Early 2020 birding

So 2020 dawned dry and cloudy in Bolton and the first bird was a magpie followed by carrion crow. I managed a couple of trips out, once to see ring necked parakeets which are breeding in a nearby cemetery and then to Pennington Flash to try and get 2020 off to a flier. I managed to get Canada goose, willow tit, goosander and stock dove  which are all birds we either don't get in Ireland or are very hard to find. I also had brilliant views of kingfisher as well as a wide range of common species including a small redwing flock.  I got a little egret which is still quite unusual in Greater Manchester and the hide was well stocked, open and coming down with at least 24 grey squirrels. I must be honest and say that Pennington Flash rarely disappoints unless I am pushed for time.

Kingfisher

Kingfisher in the tree, keep looking it is there.

Blue tit

Bullfinch & long-tailed tit

Stock dove

Willow tit - best I could do

Reed bunting

There it is, check back and find it in the tree.

Back home and a walk along the coastal path gave all the usual suspects including purple sandpiper,  rock pipit, guillemot and black guillemot with a bonus red-throated diver. There was also singing song thrush and great tit The garden gave bullfinch, greenfinch, linnet and a surprising extra of 7 redwings in a nearby tree plus all the regular cast of visitors. Over half way to the target in three days.

WOW on a high tide clocked up 47 species in 3 hours the highlights of which were  snipe, buzzard,  Brent, knot and bar-tailed godwit at Kinnegar. The highlight on the feeders was a male siskin and a couple of redpoll. Nearly half way to the target in one visit . 


2020

86: Golden plover
87: Red-breasted merganser
 
Bangor West
42: Greenfinch

Belfast WOW
47: Ringed plover