Dipped on Water Pipit at Crossens yesterday’ dipped on Black Redstart at Ainsdale Discovery Centre today.

I think. After grumping around the area for an hour or so, I was heading back to the car when I felt that feeling that something was watching me. I whirled and spied a small bird that didn’t have the good grace to stay put for long enough for me to see. Had to be it. I gave chase, but didn’t relocate the blighter. It did, however, delay me long enough to be drenched by a downpour I would otherwise have missed.

Consolation prizes included Stonechat and Reed Bunting, so it’s not like it was all bad news.