We’ve had some exciting sightings across the reserve this weekend. Not only are our resident six Pink-footed Geese relaxing on the Mere, but two more have flown in this Monday morning! This is just the beginning, as tens of thousands of the geese will soon be flying into the reserve from Iceland.
Further sightings across the Mere include one Swift - one of the final stragglers after the majority began their Migration to Africa in mid-late Summer - alongside over five Sand Martins and 10 Swallows. Several waders were also spotted, including one Ruff and one Redshank.
From Harrier Hide, a variety of our duck species were sighted, including one Tufted Duck, three Wigeon, eight Gadwall, 35 Teal, and 45 Shovelers. Six Little Grebes and 21 Ruff were also seen across the weekend.
Looking out of Ron Barker hide, many of our fantastic birds of prey were spotted hunting across the site, namely one Buzzard, one Barn Owl, one Sparrowhawk, and three Marsh Harriers. A male Kingfisher was also seen, with a volunteer describing it hovering over the sluice like a bird of prey before diving down and disappearing from sight. Other lovely sightings included one Yellow Wagtail, one Green Sandpiper, and 10 Long-tailed Tits.
Wildlife spotting does not stop when walking between hides either, with one Treecreeper and one Goldcrest sighted on the path to Janet Kear hide; one Kestrel spotted on the path to Tomlinson hide; and six Willow Warblers seen in the car park.
Last but not least, up to 46 Cattle Egrets were seen alongside our herd of English Longhorn Cattle. If you’re lucky, you can often find the birds perching on top of the cows backs as they graze. These can be seen from several hides including the Bird Observatory and the United Utilities Hide.
Picture of Cattle Egrets.
Goosefest
Tens of thousands of pink-footed geese will soon arrive from Iceland, with a line-up of exciting experiences from 5 September to 18 October. Get involved in workshops and unique close-up encounters. Find out more.
