I just managed to get a better look with binoculars and he has a couple of white patches elsewhere and yellow eye rings so I don't think it's the ouzel after all but it was nice while the mystery remained! Thanks for your help.

Simon Warford wrote:

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I remember seeing a wintering male on Winter Hill in the 90's so it's easily possible..

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Also, I don't think the location is necessarily a negative point. There was one in a suburban Cheadle Hulme garden back in the 80s. This still could be a black and white Blackbird but worth keeping an eye out for a second look.

Cheers John

According to RBA, there have been a couple of sightings in Dorset in January, presumably of wintering birds. Quite possible, even in the North

Wow, thanks for the info. I'll keep an eye out for it again today to see if I can get a better view or photo and report back.

I remember seeing a wintering male on Winter Hill in the 90's so it's easily possible..

I would have agreed with your summation Barry - until I looked at this website http://www.ringouzel.info/news_viewsightings.html

It would appear that over-wintering Ring Ouzels, whilst rare, are more frequent than I realised, e.g. 15 fairly widespread January birds reported in 2015. Could well include some mistaken IDs but also some supported with photos and most seem genuine.

So, as you say, never say never

Cheers John

Thanks, Barry. I did think it would be a minor miracle. I'll see if it is around tomorrow if we are still at the hospice and check it out a bit closer!

Never say never, Vicki. It would probably smash earliest ever sighting records and in a v.unusual location. It is more than likely a blackbird with a white patch of feathers. I've seen them in a couple of locations in the last 12 months (one in Hyde Pk in London and on Frodsham Marshes in Cheshire) Weight of experience says that's more likely. Well found

I just saw a bird in the hospice gardens. Looked exactly like a ring Ouzel: blackbird sized and white collar. It was sat in a tree but flew off before I could try to get a photo.

Is there any history of seeing them round these parts at this time of year? I've never seen one before but the white collar looked just like a ring Ouzel.

Thanks.