Latest Sightings
Yesterday morning, our reserve team conducted our monthly Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS). WeBS helps us to monitor internationally important wetland species and determine trends in their population and distribution. Prior to this, a dawn survey was conducted to count roosting Geese and Swans with the same intention. Below is a list of species and quantities we found across our site throughout the morning.
Wigeon 133
Gadwall 2
Teal 995
Mallard 930
Pintail 120
Shoveler 105
Pochard 6
Tufted Duck 17
Mute Swan 2
Whooper Swan 108
Shelduck 43
Greylag Geese 477
Canada Geese 14
Pink-Footed Geese 2725
Moorhen 169
Coot 180
Snipe 8
Lapwing 92
Ruff 6
Little Grebe 2
Cattle Egret 7
Grey Heron 1
Cattle Egret 7
Great White Egret 1
Cormorant 7
Black-Headed Gull 31
Kingfisher 3
Glossy Ibis 2
Further to this, we have seen raptor activity across the site. Yesterday a Barn Owl was seen hunting across Woodend Marsh, viewed from United Utilities hide. While over the weekend 5 Marsh Harriers were spotted across the reserve. Ron Barker provides a great place to view them from.
Finally it is worth mentioning that the best place to see the Glossy Ibis is from the United Utilities hide directly overlooking Plover field, where they often frequent.
Photo of a female (left) and male (right) Pintail.
North West Bird Watching Festival 18 & 19 October
Join us for a weekend of celebrating the arrival of thousands of migratory species with a line-up of guest speakers, exhibitors, wildlife activities and more. Members go free, or non-members can prebook online to save 10%.
