23rd April 2012

Had a trip out to Highgate Common,Staffs today with good friend John Liggins hoping for some pics of Tree Pipit had fairly good views but the light was always a pain!! headed over to Cannock chase afterwards for some year ticks with Common Redstart,Pied Flycatcher & Cuckoo (heard only) made the mistake of leaving the camera in the car at the Chase despite Liggo telling me i'd regret it (Yep he was right!!) Walking up the track to seven springs when a Tree Pipit decided to come down & bathe followed by a male Crossbill with the Tree Pipit being less than 25ft from us!!! After an enjoyable few hrs with a few Year ticks headed for home stopping off at Baxterley for the Ring Ouzel with both male & female present in the roadside field but again no pics!!!