As I waited for a glimpse of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker this Kestrel started hunting in the field, it wasn’t successful on this occasion as it moved from tree to tree.

Spring is in the air.

Treecreepers kept me entertained as I walked through the wood.

Small groups of Fallow Deer were feeding in the park.

As I finished my walk in Dunham Massey I came across this Grey Heron.

I have been planning this trip for two weeks but it didn’t materialise for one reason or another.

 The Glossy Ibis is the target; it’s been here for some time now and attracted some attention from photographers already, so I need to get some shots before it moves on.

The Ibis has been feeding on the meadow next to the level crossing, which is popular with Curlew in winter. Although the forecast is for rain and cloud I still feel the need to go.

 A quick visit to the salt marsh hides is on the cards, one of my favourite spots being the Eric Morecambe hide; it can be very good for waders if the water levels are not too high....

Before returning home I will be calling in at the public hide to see if the Bittern is showing (you never know I could be lucky).

It’s an early start to avoid traffic on the M6 and get some shots before the late morning rain arrives at Silverdale. I need to be on site for 7.30am for the best chance.

Sunrise at the Public hide

I managed to get some images of the Glossy Ibis, although it was feeding at distance, the combination of rain and overcast conditions made getting better photographs very difficult.

As the sun came out I decided to take a trip to see if the Short eared Owls were flying it’s a short trip and worth the effort. Two weeks ago I placed a stump near the path, which with a bit of luck an Owl will land on. They can fly close at times and in good light, but can be infrequent flyers. It’s a big area to cover and they could be in a different spot each day. Several trips over the last three weeks have proved fruitless.  With local birders and dog walkers reporting no Owl activity it could be time to move on.

Shot from a previous visit.

 At Last the Siskin’s are back and I need to devote some time to get some images of them. It’s very difficult to get a good shot as the light can be very poor and in the wrong direction. The local Sparrowhawk would also like one; its frequent visits scatter the birds in every direction, then it goes’ quiet. It’s not long before birds start to return, so I can try again.

Some nice Bullfinch are regulars at my feeding station along with Goldfinch, Nuthatch, Greenfinch, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Blackbirds, Songthrush, Wren, Goldcrest, Collared Dove and yes Wood Pigeon to name just a few.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker puts in an appearance every now and then. The Brambling did not turn up this year; we had up to 8 at any one time last year which is a bit disappointing.