We’ve had a lovely few days on the reserve, with both sunshine and some exciting wildlife sightings. On Thursday morning our reserve team carried out the first dawn goose count for Pink-footed Geese and counted just under 2500! There were good views of the geese roosting from the United Utilities Hide before setting off and flying over the Mere. Although many of the geese leave the site around sunrise, you can still spot many across the reserve throughout the day.
On the Mere, there are some wonderful species of ducks hidden amongst the mallards, including four Gadwall, 11 Wigeon, 21 Tufted Ducks, 22 Pintail, and 29 Teal. One Kestrel, two Buzzards and three Marsh Harriers have also been seen soaring over the Mere, often disturbing our many Lapwing. Other highlights include one Little Grebe, one Snipe, three Swallow, three Great White Egrets, and four Skylark.
At Janet Kear hide, one Coal Tit, one Chiffchaff and 10 Long-tailed Tits were seen enjoying the bird feeders. A Hummingbird Hawk-Moth was also spotted outside of the hide, which is named after its striking similarity to a hummingbird!
From Ron Barker, up to 11 Cattle Egrets were spotted amongst our herd of English Longhorn cattle. And, last but not least, a Red Kite was spotted over the living collection area this Thursday!
Picture of a Marsh Harrier.
