Latest Sightings
There has been Bittern activity again over the weekend. It was sighted from Harrier Hide on Friday dropping into the Reedbeds at midday and again in the late afternoon. On Saturday, the Bittern was observed from United Utilities hide in the early afternoon, flying low over Longmeadow field and then returning over Plover field towards the Reedbeds.
Another clutch of Avocet chicks have hatched on Woodend Marsh on Friday, and another adult seen nesting. There was also a nearly fledged Lapwing chick and another adult on a nest, as well as a pair of Little Ringed Plover displaying.
On the Mere, 1 Cormorant, 1 Wigeon, 1 Ruff and 15 Lapwing were recorded on Friday.
Today, 1 Spoonbill was spotted this morning on the Mere. Also seen were 2 Canada Geese with 2 goslings, 5 Tufted Ducks, 1 Shoveler, 4 Shelduck and 11 ducklings, 3 Oystercatcher and 1 chick, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Lesser Black-Backed Gull.
There are a number of Swallows and Swifts to be seen swooping across the water and feeding on flying insects.
1 male and 1 female Marsh Harrier have been sighted at the back of the Mere, as well as 1 Buzzard and 1 Kestrel.
There are many birds singing on the Nature Trail, including 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 juvenile Goldfinch, 1 Goldcrest, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Blue Tits and Great Tits. 2 Sedge Warbler and 1 Reed Bunting were observed from Mere View hide.
At Ron Barker hide, 10 Shelduck, 5 Whooper Swans and 1 Common Tern were seen. 2 more Common Tern were spotted on the Mere, along with a large number of Black-Headed Gulls and dozens of chicks.
Photograph of a Shelduck and duckling.
