A walk sussing out the what's around in the fields north of Shay Lane this morning produced quite a few birds on the move but none of the classic spring migrants. The drizzle was constant which didn't help but it seemed to bring the birds closer to the ground. A curlew was a new local bird, no doubt on its way to the moors to breed.

Highlights from 10.30-12pm
1 Curlew - heard only
2 Lapwings - prospecting the fields which are very wet at the moment.
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
2 Canada Geese - flew towards Rostherne
2 Grey Herons
7 Mallards
1 Common Snipe - flushed from a small pond at SJ800870
1 Pied Wagtail
1 Chiffchaff
12 Meadow Pipits
2 Lesser Redpolls - in alder wood near Buttery House Lane
1 Sisksin
1 Brambling
2 Reed Buntings - in the same pond as the Snipe
3 Stock Doves
2 Buzzards
1 Sparrowhawk

A blustery walk in the fields north of Shay Lane this morning produced little of note with 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Stock Doves, 1 Mallard, 2 Pheasants and no migrants yet.

In the garden there's still 1 Brambling, 2 Siskins, 1 Lesser Redpoll and now a female Reed Bunting (only the 2nd garden record) but the Tree Sparrow and Mealy Redpoll seem to have moved on.

Cheers. Henry.

Sightings in the garden reported by my folks recently of 1 probable Mealy Redpoll, 1 Tree Sparrow and 2 Bramblings. If looking locally try the alder copse at the east end of Shay Lane for the redpolls. Tree Sparrow was the biggest suprise to hear about for me as i've never had one in the area or the garden before. The nearest colony is several miles away in Cheshire I think!