THE venue for the April field trip was World's End. This meant a very early start as we were hoping to see Black Grouse lekking.

As we arrived we could not believe our luck as the birds, 15 in total, were displaying not 30 yards from our cars. As we watched the males displaying we hoped they would attract the females but sadly this did not happen.

From here we made our way across the moors to start a walk in search of early migrants.

Male black grouse kept flying by us and as we walked on we saw another small lek of seven males and this time they did attract a hen bird. Willow warblers and meadow pipits were calling and displaying all the time. As we came to the scree slopes we hoped to find one of the birds we had come seeking this being the ring ousel.

In total 26 male black grouse were observed, a far cry from a few years ago when this bird was in sharp decline in this part of the world.

Sadly we saw nothing and even the wheatears seemed absent. After descending from the high ground we made our way back another way. Suddenly something flew from cover. It was a male ring ousel and as we watched three wheatears also put in an appearance. We continued walking back to the cars only to have a male peregrine and a pair of ravens fly over our heads.

From here we made our way to a quarry hoping to see if the local peregrine was in residence. We were ever so lucky as he was sat in his usual perch giving us all fine views. Another pair of ravens also flew by as we watched this superb raptor.

What with the early start and cool weather it was time to move on to the local cafe for warm refreshments.

From here it was decided that we would make our way onto the Wirral to the R.S.P.B. Reserve at Burton Mere Wetlands. Here we added swallow, sand martin, spotted redshank and a stunning little owl to our sightings.

In total 61 species were seen.