Latest Sightings
Spring has definitely been in the air these past few days, with birds starting to pair up and more early migration underway – evident in the WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) carried out by three members of our team over the weekend.
On the Mere, the long-staying Glossy Ibis was recorded amongst the Greylag Geese on Sunday. The male Ring-necked Duck has continued to show very well in front of the Discovery Hide, along with 525 Pintail, 56 Pochard, 204 Whooper Swan, 228 Mallard and 33 Tufted Duck, among other birds. Further towards the back of the Mere, our team counted 89 Oystercatcher, 161 Black-tailed Godwit, 21 Ruff and 32 Cormorant. An Avocet has also been seen on the back of the Mere amongst the waders, and a Mediterranean Gull has been heard calling in the flock of 115 Black-headed Gulls - both signs that Spring is approaching!
From the United Utilities hide, our dedicated surveyors recorded a range of birds, including 1430 Lapwing, 67 Teal, 1430 Pink-footed Geese (this flock also contained two Barnacle Geese) and a single Redshank, another sign of the changing seasons. This hide has also been reliable for birds such as Barn Owl and Marsh Harrier.
The Ron Barker hide has proven reliable for a range of birds including Water Rail, Barn Owl, Buzzard, Kestrel and Marsh Harrier – and watch out for the Stoat, which has been sighted recently on the bridge in front of the hide.
Photograph of a Water Rail.
