AS you pass through Great Altcar you are likely to see a lovely little bird.
The grey partridge doesn't have the swagger of the pheasant and likes to keep itself hidden rather than run across the road in front of you!
You are more likely to catch sight of it in among the growing rows of wheat as it scurries about looking for food. It does have an attractive barring to its feathers despite its overall grey countenance and is a nicely proportioned bird.
It is rare enough for farmers to be encouraged to support it. Shooters have opted for the heavier pheasant when it comes to beaten shoots and partridges are really only appreciated by rough shooters. Strictly ground birds, there is no chance of finding one in a pear tree - even at Christmas!
Look out for it as you pass. You are also likely to see the red-legged or "French" partridge, which has a more colourful disposition, with a lovely white facial marking and barred wings.
Yesterday was another ticking off day. There was a kestrel in Broad Lane flying low across a field. A couple of partridge. A heron flying northwards along the Downholland Brook from Altcar Road. And a barn owl quartering a field in Lord Sefton Way.
Music On The Moss: Lent having finished, normal service is resumed. I'm easing back into rock with one of my favourite groups, The Byrds. My favourite albums are Younger than yesterday and The Notorious Byrd Brothers. YTY is perhaps my favourite, although Notorious is a must for anyone, with its glorious array of special effects used when the group test recorded the studio CBS built to record Simon and Garfunkle's Bridge over troubled water album. YTY is perhaps the most recognisable as a Byrds LP, with its 12-string and harmonies. It also has David Crosby, who left in a huff when they were part-way through Notorious. Give either a listen.

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