Walshaw Dean etc

Checked Cromwell Bottom first thing to see if Mikes 3 Egyptian Geese were still about from yesterday - but no show, so probably moved on. The 4 Scaup are still there along with 1 Tufted Duck and 7 Goldeneye including 4 female types.

We headed up to Walshaw Dean, with a few 'sarnies' and stayed most of the afternoon including a walk up to the lower end of the middle res'r. Our main target bird was the Crossbills that keep appearing in the plantation given the amount of spruce cones. Failed miserably to locate any Crossbills, as did others there, some of whom spent nearly all day waiting for the chance of some photos. Several sightings there of a mix of  a few Redpolls, Siskins, Coal Tits, Goldcrests and Great-spotted Woodpecker as well as a singing Song Thrush.

Plenty of activity in the dean with one flock of 60+ Curlew, around 140+ Lapwings and 200+ Starlings all making the most of feeding in the sheep pasture. Two Ravens went over high, briefly mobbing  a lone Buzzard. Only 1 Kestrel seen. A distinct lack of thrushes other than 2 Song and a Mistle Thrush and 2 Stonechats running the fence lines. 

27 species altogether and enjoyed in the continuous sunshine.