St Helens Birds and Wildlife: Eccleston Mere

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Scarce or vulnerable species include but are not restricted to any species of wader, ducks other than mallard, all owls, any birds of prey, grey or yellow wagtails, grey heron, all grebes, Cetti’s warbler, water rail, willow tit, corn bunting etc. If in doubt, please ask.

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Eccleston Mere

Today was my first day out birdwatching after recovering from my op, I've been itching to get out again. The kingfisher was showing amazingly well along the stream, I probably could have crept even closer to it, but didn't want to disturb it.
As I was watching the bullfinch pair in the first field behind the boatclub, I had a go at pishing to see if anything would show in the bramble patch. Almost immediately, a goldcrest appeared in the bushes at my feet - I had to move back to get the photo...

Kingfisher 1
Goldcrest 1
Bullfinch pair
Mute Swan 2
Nuthatch 1 heard in dead wood

There was a second hand report of a goosander at the Mere this morning - I didn't see it.

My garden...

Grey wagtail are another regular winter visitor in my garden, although they only seem to appear when it's very cold. This photo was taken on 4th January. The female blackcap is still around but I've not seen the male recently.