Paid a short visit to RSPB Sandwell Valley this afternoon. The alterations started at the end of January are still ongoing, a much larger carpark is still to be completed and the garden area is still under construction. It will certainly be a benefit when all alterations and refurbishments are complete. On the lake were Teal, Pochard, Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler, Oystercatcher, G C Grebe, Little Grebe, Shelduck, Coot, Moorhen and numerous B H Gulls. In the marsh area a common Snipe was spotted. At...

Set off early yesterday morning with my packed lunch and flask with the intention of a good days birding. Headed to Wales for the day again to see if I could finally see the Surf Scoters on the North Wales coast. And also catch up with Ruth's sneaky Black Redstart from the other week.
Started the day early morning at a location I think is best keep secret for obvious reasons. With the weather the way it was being overcast, cold and quite breezy I was quite surprised at the first real bird...