgeon and Golden Eye.

Second tick is what I think is a Black Tailed Godwit, it has an orange blush kneck and white belly, a cracking bird. The feeders were awash with Tree Sparrow, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting and Goldfinch. The fields and ponds were home to Canada Goose, Greylag Goose and I also heard that Pink Footed Geese were there but I didn't catch sight of any personally. Kestrels were hunting along Kestrel walk and Skylarks were singing beautifully. Pipits were along the hedges and we were able to get quite close.

Other sightings today were Cormorant, Shelduck, Little Egret (nice) Redshank, Lapwing, Great Crested Grebe and a very excited birder had spotted a Hooded Merganser. I didn't get a good look and to be honest it was a blob amongst the gulls when I looked through my bins, so obviously he had a very powerful scope and set up. Below are some of the best shots of the day even if they are a bit distant. Cracking day and some fab birds.