Getting Otter
Sighting of the day goes to an Otter seen swiming down Lanley's Brook past the Ron Barker Hide heading into the reserve. We had sighings last year from the Harrier Hide so keep your eye's peeled.
More showery weather and a continued turnover of waders in the past two days.
The Black-tailed Godwit numbers are holding up with over 1000 birds, still no official count on these. Lapwing numbers have increased to over 700. Hiding in the vegetation on Vinson's and Sunley's Marsh at least 20 Dunlin, many are in juvenile plumage. Also present 20+ Snipe, 15 Ruff, 2 Green Sandpiper, Redshank, Common Sandpiper and Little Ringed Plover.
Water Rail and Kingfisher from the Ron Barker Hide. Common Terns feeding onsite.
Raptors included Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Hobby, 4 Kestrel, 3+ Buzzard and Sparrowhawk.
Some good counts of House Martin with c.150 birds feeding on and around the reserve yesterday. Around 200 Swift moved North today ahead of a rain front.
Willow Warbler and Blackcap from the Kingfisher Hide. Good views of Tree Sparrows there too. Chiffchaff in the Long-tailed Tit flock along the Nature Trail.
Greylag numbers are building up with 260 counted today including an orange neck collared bird ringed at Windermere.
Keep an eye on the Mere for an increase in wildfowl as the water levels on the Mere are being raised temporally for a week or so. Wildfowl counts included 60+ Teal, 50+ Gadwall, 30+ Shoveler, 10 Shelduck.
Call in at the in focus shop to report any sightings, see the full list of birds and get an idea were best to look on and around the reserve.
