If you want a change from local stuff check www.deestuary.co.uk - gives lots of info and links for my favourite area, the Wirral . You say you are willing to travel and it's not so far to go to find a wide range of habitats and species.
Have a go at Davyhulme Millenium Reserve on Daresbury Avenue in Flixton, very under-watched (although currently closed due to conditions). Through the winter gives good views over the Ship Canal . Species count for the site is above 80. Good for ducks and winter thrushes at this time of year and all the commoner warbler species in the summer. Reliable for Bullfinch and Willow Tit. Good habitat mix.
Those locations sound like good spots to get back into the swing of birding and enjoying the resident birds around you David. There's always a chance of turning up something unusual like Kev's Smew at Flixton recently demonstrates!
First post here having browsed the forums for a while.
I am looking to get back in to bird watching, kind of a new years resolution to get out of the house for some 'me time'. As a kid I was a member of the YOC/RSPB and used to get out alot with my late Grandfather. Always had an interest since then, spotting birds when out and about. More recently (over the last few years) I have got in to digital SLR photography, which one day I hope will link back in to the birding.
So I'm going to brush the dust off the binoculars and get out again soon, probably after the thaw.
Question is where should I start, gear wise I'm OK, I'm more after location tips. Old locations I visited were Sale and Chorlton water parks, the mersey, flixton and Trafford ecology park. I live in the urmston/stretford area but I am willing to travel by car.
