Returning Curlews, and other things

Not that much to report this time reader, no twitching or nonsense like that. Checking Uttoxeter Quarry yesterday, it was great to see a flock of 30 Curlews, starting to flock up before moving into the hills. Also around were 5 Oystercatcher, 3 Green Sands, 6 Snipe, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Shelduck and 38 Goosanders.


Onto today, starting off from the viewpoint at Croxden Quarry. The main highlight was the chip, chip, chipping call of a Crossbill over, along with a drake Shoveler.

The rest of the day was spent up in the North Staffs Moors. A look round the conservation pool at Tittesworth had 2 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 10 Pochard and a Willow Tit, with 17 Goosander out on the main reservoir. Various stops around the moors revealed some Buzzards, Ravens and Red Grouse. Finishing off at Swallow Moss, a couple of Short-eared Owls performed beautifully.