Anyone who knows me, or has seen me on a twitch over the last 16 years knew if I was there, then Scruffy our Jack Russell woundn't be far behind. Sadly, in June last year we had to let her go. She was almost 17 and was poorly, she had almost gone of her legs and as heartbreaking as it was we knew it was time for her last twitch. We took her out for the day, visiting all her favourite sites and fed her bacon butties and ice-cream, a fitting end to her time in our lives. Vowing that we would not have another dog because it is just too hard when you lose them, I went out walking for the first time in years without a four legged companion - not going to happen ! Within 3 weeks Mani had joined our family along with Luna (Ashleys dog) and birding trips and walks were back to what we were used to.
Last Wednesday afternoon (4th Feb) an opportunity came up for us to nip over to New Brighton where a 1st Winter Laughing Gull had been showing well for a couple of days.
A short 50 minute drive from home and the 4 of us , Me, Ash, Luna and Mani were watching the bird. It was happily sleeping amongst a couple of hundred Redshank and a few Turnstone. As the Redshank left the roost the Gull did a short flight had a drink and a bath, then landed back on the Jetty. A Cheshire lifer for us and a first for Luna and Mani !
Snow Buntings had been showing on and off since December of last year at the other end of the prom, so we decided to make the most of our visit and drive to see them whilst we were here. This was, of course, also a perfect opportunity to introduce the dogs to the sand on the beach. Niether had been on a beach before and they had a great time chasing each other around.
Within a few minutes Ash had located the birds and we were able to enjoy them at very close quarters for 20 minutes or so. Ashley managed to get some close up photos to share with you as well.
Laughing Gull amongst Redshank
In Flight
and landed
Laughing Gull
Snow Bunting
Snow Bunting
Mani chasing Luna
Mani
Scruffy an me in Spain
