Latest Sightings
On the Mere this week, 3 Common Sandpiper were seen, as well as Oystercatchers, families of Greylag Geese, and both Common Terns and Arctic Terns. Nesting Black-Headed Gulls, Mediterranean Gulls, Lesser Black-Backed Gulls and Common Gulls were also observed.
Numerous Swallows, Sand Martins and House Martins can be seen flying around the reserve, as well as Swifts.
The first Spotted Flycatcher of the year was sighted today at Janet Kear hide, and a Tawny Owl was heard from the path outside.
1 Cuckoo has been heard calling from the Reedbed Walk. From Harrier Hide, 2 pairs of Great Crested Grebe, 12 Gadwall, 3 Reed Warbler and 2 Pochard were observed. 6 Cattle Egret and 1 Little Grebe were seen from United Utilities hide.
Plenty of wetland specialists were seen this week on Woodend Marsh, including 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 25 Avocets, 2 Redshank, 23 Black-Tailed Godwits, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Temminck's Stint, and 12 Ruff.
A male Ruff was seen engaging in a spectacular display known as 'lekking', a courtship ritual in which he entices a female with his impressive neck plumage.
Other birds seen on Woodend Marsh include; 2 Linnet, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Stonechat, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Hobbies and 1 Merlin.
Photograph of a Ruff in breeding plumage.
