Goosander, Central Park Lake 10th January 2021

Local birder Rob Bithell reported a female Goosander and a Wigeon on Central Park Lake, Wallasey, yesterday. I took a look this morning not really expecting the Goosander to still be present, but it was, and the Wigeon. Certainly, the closest to home I've seen Goosander.

Mandarin Duck, Arrow Park Lake 7th January 2021

A visit to Arrow Park proved fruitful earlier today. There were five pairs of Mandarin Ducks on the lake. Rather conveniently, a couple clambered down to the edge of the lake opposite me to feed the ducks. Their offerings of bread brought most of the varied population of ducks out into the open water. Most of the Mandarins had been partially hidden in the dense thicket at the edge of the water until this moment. Other birds seen in a wander around the park included Nuthatch, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit, Bullfinch, Jay, Kestrel & Sparrowhawk.

Snow Bunting, Hoylake 6th January 2021

There's been a flock of eight Snow Buntings on the beach at Hoylake for a couple of weeks, so I popped over today to take a look. Although the flock wasn't difficult to find they did suffer from repeated flushings by dog walkers, other members of the public and a rather selfish young photographer. I'm amazed they put up with all this disturbance, but they do keep returning to their favoured area just west of the Lifeboat station. With patience good views were possible from the promenade without venturing onto the beach.