Latest Sightings
On Monday, our team on the Reserve carried out the monthly WeBS – Wetland Bird Survey – across the site.
19 Gadwall, 4 Teal, 649 Mallard, 8 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 19 Tufted Duck, 3 Whooper Swan, 47 Shelduck, 44 Greylag, 31 Canada Geese, 3 Pink-footed Geese and 1 Barnacle Goose were counted in total on the site – many of these can be seen from the Harrier and Ron Barker hides, although the Barnacle Goose can be found within the collection – this is a wild bird which has chosen to live with captive geese!
The United Utilities hide provides a good view of the two on-site Gull colonies, on Woodend Marsh and the Mere – our team counted 1318 Black-headed Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 13 Med Gull and 5 Common Tern. As our Gull chicks grow, now is an excellent time to watch the islands and see young birds being fed or trying to fly.
Additionally seen on our survey were 93 Moorhen, 75 Coot, 11 Lapwing, 6 Oystercatcher, 7 Avocet, 1 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 3 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Cattle Egret, 2 Great Egret, 2 Kingfisher, and a recent star - a Bittern! This was seen over the Reedbed.
Throughout the week, an adult and juvenile Spoonbill were briefly seen, as well as a Hobby. Marsh Harriers continue to show from the Ron Barker hide, and the recent warm weather has brought out all sorts of Damselflies and Dragonflies.
Photograph of a Hobby.
