Latest Sightings

A Black-Necked Grebe was spotted on the main mere yesterday. This particular individual is believed to be a juvenile because of its grey and black coloration. In breeding plumage, this species displays a distinctive black neck, head, and breast, along with brown feathers on its flanks and behind its red eyes. You may observe this bird diving underwater to forage for small insects.

The water level on the mere has risen, attracting larger waterfowl, including 2 Mute Swans, 35 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag Geese, and 1 Cormorant. Additionally, Shelducks, Teal, Mallards, and Shovelers can be seen feeding amongst the vegetation. Also seen are Swallows, Swifts and House Martins flying above the water. At the back of the mere, around 50 Lapwing and 5 Black-Tailed Godwit were observed. 1 Garganey was seen on Saturday.

From Gordon Taylor hide, numerous waders are on show, including 4 Avocets, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper and 6 Green Sandpiper. 2 Kingfisher were spotted outside Rees hide on Saturday. 1 Hobby, 1 Grey Wagtail and 4 Linnets were also seen.

From the Ron Barker hide today, observers have reported sightings of 2 Mute Swans, 8 Grey Herons, 2 Pink-Footed Geese, 2 Marsh Harriers, and 12 Cattle Egrets. Additionally, a Barn Owl was seen hunting over the field to the right of the hide on Saturday, and a Kingfisher was also observed in the area that morning. Also seen on Saturday were 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel, 3 Reed Bunting, 4 Reed Warblers, 4 Lesser Black-Backed Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Ruff and 1 Oystercatcher.

Over the weekend, at Harrier hide, 7 Grey Heron, over 100 Lapwing, 4 Little Grebe, 25 Black-Tailed Godwits, 1 Cormorant, 2 Tufted Ducks and 2 juveniles, 2 Great Crested Grebe and juvenile, and 1 Little Egret were seen.

2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Blue Tits, 1 Chaffinch, 10 Wren and 5 Dunnock were observed at Janet Kear hide. 2 Spotted Flycatcher were spotted outside Raine's Observatory on the nature trail. 1 Mistle Thrush was seen from Mere View hide and 3 Grey Wagtail were seen in the car park.

Photograph of a Black-Necked Grebe in breeding plumage.

• Share this article