Gun Hill

  I woke up at dawn to a frozen van but decided fill in a couple of hours before the family dragged themselves out of bed. I was at Gun Hill well before the dog walkers which always helps there. The path had become an upland bog and a Jack Snipe had taken a liking to it, unfortunately I hadnt noticed the bird until my foot was almost on it & away it went West. A little further up by the trig point 2 Wheatears had stopped off for a snack break also plenty of mipits on what little bit of short grass the hills has. The woodland seemed very quiet perhaps it needed warm up a little before anything showed its head. A couple of Goldcrest and Wrens were the only bird seen and heard. I have always fancied a Firecrest up there or a lucky YB Warbler, perhaps Im just dreaming. A circuit walk revealed 5 Red Grouse although more were heard a few Redpoll  common tits and a Stonechat. Enjoyable hour and the first J Snipe ive seen in Staffs for some time.