Hooded Crow

I'd seen that a Hooded Crow had been in Wigan for a week or two, or at least reported for a week or two. I'd always wanted to see one and it wasn't too far away. I didn't want to miss out, or have that regret of missing out, when it was not even 30 miles away. So I made the effort to go and see it. A close relative of the Carrion Crow, it is usually confined to northern Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

On arrival it had been flushed/scared off by an over enthusiastic photographer. Now these are really getting on my nerves, as they are giving most, if not all bird photographers a bad name. They have no field craft and move selfishly towards the birds to get better pictures and ultimately flush them. This means no one gets to see them properly. They will then move/chase after the bird. When will they learn, that if you just stay still and maybe even hide out of view that the birds may actually come to you? This means that you can get your pictures and those that have no interest in photographing them can also enjoy the bird for as long as possible. They are there for everyone, so stop being so selfish.

Anyway, now I've got that off my chest. It eventually flew back and spent a lot time on the heath, and gave me good views and even a fly past. Very pleased with this particular lifer.

With patience, it came closer.