Latest sightings
Recent sightings
Thursday 3rd July: July is traditionally a good time for waders on the move, and today we saw a few new birds. The Green Sandpiper was joined by a 2nd bird today and at least 1 Common Sandpiper is still present, no more news on the Wood Sandpiper but it c
4 July 2014
Wood Sandpiper
A Wood Sandpiper is present today but on land without access, hopefully it will be refound from one of the hides. Both Kingfisher and Barn Owl were seen today, the Kingfisher is best looked for from Ron barker and Kingfisher hides.
2 July 2014
Common Terns and Little Egret
A pair of adult Common Tern with 5 juveniles appeared on the Mere late afternoon which gave the young Black headed Gulls something to chase and bully! A Green Sandpiper was around the Mere again with a Common Sandpiper and at least 2 male Ruff are still p
1 July 2014
Recent sightings
Lapwing numbers are starting to build up with up to 200 around the mere at the moment, other waders have included 3 male Ruff in breeding plumage along with Green and Common Sandpiper. A single Dunlin and 2 Little ringed Plover were seen yesterday and a f
1 July 2014
Hummingbird Hawk-moth
Back to the sunshine and the first Hummingbird Hawk-moth of the year was seen near the recently planted wildflower bed on the Nature Trail opposite the play area. Bird reports included 3 Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Raven, Common Tern, Little Gull, Green Sandpipe
29 June 2014
Common Sandpiper
A murky start to the day with the odd light shower offering hope that some new birds could drop it. Common Sandpiper was certainly one of those. We will see more waders as post breeding birds begin to move around. Other waders present include 25+ Black-ta
28 June 2014
Latest Sightings
A calm day with better visibility of late under some cloudy skies. Some new waders in with 17 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 breeding plumage male Ruff and 5 Common Snipe. Little Gull still on Woodend Marsh. Common Tern over the Mere. Cuckoo near the UU Hide. A F
26 June 2014
Spotted Crake
Some late night detective work after a ringing session has produced at least 2 calling Spotted Crake on the reserve. Pretty much no chance of seeing these birds however over the years we have had a number of sightings. Perhaps like juvenile Water Rail the
25 June 2014
Med Gulls
Two adult Med Gull on the Mere this morning. Little Gull again from the UU Hide out on Woodend Marsh. Cuckoo again from The Janet Kear Hide. At least 8 Buzzard in the air at any one time also 2 Kestrel. Barn Owl out again this morning and Tawny Owl showin
22 June 2014
Bird News
Relatively quiet on the migration front as we enter the longest day. Most of the 60-70 species present are local breeding birds or part of some post breeding movements. Barn Owls are feeding young so it's a good time to catch them here. One adult bird was
21 June 2014
Cuckoo
Another pleasant day out and about. Observers in the Janet Kear Hide caught some rarely seen activity in the shape of a Cuckoo flying into the reeds and coming out carrying an egg, presumably of Reed Warbler, to leave its own egg in place. Some wildfowl c
16 June 2014
Owls
A two species of owl day with Tawny Owl showing in trees between the Janet Kear Hide and the UU Hide. Barn Owl hunting from the Ron Barker Hide. A good selection of waders including breeding plumage male Ruff, an elusive Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plo
15 June 2014
Ruff
A breeding plumaged male Ruff along with 2-3 Reeves (females) was on view from United Utilities Hide today along with a 1st cal year Little Gull and a single Common Tern. Other waders on site include Little Ringed Plover and Green Sandpiper, also lots of
13 June 2014
Bird News
A quiet time of year but at the moment we still have 2 Little Gulls present along with at least 1 Common Tern viewable from UU hide. The Mere is still alive with the sounds of the Black headed Gull colony.A Marsh Harrier was on site again today, best look
12 June 2014
Bird News
A compilation of sightings for today and from over the weekend. Some interesting arrivals indicating post breeding dispersal with small flocks of Lapwing and Starling around the Mere. A couple Curlew and a few Teal also fit into this category. Many of the
9 June 2014