Desert Wheatear, Irlam

After re-arranging my work schedule for today I was off to sunny Irlam after picking up Billy from the reservoirs. We arrived at Roscoe Rd, Irlam on the edge of Chat moss . We met Menzie who gave us on the ground info that the bird was showing better from Astley Rd on the other side of the field. So off we went and parked up. With only about 20 birders present we were right on to the Wheatear which was feeding in a small ploughed field. What a stunning bird this was. A cracking male and showing really well in the morning sunshine.

We stayed till 10.30 and apparently the wheatear left flying high to the south west at 10.45. I'm glad I made the effort this morning and didn't wait till this afternoon. We decided to go home over the moss and come home on the East Lancs Rd. Big mistake. The road starts off ok but gradually gets worse and worse with pot holes 6ft deep. Got lost but eventually came out the other side.