Steve Richards

Another fine evening so me & Dave took the short journey to the Sherbrook Valley to look for roding Woodcock.Birds easily seen with 3 individuals. One gave incredible views as it flew within 20 ft of us.We even heard the ‘grunt’ call.Dave’s face on the last pic says it all.Magic!

Me and Dave took advantage of the beautiful evening and had an hour at Belvide. Quickly located the adult Little Gull which is always an early Spring prize. First for Dave too from what I recall.

@i54jamie @Staffsbirdnews Our little area has, but they’ve been scarce elsewhere this winter

@TheSnapper1978 @Staffsbirdnews We seem have a Decent number of golden plover around atm… 🙃

After work visit to Gailey Res was v quiet on the water but great to see a flock of 108 Golden Plover in the ploughed field to the North. Some birds coming into summer plumage. Also 20+Snipe present ⁦@Staffsbirdnews⁩

Also at Horsey in Norfolk we located this brute of a gull bossing the Herrings. Surely some hybrid influence or an extreme Agentatus? Thanks to Rich B & Steve N for input

A long but enjoyable day in Norfolk yesterday. Great views of perched & hunting BW Kite. My 2nd UK sighting of the same bird? Also plenty of regular bits at Titchwell & ending day at Horsey with confiding Glauc, Cranes, Barn Owl etc plus lots of Seals.

Always nice to get first migrants of the year. This LRP at the WMI site near Calf Heath late afternoon ⁦@Staffsbirdnews⁩

Decent morning at Gailey Res with Great Egret,Egyptian Goose,drk Shoveler,drk Common Scoter,4 Pochard,3 Goldeneye,2 Red Kite,4 Oyc,Sand Martin,3 singing Chiff.Then moved on to Belvide with a further 2 Common Scoter,2 Red Kite,5 Sand Martin, sev Chiffchaff ⁦@Staffsbirdnews⁩

At Gailey Res my first Sand Martin of the year over the sailing lake. Spring has sprung! @Staffsbirdnews

At Gailey Res drk Common Scoter on sailing lake 08:00 @Staffsbirdnews

Beautiful evening at Gailey Res but no hoped for migrants. Just Great Egret, Little Egret, 8 Pochard, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Oyc, 8 Snipe @Staffsbirdnews

Quick check of the only pool left at WMI near Calf Heath this evening produced 6 Oycs & 21 Lapwing. Hopefully it will draw plovers and maybe a few other waders in the coming weeks @Staffsbirdnews

Couple of hours this morning at Gailey Res produced my first Ringed Plover of the year which flew over calling at 10:40. Also present 6 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, Peregrine, 5 Oyc, 10 Snipe @Staffsbirdnews

A few hours at Gailey Res this morning was much the same as recently. 2 Great Egrets, Little Egret, 2 Shoveler, 10 Pochard, 3 Goldeneye, 5 Oyc, sev Snipe, 8 Redpoll the best on offer @Staffsbirdnews

Family walk with friends close to home was very pleasant in the sunshine. Made even better by my first displaying Woodlark of the year.

With the mild weather,took the opportunity to venture into Warks to Lea Marston.The Hume’s Warbler was mobile & pretty elusive but I managed sev decent views with persistence.Nice to hear it call on a few occasions too. Also 4 Goosander,Green Wood,a few RN Parakeets & Chiffchaff.

@ianbutlerphoto @Lesliecater1 Agreed. Narrow square cut tail, small head, lack of bulk, lots of barring etc. Reaction of other birds also gives a good idea if Gos is around

@Lesliecater1 Sparkie for me.. doesnt have the bulk for Goshawk and the heads too small 👍🏻

For the Raptor specialists, Goshawk or Sparrow hawk, I think Goshawk or maybe something completely different. Let me know please.

Short video of the superb flock of Russian Whitefronts near Acton Trussell.

After Belvide where we had 13 Russian Whitefronts,imm Gos,2nd w Caspian Gull,I spent a few hours searching for geese.After locating 38 Russian Whitefronts & a Whooper near Acton Trussell I tried to get a better view.Couldn’t believe it when I counted 170+ ⁦@Staffsbirdnews⁩

Just NW of Acton Trussell along Mill Lane 38+Russian Whitefronts with Mute Swans and 1 ad Whooper Swan early afternoon. Could be more as birds down a slope and viewing difficult ⁦@Staffsbirdnews⁩