Winsford Soul

Lifetime first for me today. Got to see the Sabines Gull very close up, in fact about 10ft away. Simply a beautiful bird with a very distinct call. Steve

I would consider a alllnighter. Anything including and after 6am. Steve

Unfortunately didn't get the chance to get over to see the Sabines Gull this evening. Won't get chance now till at least Monday, which by then I would imagine have returned to the sea. Seen six Swifts again this morning on my way to work and yet again non this evening. Steve

Sabines Gull. Still showing very well at Pennington Flash and only a few metres away from the bank . The last time one was reported inland Lancashire was 1997 apparently. I've just found the aa battery holder/insert for my camera. So with a bit of luck it will be still around tomorrow evening after work. And I hopefully will get some pictures. Steve P.S. no sign of Swifts over north Manchester even with the bright blue skies

When Brian and Madeleine moved to Great Sankey I think it was, you virtually had to walk sideways down the hall because of the amount of record boxes stacked from floor to ceiling. Always remember Madeline used to work as a usherette in the pictures in Warrington. Good times indeed and so many memories especially of the Carlton club. Upstairs of if I remember rightly Burton's. Steve

Superb photographs Russell Steve

Brian Rae. Blue Peter badge for the first person to get his real name. I had the pleasure of traveling with Brian and the Late great Keith Brady. R.I. P. To various venues In the seventies in the infamous astra van. They alongside many local Widnes DJ,s where the main event at my wedding reception in 1982. It's a pleasure and a privilege like so many on here to call him a friend. Steve

Seen two Swifts this morning at 5.30am on my way to work. Non this evening. Will no doubt see odd one or two over there next few weeks. The, Swallows and House Martin's don't normally leave the UK till September/October so still got plenty of time to enjoy them. Steve

Russell. Nature always amazes me. We live hundreds of miles apart yet the ants know when it's time to swarm at the same time in both countries. The swifts Leave about the same time, there's always one or two later sightings. I think I reported on here something like the 27 August last year. Steve

Well I have just witnessed one of those sad times of the year in the natural world for me anyway. About a 40 strong flock of Swifts made up of several family groups . Wheeling and screaming overhead as they're heading South for the winter. Steve

Russell. It always amazes me how tolerant animals and birds are of humans. Unfortunately to many times to their detriment. Steve

Thanks Martyn. The one at Pennington has the yellow tip on its beak and a dark head. Breeding plumage ? Steve

How typical is this. I've no camera at the moment as I have previously mentioned. I have just found out that yesterday at Pennington Flash there where four black terns and today just ten yards from one of the hides is a Sabines Gull. I have never seen either species in my life. Steve

Can't believe it. He liked my post only last Wednesday. Sleep well.Joe. Steve

OMG. . Soul Source will never be the same without your posts. God bless. Rest in peace Joe. Steve

Hopefully picking my new camera up next week so I can get out and about again. Not been out birding for two weeks. Back on that big learning curve again. Totally different set up controls and buttons wise so will take awhile to get used to it. But hey I love a challenge. Steve

The blue sky sets the Kites colours off superbly. Great pictures Martyn as always. Steve

Macca. I'm out of likes for the day. Only get five apparently. So consider yourself liked Steve

Kegsy. beat me to it mate Steve

Chico and Johnny. Great show listening all the way from sunny Manchester Steve

There's a pub near me called the Brunswick. Apparently it was a bikers pub. What a travesty Steve

Proud Dad eh Chris. Nice one Steve

Broadway's. How much. Love Johnny Hunnycutt. What a tune. Thanks for posting Joe as always Steve

Well my battery charger for my camera has just popped. Two flat batteries and no way to charge them. Me thinks it's the perfect excuse to finally go out and treat myself to the New Canon eos 7d mk2. It's down to about £1400 body only plus I will get a few hundred quid trade in. Steve