Latest Sightings

Lots of good birding to be had at present as more wildfowl continue to arrive. There has been up 1000 Whooper Swan roosting on the reserve with the majority feeding in the surrounding area. Three Bewick’s Swan have been seen on the Ribble Estuary so might visit the reserve too.

Whooper Swan and Pink-footed Geese

In recent days Pink-footed Geese numbers have been on the up with 6-8000 birds being present by mid afternoon. Yesterday 2 adult and 2 juvenile White-fronted Geese came in with Pink-footed Geese, they were not assigned to a race. It's a good time of year for rarer geese to turn up and this weekend North West Bird Watching Festival normally produces some interesting sightings.

Around 3000 Teal on the reserve, 600 Wigeon, 500 Shelduck, 200 Pintail, 1000+ Mallard, 80+ Shoveler, 50+ Gadwall, 30+ Tufted Duck, 10 Pochard and 3 Goldeneye.

Pintail showing well in front of the Discovery Hide (Andy Bunting)

Again six species of raptor over the past two days with 5+ Buzzard, 3+ Marsh Harrier, Peregrine (juv), Merlin , 3 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk.

Waders; 700+ Lapwing, 40+ Snipe, 60 Ruff, 60 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Dunlin and Redshank.

The monster Starling roost continues with over 50000 birds coming in around 4pm in front of the Harrier Hide.

Winter passerines include the presence of Redwing, Fieldfare, Goldcrest, Coal Tit and again Brambling on Thursday, the later from the Kingfisher Hide.

Also present 40+ Tree Sparrow, 60+ Stock Dove, Treecreeper, Barn Owl, Little Egret, Water Rail and Kingfisher.

Cetti’s Warblers on the Reed Bed Walk. Chiffchaff around the Sewage Works. At least 20 Corn Bunting on Curlew Lane.

Three Otter were seen along Boat House Sluice from the Ron Barker Hide yesterday.

If you would like to know whats about and where on the reserve or have any sightings to report, please call in at the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide, thanks.

 

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