Cheshire....my last day :'(

An early start, down to Moore NR, where we planned to stay the day.

Starting off well with gear like Bullfinch, followed by Tawny Owl, Willow Tits (the first i've had in almost two year), Snipe etc.

Willow Tits at the feeding station and a Reed Bunting sat on a frosty bramble (c) Ashley Howe

A brief look over the frozen pools, there were a few Gulls beginning to gather, mean while we went and took a look for a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, our efforts were for now - fruitless, but then went to take a look for Redpolls. Which we got easily with both Lessers and Mealy found, with Siskin in Alders.

2 Lesser Redpolls in Alder, and Stephen attempting to digiscope the Mealy Redpoll (c) Ashley Howe

Back watching the Gulls again...but nothing too good was seen, so took a brief trip over to Frodsham and found a Little Stint on the No. 6 Tank Pool at high tide.

Returning to Moore, the best Gull of the day was found...Yellow-legged Gull - WOW!! well worth our efforts, on the Birchwood Pool.

Yellow-legged Gull, one of two, the only half decent Gull that anybody could find (c) Stephen Menzie

Over on the Pumphouse Pool there was a Water Rail and behind us a Lesser Pecker called all too briefly, but unfortunately wasn't relocated. We went back to the feeding station to watch the Willow Tits again, before going back to Menzie's to collect my stuff and starting the journey south to meet my Dad.

Thanks again Stephen for a great long weekend away, much appreciated, and im sure the favour will be returned someday.