Latest sightings
Garganey and Curlew Sandpiper
More action with new migrants coming in. The first Garganey of 2012, a drake from the Ron Barker Hide this afternoon. The female Red-crested Pochard was seen again from the Harrier Hide. Cur [...]
1 May 2012
Black Tern and a missed Osprey.
Classic conditions, easterlies at the end of April, came up trumps when a Black Tern flew in ~ 1.45pm, still present 6.40pm at least (viewed form the Reed Bed Walk). New waders with 6 summer [...]
30 April 2012
Ark Building
Left it a bit late to start building that ark, not to worry it's only been raining for the last 8 hours. Any hopes for a massive influx of birds has turned into a damp squib. A few repor [...]
29 April 2012
Migrants Galore!
An excellent few days producing over ten new species for the year. It's not surprising that these birds have arrived now, in fact many have been later than of recent years. A couple of reports we [...]
28 April 2012
Singing for Summer !
After yesterday's awful weather, today was warm and sunny and the reserve had a completely different feel about it. Birds were singing everywhere, with a number arrived of freshly arrived mi [...]
27 April 2012
Bird News
The Common Crane was again present this afternoon, after having spent the morning nearby in fields off Mere Lane. Also on the reserve today, a Mediterranean Gull (from the Ron Barker hide), 2 Marsh Ha [...]
26 April 2012
Common Crane and a blast of migrants
Common Crane still present this 1pm at least. It's certainly won't be using any 'thermals' today so there is a good chance it will be present tomorrow morning. As it happens, today [...]
25 April 2012
Common Crane again
Common Crane showing from both the United Utilities and Ron Barker Hide 5.45pm at least. Other sightings have included Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 100+ Avocet, 6+ Ringed Plover, at least 2 [...]
24 April 2012
Common Crane Still Present
Common Crane still present until 6pm at least. The bird has been showing reasonably well from the Ron Barker Hide. Marsh Harrier, sub-adult male showing well this morning. Common Sandpiper on the [...]
23 April 2012
Common Crane Drops In.
An adult Common Crane was found this morning by reserve warden Alex Sayer while checking the cattle. It was present until 11am when it flew off, south east, gaining hight. Very lucky to get some shots [...]
22 April 2012
More To Come
It's still fairly slow on the spring migrant front, with no warming air flows bringing a large influx of birds. By this time last year we had recorded House Martin, Sedge Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, [...]
21 April 2012
Bird News
A Greenshank, 20+ Black-tailed Godwits, 100 Avocets, and over 50 Curlews were amongst the waders present on the reserve today. Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Sparrowhak, and several Common Buzzards were se [...]
20 April 2012
Green Sandpiper
A brief update. Green Sandpiper on the Mere was new for the year. Barn Owl and Marsh Harriers hunting this morning from the Reed Bed Walk. Similar wader counts as yesterday with the addition of some R [...]
18 April 2012
Whimbrel Over
Two calling Whimbrel flew over the in focus shop this morning, more signs of spring. Other wader reports included 102 Avocet, 40 Curlew, 30+ Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper and Dunlin. Also pres [...]
17 April 2012
Sightings
A chilly clear start to the day. Glad to have the sun present for most of the day otherwise it would have been as cold as it was in the hides! The first Orange-tip Butterfly of the year braved the coo [...]
15 April 2012