Red Rocks on a winters afternoon

Deciding to join Al Conlin & Mark Turner at Red Rocks for a spot of sub-zero temperature seawatching paid dividends when a Black-throated Diver was picked out amongst the commoner Red-throated Divers. Mark saw this bird yesterday and Al had a 'probable' back in the beginning of January. It has also been reported as a 'probable' from Hilbre towards the end of January. Not much else to be seen though and no sign of any of the wish lish of Long-tailed Duck, Slavonian & Red-necked Grebe.

Closer to home decorating was interrupted again by the need to dash into the garden and grab a few record shots of 3 Lesser Redpoll that decided to pay a visit. It's interesting to compare these birds with the Mealy's - much streakier and grubbier all round.

Visiting birder, John Tubb, did well in Stanney Woods yesterday with Willow Tit! I've never seen one there. Jammy git. John also saw the Lesser-spotted Woodpecker & Mealy Redpoll(s).