Moore NR,

Beautiful sunshine tempted me to visit Moore today in search of the mythical lesser peckers. I have only managed a glimpse of one in recent months whilst others have reported crippling views. A couple of brimstone butterflies and a couple of singing chiffchaffs confirmed spring had arrived. I was on my way back to the car after a couple of hours fruitless searching when another birder was waving us over as he was watching a lesser pecker. Lovely! We then preceded to have excellent views of a male as it was excavating one of its several nest holes in order to tempt a mate. It was chased off by a greater spot but returned almost straight away continuing with its homebuilding. It was nice to hear it calling also. It probably showed for ten minutes before it dissappeared back into the wood. Just superb little birds. Up to 3 males have been seen in recent weeks but worryingly no reports of any females but maybe the females just are not as showy at this time of the year.

A quick look at the tip from Birchwood pool produced juv glaucous and juv iceland gull.