I made a trip to the RSPB reserve at Marshside in Southport yesterday and my first sighting was me 'ole mucker - Bassist, walking along the path leading to the shore line.

Along here were several Meadow Pipits and a large flock of Goldfinches which looked a bit special, flashing gold as they darted and wheeled.

Although it was a dry, warm and sunny day, the wind was getting up a bit making it feel chilly, so we headed for Nels hide for a bit of respite.

...

My birding over the last few months has been a half hearted affair.

I paid a visit at the begining of August to the West Midlands for a family occasion, and managed to do some birding then.

Since that time, I couldn't really be bothered, to be honest, but the recent forum outing to Blacktoft Sands and Far Ings has re-motivated me.

Such is my new found zeal, I finished a 12 hour night shift on Saturday morning and went straight out birding to Leighton Moss....