Knowsley Safari Park

1 Honey Buzzard dark-phase juv flew low over the paddocks at Mizzy Dam at 10:10. All features seen well including very dark body with no paler patches; very prominent yellow cere; elongated head; longer, narrower wings than Common Buzzard; long tail; tail bars and underwing barring. It gradually gained height and started flapping and gliding in typical fashion above the larch plantation on Riding Hill, frequently chased by a crow but it didn't seem bothered and was still patrolling the same area at 10:40. No further sightings over the next hour so it may have gone or just gone to ground. Incidentally the old hide at Mizzy Dam now contains bee-hives and this is close to where the Honey Buzzard was first seen at low level. Year list 174

1 Crossbill flew from the larch plantation on Riding Hill towards the larch plantation by the lodge on the dual-carriageway at the entrance to the safari-park

1 Spotted Flycatcher on the north side of Ranch Pond

1 Whitethroat Singleton's Hill

26 Skylarks over

1 Mediterranean Gull adult at Section 1 Pit

1 Egyptian Goose and 1 Cape Shelduck Section 1 Pit