News
Out on the reserve today
Main observatory Little ringed plover - 2 Marsh harrier - 2 Ruff - 4 Avocet Teal Black-tailed godwit (in good summer plumage) Lyle hide Willow/Marsh tit - identification wasn't clarified Lady Fen Hen harrier - 1 (male)
10 April 2013
Wildlife sightings for 10th April 2013
1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose - seen on river 12.50 p.m. 1 Garganey - scrape 5 Redshank - scrape and marsh 1 Oystercatcher - marsh, 5th day 1 Swallow - reservoir lagoon 3 Sand Martin - reservoir lagoon and main lake 3 Willow Warbler - singing on south rout
10 April 2013
Could it be?
Yes! We have seen our first Swallow, as Paul keeps saying (rather optimistically) Summer is here! Water Voles are also showing well all ovet the reserve, feeding on the fresh shoots. Sightings from the Sand martin & Ramsar hides today include: 4 Lesse
9 April 2013
Spoonbill again.
Spoonbill showing well this morning, still present this afternoon, active and feeding from the United Utilities Hide. A few wader counts produced 36 Ruff, 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Ringed Plover, ~20 Oystercatcher, ~200 Lapwing, Curlew, 10+ Redshank and
9 April 2013
Ospreys on the nest in the sunshine
In the sunshine and bitterly cold East wind, this morning has been all about DIY on the nest . Both male and female birds have been bringing in sticks and grass to line the nest. Thankfully with this dry weather the grass is dry and fluffy, not like last
9 April 2013
Todays Sightings
Wader Lake/Low Tide/AM Avocet - 11 Black Tailed Godwit - 1 Lapwing - 6 Oystercatcher - 4 Redshank - 8 Grey Heron - 27 (21 Nests) Teal - 2 Gadwall - 2 Shelduck - 12 Saline Lagoon Curlew - 1 Shelduck - 8 Hawthorn Wood Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1 Siskin - 4
9 April 2013
Wildlife sightings for 9th April 2013
2 Shelduck - reservoir lagoon 5 Redshank - wader scrape 90+ Fieldfare - mostly flying over with a few around the sheltered lagoon 1 Black Redstart - Thames bank 1 Buzzard - low over centre @10.40hrs 1 Oystercatcher – marsh 1 Sand Martin – flew SE 1 Be
9 April 2013
Today's sightings
The Holden Tower Peregrine 1 Wigeon 15 Dunlin 57 Chiffchaff 3 The Zeiss Hide Avocet 3 Sand Martin 6 Chiffchaff 2 Cetti's Warbler 1 The Tack Piece Green Sandpiper 2 in breeding plumage Little Egret 4 Common Crane 4 Chiffchaff 2 The South Finger Chiffchaff
9 April 2013
Spoonbill arrives at Martin Mere
A spoonbill arrived at Martin Mere this morning at approximately 11am. This is a great time of year to see passing migrants. [yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TKoiAJu4XI&list=UUQlb1STeXF0bnO74Kc9x9jw']
8 April 2013
Latest Sightings
Folly Pond Mute Swan 6 Teal 50 Wigeon 10 Shoveler 5 Redshank 11 Black-tailed Godwit 11 Oystercatcher 2 Shelduck 2 Flood Ground Teal 20 Wigeon 20 Black-headed Gull 6 Oystercatcher 2 Gadwall 2 Tufted Duck 2 Oystercatcher 2 Avenue Tower Golden Plover 350 Red
8 April 2013
Glossy Ibis and great white egret drop in
SUNDAY had a lovely sunny start with hints of spring in the air. During my morning walk around the reserve I heard chiffchaff singing at various points on the paths and a mistle thrush, robin and chaffinch joining in as well. I spotted another redshank. I
8 April 2013
Recent Sightings
Hen harrier seen on the brickworks. One ringed plover on the Peninsula saltmarsh, with 1 little egret and 2 greenshank and 10 tufted ducks on the Limestone Lake. Wader Marsh sightings included 4 redshank, 1 greenshank, 3 shelduck. Fresh Water Lagoon - 2 m
8 April 2013
Spoonbill
Spoonbill flew in around 11am onto Woodend Marsh viewable from the United Utilities Hide and still on site 4pm at least. Probably the same bird which showed well in front of the Raines Hide around 6pm yesterday. [yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
8 April 2013
Great white!!
Whilst doing the daily count this morning a large egret caught my eye as it drifted over the reserve and landed towards the rear of the site next to the river. A Great white egret!! Then to follow this up the Glossy Ibis, which I hadn't personnally caught
8 April 2013
Wildlife sightings for 8th April 2013
3 Shelduck - pair on reservoir lagoon, 1 flew W 1 Redshank - main lake, flew to scrape 1 Red Kite - flew N c. 600 Black-headed Gull - flew W 1 Woodcock - flushed from entrance lake, flew SW 1 Bearded Tit - heard calling in the reedbeds 3 Chiffchaff - shel
8 April 2013