weekend up north

From the 23rd to 24th I was up in Manchester and took the opportunity to add a few birds to the year list that would be tricky in the south east.Martin Mere; with skeins of Pink-feet flying in while Whoopers rest up
On Saturday I made my way to Martin Mere for the wildfowl there including Whooper Swans and Pink-footed Geese.Whooper Swans flying in

Even on driving up to the reserve I added Pink-foot to the year list as streams of birds landed on a nearby field. Whooper Swans were more than easy to see and were an impressive sight especially in the grand numbers in which they occur at the site. Other year ticks at Martin Mere were Pintail, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit and Barnacle Goose.A Tree Sparrow at the main feeding station was nice to see as were the large numbers of commoner wildfowl, and a Common Buzzard.Whooper Swan
Skein of Pink-footed Geese

Whooper Swans

Pink-footed GooseBlack-tailed Godwits
Ruddy Shelduck x Mallard?
Ruffs
Pintail
Barnacle GooseTree Sparrow

Reed Buntings
Great Spotted Woodpecker

Sunday was spent closer to the hotel, at my northern patch Pennington Flash, a brilliant place. I got two nice year ticks here, Willow Tit and Goosander which both afforded excellent views. 2 of the former were at the feeding station and I counted a total of 22 Goosanders. 8 Goldeneyes including 5 drakes was a treat and 103 Lapwings were startled by something.Willow TitGoosander
Goosander


Goldeneye
Bullfinch
Reed Bunting