The Juvenile Birder

  Gulls, Sandpipers and Partridges! We first set of for WWT Martin Mere, seeing a pair of Red-Legged Partridges on the way on Southport New Road in the fields. When we arrived, we headed straight for the UU (United Utilities) Hide in hopes of seeing Cuckoos but had no luck so we headed to the Discovery Hide in hopes of seeing a Ruff in breeding plumage. Just then, two small gulls with black heads were seen bobbing in the water before coming onto the bank. There were two adult Little Gulls in complete summer plumage. A new tick for me! We then headed for Newton Marsh by Clifton Business Center- location pinned to blog- in hopes of seeing a reported Jack Snipe Rob had told us about. We had no luck for Jack Snipe but did see a Wood Sandpiper really close up, about four meters away. Another new tick for me! There were also Avocets, Skylarks, Little Ringed Plovers and Common Sandpipers as well. Lastly, we went to RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands where we saw two Willow Warblers and a male Blackcap

 Wader Fest! We arrived at 4:30pm in hopes of catching a glimpse of the rare Black-Winged Stilt seen from Nel's Hide a few minutes ago. When we arrived, we saw it. To the right of the hide was a Black-Winged Stilt feeding far out on the flooded fields. We viewed it as it foraged besides a Curlew. Just as we were about to leave, a Ruff flew in and joined the flock of Avocets on the bank of the main lake. We then went to Sandgrounder's Hide where we saw a Little Ringed Plover, a first for me this year, at the bank of the pool; viewable from the screen outside. It ran along near the grass before laying down, camouflaged within the dry mud. Just then, a bobbing wader caught our eye. On the grass near to the Kingfisher Post was a Common Sandpiper, another year tick, foraging and then flying off. A brilliant way to end the day!

  Egrets, Woodpeckers and More Warblers! We arrived early evening in hopes of seeing Willow Warbler, Spotted Redshank and Green Woodpecker, little did we know we'd be seeing 2 out of 3 of those species. We first went to Bunker Hide and examined the bushes closely since a group of Willow Warblers were there this morning. With no luck, we went to Marsh Covert Hide where the Spotted Redshanks were seen but again had no luck. We then went to Bridge Screen where we saw the female Long-Tailed Duck but again no Spotted Redshanks. Lastly, we went to Border Hide for a last attempt at the Spotted Redshanks with no luck. We then continued to Burton Point when suddenly, a lime green bird flew into view. It was a Green Woodpecker, a first for me. We viewed it before it flew off. We then had to tackle the lambs to get back on the railway bridge. We went on the boardwalk to get back when a flitting bird caught our eye. I first thought it was a Chiffchaff but after closer inspection, it was a Will

 Spring Migrants are Here! We arrived at Burton Mere at early evening. We first went to Bridge Pool where the female Long-Tailed Duck was. We then went on the boardwalk to Border Hide where Common Lizards normally bask. It seemed the the lizards were wise and decided to stay in due to the cold. 85 Knot had been reported on Border Pool so we made our way there. It turns out, a few minutes ago all the Knot were flushed by a Marsh Harrier and went back to the saltmarsh. We then went to Burton Point for Green Woodpeckers with no luck. There were no Woodcock seen on the journey either. We then stopped at the Bridge Screen after spotting some Sand Martins. There were many Sand Martins and at least 2 Swallows skimming over the water. There were also a pair of Little Grebes quite close in beautiful summer plumage. We also saw a male Blackcap in the hedgerow and heard lots of warblers. We then went to the Marsh Covert Hide where we saw a pair of Garganey to end the day.