Latest sightings
Dropping The Levels
As main mass of winter birds have departed, the water levels on the Mere are now being lowered. This normally takes around 4 days. The shallower water and exposed mud is excellent habitat for breeding and passage waders. Adult male Hen Harrier this aftern
19 March 2014
Grey Partridge
A Grey Partridge flushed out on the reserve fields as the cattle were being moved was the first of the year. This brings our year list onto a sleepy 97 species, compared to 2013's 107 by this date in the calendar. The Siberian Chiffchaff was still present
18 March 2014
Siberian Chiffchaff still singing
At least one Siberian Chiffchaff present again this morning opposite the Sewage Works from The Reed Bed Walk. The bird can be easy to pick up especially if it is singing. The adult male Hen Harrier hunting in fields early this morning from the Ron Baker H
17 March 2014
Hen Harrier
The cool and brisk westerly wind in the last couple of days has definitely reminded us that spring has only just got underway. The wildfowl numbers have dropped back considerably with perhaps under 200 Whooper Swan present this morning. Wigeon, Teal and P
16 March 2014
Bird News
At least 86 Avocets were on site today along with good numbers of Oystercatcher, 80+ Ruff inc a stunning male, 2 Dunlin, 4+ Redshank and at least 4 Snipe. A Little Egret was present and the 1st winter Ross's Goose of unknown origin is still around. Severa
15 March 2014
Bird News
Siberian Chiffchaff seen and heard early afternoon, also Common Chiffchaff there and along the Nature Trail. The Ross's Goose was looking wild today on the island at the back of the Mere. Will it disappear in the next few weeks? Similar wader counts to ye
11 March 2014
Hen Harrier again
A great day to be out and about and the forecast looks good for the week ahead. Locally one or two Sand Martin have been seen as well as Wheatear and Swallow. In fact a Chiffchaff along the Nature Trail is probably a new in migrant. Alternatively the Whoo
10 March 2014
Bird News
A brief sunday update. Two Siberian Chiffchaff still present with at least 2 Common Chiffchaff opposite the Sewage Works from the Reedbed Walk. Waders reported included 70+ Avocet, 4 Redshank, 3+ Ringed Plover, 7 Common Snipe, 200 Lapwing, 60+ Ruff, 60+ O
9 March 2014
Latest Sightings
Plenty of action again today, mild in the afternoon as the wind dropped. A good day for raptors for some with male Hen Harrier briefly mid afternoon, male and female Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 6+ Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. At least one Siberian Chiffc
8 March 2014
Bird News 6 & 7 March
Spring is definitely in the air, lots of Waders building up on the reserve with counts of 102 Avocet, 86 Oystercatcher, 50 Ruff including a stunning male in almost full breeding plumage, 2 Redshank, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew, 9 Black tailed Godwit all aro
7 March 2014
Brown Hare
Another pleasant day, the forecast ahead looks sensible for the next week or so. Brief bird news today including 2 Siberian Chiffchaff and 2+ Common Chiffchaff still present by the Sewage Works. If you need directions call in at the in focus shop. At leas
5 March 2014
Avocets increase
More Avocet arriving with a count of 94 this morning. Most of the birds are being seen from the Ron Barker Hide. At least one Siberian Chiffchaff present this morning opposite the Sewage Works on the Reedbed Walk. Close by a few Grey and Pied Wagtails. A
4 March 2014
Two Siberian Chiffchaff
They're flocking! Yes it appears we have two Siberian Chiffchaff present with 3 Common Chiffchaff early afternoon opposite the Sewage Works, accessed from the Reedbed Walk. The second bird is somewhat tattier than the original bird with missing feathers o
3 March 2014
Reserve Sightings
Siberian Chiffchaff still present this morning with 2+ Common Chiffchaff. A count of 70 Avocet this afternoon is the highest of the year so far. Most of these birds are seen from the Ron Barker Hide. At least 81 Ruff including the breeding plumage male. N
2 March 2014
Met Office Spring
I notice of late that the Met Office now starts spring on the 1st of March rather than on the 20th which is the vernal equinox. Perhaps a case of over simplification (dumbing down?), however today has definitely felt like the start of spring, delightful i
1 March 2014