No access to Ron Barker, Hale and Mere View Hides

Unfortunately, we have had a recent case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in our collection birds. To prevent further spread of the disease, we are putting in place some additional protection measures, which includes testing the birds in our duckery.

To allow our teams the time and space to do this, we’ve temporarily closed this part of the wetland reserve and will reopen on Tuesday 18 November.

We’re very sorry for any disappointment this may cause. If you have any questions, please do ask our team.

In the rain.

1 min read • 24 September 2012

A wet day, so always good to see a few hardy souls having a look. There has been quite an influx of interesting birds in the UK in the past week with north american waders from the west to Yellow-browed Warbler et al from the east, so there is always the chance of something turning up!

Great weather for Common Snipe with over 140 scattered round the reserve.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpVkjWQtB5g&list=UUQlb1STeXF0bnO74Kc9x9jw&index=1&feature=plcp']

Other waders have included 400+ Lapwing, 3 Ruff and Dunlin.

At least 2500 Common Teal, 21 Whooper Swan, 48 Shoveler, 44 Wigeon, 45 Gadwall, 15 Pintail and new in 9 Pochard.

Raptors have included at least one (damp) Peregrine which was seen to catch prey (Moorhen?) and 2 Marsh Harrier.

Around 8 Meadow Pipit were feeding on the reserve.