I was out this morning commencing at No.6 tank where a good mixture ducks included Common Pochard, Shoveler, Common Teal and Gadwall.
A couple of Marsh Harrier were hunting over the reed bed and a further bird was out on the salt marshes which flushed out a Little Egret. A Sparrowhawk glided over the Manchester Ship Canal to join a Common Buzzard hunting there. There were several Raven on patrol. The Mute Swan flock was again alongside the Holpool Gutter and had a Greylag Goose for company.
A 1000 Strong flock of Lapwing and Curlew took to the air as a Peregrine passed by.
A pair of Stonechat were in the reeds and a further 4 pairs were noted on my walk.
The mixed herd of Mute and Whooper Swan was on high alert as a boxing day pheasant shoot was taking place on Lordship Marsh.
Observer and images: Paul Ralston.
