Pete Morris

Whatever is going on is pretty tragic and sad to see. As soon as they all started turning up, I suspected the writing was on the wall. Let's hope it's not too damaging to their population, although it's alarming to see many are adults.

Crikey, you'll get me arrested 😂

Crikey. I saw that one as well. Officially old gimmers mate. You got your railcard and bus pass yet? 😂😂🤦‍♂️

In fact, now you remind me, they got heavy use in Alaska, so maybe time...

On average a couple of times a year. Once they've had a good bit of use, I give them a good scrub down then apply the spray. Makes them feel soft and tacky like new, rather than hard and shiny...

Bill, did you treat your Aigle wellies with the rubber moisturiser/nourisher product that they recommend? I have found this keeps the rubber supple and less likely to perish.

Exactly what I was thinking...

Oh wow... have to see you up there some time. We're fairly frequent visitors and that's where the boys learnt to ring!

What caused the east to west shift? Most of us can't wait to head the other way!

When did you move over to the sunny side?

Sorry mate, didn't try! Was still walking that way when it happened. How's life with you? Gather things have changed a bit since we last chatted! Congratulations mate. Btw, where are you living now?

Yes... it's looking good Bill. Bit of agro with the resident GCGs, who don't appreciate it's presence, even making it fly at one point!

Red-necked Grebe, with Bullhead fish, Clowbridge Reservoir (Pete Morris)

Red-necked Grebe, Clowbridge Reservoir (Pete Morris)

Red-necked Grebe, Clowbridge Reservoir (Pete Morris)

Red-necked Grebe, Clowbridge Reservoir (Pete Morris)

Six weeks after my last visit, I popped over to Clowbridge where the Red-necked Grebe is now largely sporting its summer plumage, though this 2cyr bird still retains its pale eyes. Today it was catching Bullheads (Miller's Thumb) rather than Perch! #LancsBirding #RareBirdsUk

2cy Red-necked Grebe still at Clowbridge Reservoir, 0930, fishing in the northeast corner, opposite end from the sailing club. @birdguides.bsky.social #RareBirdsUk

A couple of kms of wet sand. A reasonably easy walk and pretty firm under foot. Good luck!

A real stretch for the R5, the Black Scoter was showing well in the scope a couple of hundred metres offshore straight out from Leasowe Lifeboat Station this am. The big head and thick neck almost as apparent as that bill! #RareBirdsUk

Black Scoter still off Hoylake @birdguides ##LancsBirding ##RareBirdsUk

By Norfolk bird, I am referring to the King's Lynn bird rather than the recent flocks...

Adult Lesser White-fronted Goose, Upper Thurnham, Lancashire, 03/25 (Pete Morris)

Adult Lesser White-fronted Goose, Upper Thurnham, Lancashire, 03/25 (Pete Morris)

Adult Lesser White-fronted Goose, Upper Thurnham, Lancashire, 03/25 (Pete Morris)

Adult Lesser White-fronted Goose, Upper Thurnham, Lancashire, 03/25 (Pete Morris)

It took 2.5 hours searching through the hordes of Pinks at Upper Thurnham y/day, but it was worth it when the fine Lesser White-fronted Goose popped up in the scope. Belly pattern looks the same as Norfolk bird. Origin? Who knows, but a great bird, now living with Pinkies! #LancsBirding #RareBirdsUK

Seems logical, though apparently not known in Whoopers 🤷‍♂️

@kanebrides.bsky.social

This was something I'd never seen before... Albinism or leucism is something I guess you don't expect in a white bird!! Have many others seen leucistic/albino Whooper Swans? These two were along Moss Lane at Cockerham today, and certainly stood out from the crowd. #LancsBirding

It's a subtle one, especially in winter!

I know mate... a bit ashamed to post! Seriously though, heavy crops but great IQ on the R5!

Well it's on its way from Halifax... Alston next 🤷‍♂️🤞

2cy Red-necked Grebe, Clowbridge Reservoir, Lancashire, Pete Morris

2cy Red-necked Grebe, Clowbridge Reservoir, Lancashire, Pete Morris

2cy Red-necked Grebe, Clowbridge Reservoir, Lancashire, Pete Morris

2cy Red-necked Grebe, Clowbridge Reservoir, Lancashire, Pete Morris

Cracking Red-necked Grebe showing beautifully on Clowbridge Reservoir, Burnley, this morning. A bit far for my lens, but stunning light and nice still conditions. Aged as 2cy by the pale outer irides. #LancsBirding #RareBirdsUk

Thanks Tom. The super perhaps isn't as yellow as I initially thought from your pic. As far as I know, all assigned UK birds are nominate, but a good yellow super could raise the possibility of taivana, the males of which are stunners.

What form is it thought to be? The yellow supercilium looks interesting...

Just pulling your leg. I use one too. XQ35 pro. Great kit 👌

😂😂 with that camo, thank goodness you had the thermal 😉