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.

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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....

It seems unreal that a year has passed since the first forum outing to Fairburn Ings last September. Reliving happy memories of that weekends great birding, I was eagerly anticipating this years trip.

RSPB Blacktoft Sands

I set off on Friday the 24th from a dark, dank and dreary Blackpool at 5.30am and courtesy of British rail, arrived at Brough near Hull just before 10am where John picked me up for the drive to RSPB Blacktoft Sands.

The reserve sits at...

I have been in the West Midlands for my Nephew's Christening and after visiting Brandon Marsh near Coventry yesterday, I made a trip to Hamstead in Birmingham today, to visit the RSPB reserve; Sandwell Valley.

I was last here in a very cold and snowy February when building work had not long started on improving the centre and facilities. Sadly, not long after this, the centre was subject to an arson attack.

I arrived today to find only half of the building still standing,...

It's hard to believe that almost 15 months have passed since my first visit to Brandon Marsh. It was the day after the birth of my nephew, Nathan, I struggled with a hangover in the heat, taking very shaky photo's and feeling sorry for myself!!

I've just returned from the West Midlands for Nathan's Christening. I'm happy to report that he is now a wriggling, giggling, non-stop baby machine only content with ripping off Uncle Alan's glasses and trying to poke me in the eye with them...