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01 Apr 2020

Not our usual sightings, but Spring is coming!

As we are closed to all visitors, we won't be putting out our usual sightings updates but we will try to keep you up to date with general goings on here at the reserve. Our main focus is keeping the site in good order with minimal staff, looking after our...

20 Mar 2020

Chiffchaff singing

After a slow start, with only one Whooper on the Folly Pond, others have now started dropping in. There are currently 15 on the reserve with more in the local area. We do know through satellite tracking that UK birds have already arrived back in Iceland...

16 Mar 2020

Lots of raptor activity!

Two peregrines were seen displaying from the Avenue Tower yesterday which was very exciting to watch! A merlin and a hen harrier have also been sighted across the reserve. It's been lovely to see all of the usual suspects enjoying the sunshine this mornin...

13 Mar 2020

The Calm After the Storm

For those who have ever wondered whether the tide reaches the Saltcot Merse Observatory at any time then the photo above shows conditions yesterday afternoon to the east of the Observatory looking towards the patch of Gorse. This is what a 10.2m high tid...

12 Mar 2020

Primrose in Bloom

It is lovely to see a shot of colour down the Avenue as the Primroses are coming into bloom. The name actually derives from the Latin prima rosa meaning the first rose of the year. On a still, warm day (we might get one soon!) our banking of primroses a...

11 Mar 2020

Swans Gathering

It is that time of year again when the Whooper Swans are starting to make a move to their favoured pasture area to the East of us. We are currently averaging between 40 and 60 birds at the feeds. Interestingly we are also recording new birds arriving, p...

10 Mar 2020

First Brambling of the Winter

The first Brambling was seen around the feeding station last Thursday and was back around again yesterday. It has been a real quiet winter for sightings of them on the Reserve and this could be the last chance until next Autumn. Wader sightings continue...

08 Mar 2020

Enjoying a break in the rain

Patches of sunshine following yesterday's wet weather have made for lovely viewing across the site! The Avenue Tower was a particularly lovely spot to be this morning as lots of barnacle geese were feeding in the surrounding fields. The Floodground had a ...

07 Mar 2020

Little Stint the highlight

A Little Stint in the Lochar Field, viewed from the Avenue Tower, has been the highlight this week. The flooded fields have been excellent for waders again with Curlew, Golden Plover and Lapwing here in good numbers. The Golden Plover are beginning to sho...

26 Feb 2020

Drying up, a bit

We have been working hard to get the site dry again after the recent heavy rain. You should be able to access the whole site in walking boots, but there are still some puddles around so wellies could be useful.It's great to finally have the sun shining an...

20 Feb 2020

Good weather for Waders...again!

The wet weather and flooded fields have led to an upsurge in waders numbers around the reserve again. Nearly 2,000 Golden Plover have made themselves at home, utilising Lochar, Corner and Folly fields. They are joined by flocks of Lapwing and a few Reds...

19 Feb 2020

Spring has Sprung!

Well the birds think so at least. Most evident have been the Song Thrushes that are making themselves known in the tops of the hedgerow trees with their repetitive song. Great Tit have been singing for a number of weeks but they are now also joined by C...

18 Feb 2020

Puddle Jumping continues

The Scottish Puddle Jumping Championships continue today, and all this week until Friday, 12pm - 2pm. It's not just for the kids as grown-ups can join in too! New for 2020 is a Welly Wanging competition alongside the Puddle Jumping, and it all finis...

13 Feb 2020

A damp Sparrowhawk

Once again, the wet weather means that wellies are recommended when visiting. Some paths are accessible in shoes, most in boots but to get around the whole site, wellies would be best.This rather damp Sparrowhawk was a nice surprise in front of the Scotti...

06 Feb 2020

Roe Deer

Roe Deer have been very evident around the reserve the past few weeks with regular sightings of a pair in the Meadow next to Whooper pond. They can often be seen racing across the merse areas too. It has been good the past month for mammal sightings in ...