Nice to meet everyone up here including some familiar faces, I know most of you use this site judging by the conversations.

The Hoopoe was quickly located in the back garden of the large cottage but it kept disappearing behind a watering can and a plant pot, plus...it wasn't the best of views when you're poking your head into Hawthorns and trying to focus the camera.
It flew over the lane and was eventually relocated giving CREST ONLY views feeding in a dip in the field opposite. But when the group was down to 5 of us, unbelievably the lovely couple from the farmhouse came out to us and said ..."we believe you're watching a Hoopoe, would you like to come into the paddock to get closer?"
Well the 5 of us were stunned but gladly accepted and got some great views feeding, resting, preening, and the whole family came out to watch it also, they were amazed at how beautiful the bird was.
If you're reading this...a big thankyou to the family for what you did, and one of the other birders has you're email address to send you some shots, a cracking few hours!

Other birds of note:
Another reward whilst we were there was a flyover Osprey, absolutely brilliant!
Swallow and Tree Sparrow in abundance.
2 Curlew
Buzzard
Kestrel

(13 Redshank on the Ribble mudbank at Penwortham whilst en route)