A race of Yellow Wagtail known as Iberian Wagtail was found on Kerr's Field at Leasowe last Friday 26th April 2019 by local birder Stan Davidson. The second record for Britain & first for Cheshire & Wirral. The bird was not seen yesterday, but appeared again today in the same place.
I was busy on Friday & couldn't make it over to Leasowe, so was very pleased to be driving over there this afternoon. There were quite a few birders on site along the road to the Lighthouse, scanning Kerr's Field. The Iberian Wagtail appeared on the edge of the field quite close to the road. However, it was often so close it couldn't be seen over the vegetation growing between the road & the edge of the field. Another obstacle was the fence, which the bird seemed to be able to hide behind whenever I tried switching from bins to 'scope. When it ventured a bit further out into the field it was a lot easier to see.
It was good to see a couple of old birding friends whilst on site, Pete Hines & Mark Garner. Mark had to shoot off sharpish, but I spent an enjoyable time catching up with Pete.
Previous record:
2015 North Yorkshire - East Lea, Filey, 22nd April (M. J. Pearson)
Video by Pete Hines
In the previous couple of weeks there had been quite a few good birds in the Leasowe area. On Wednesday 17th April I saw my first local adult male Redstart. All the others I've seen have been female/immature types. The next day, Thursday 18th April, an amazing site of a flock of 5 Ring Ouzels in the paddocks & my first local adult male Pied Flycatcher. As with Redstarts, previous sightings have been of female/immature types.
