A tale of two Pipits.

Went down to Frodsham on spec today to see if the Water pipit was showing and photographable. It didn't take long to re-find the bird but it resolutely refused to come close enough for anything more than record shots. The whole flooded area was heaving with birds - Redwings, Fieldfares, Song Thrush, Pheasant, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. A fantastic little area.

A female Merlin glided over causing panic and I lost the Water Pipit just as Frank phoned to say he'd found another one near Delamere and this one was probably more photogenic. Don't you believe it!

I eventually found the spot and the Water Pipit showed well but was quite flighty as the local Pied Wagtails were taking exception to its presence. Just as I got the camera set up for the killer shot it flew off never to be seen again......................

Still, at least the photo's show the all important white outer tail feather!

Stanney Woods provided winter interest this morning with a Woodcock flushed whilst walking Molly. Interestingly one of the local residents told me he'd heard Tawny Owls calling in the woods recently so I'll have to get down and check it out. All the usual woodland suspects were present but no sign yet of the Lesser-spotted Woodpecker.

Final act of the day was checking out two local areas for Owls and sure enough the resident Little Owls showed sunning themselves in their favourite tree whilst a Barn Owl showed in its preferred box. The game crop planted near the Barn Owl box hosted a big mixed flock of finches wit hat least 2 Bramblings amongst them. A great way to end my holiday. Back to work tomorrow......................