Latest sightings
Brief update
A brief update with 38 Black-tailed Godwit, 14+ Avocet, 50+ Lapwing, 4+ Oystercatcher and 6 Redshank. Female Marsh Harrier again with the usual Common Buzzards and Kestrels. Another day of Hirundines with House Martins, Swallows and a few Sand Martin feed
3 July 2013
Greenshank over.
More waders moving with Greenshank and a few Curlew flying over the reserve. Still 2 Green Sandpipers mostly in front of Raines Hide. Plenty of Lapwing, Avocet, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and a few Oystercatcher seen today. Excellent views of House Mar
2 July 2013
Some waders
Pleasant in the sun with a fresh westerly. One or two waders apparent around the reserve, although as the lush undergrowth spreads out they are not always easy to find. Two Green Sandpiper again, one in front of the Raines Hide early on, generally best fr
1 July 2013
The weekend
A compilation of the weekend's sightings. Common Sandpiper, new in, from the Harrier Hide. At least one Green Sandpiper from the Hale. Other waders included 31 Avocet with 2 chicks, 50+ Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 6+ Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ringed Plover, Ru
30 June 2013
On the reserve.
The ringing demonstration produced a nice catch of recently fledged birds including numbers of Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and a single Great-spotted Woodpecker. No further sign of the White-spotted Bluethroat despite plenty of people l
26 June 2013
Bird Counts
An improvement on the weather from the weekend with the wind dropping. Although there has been no further sightings of the Bluethroat we shall be looking for it over the next few days. Some counts included 39 Teal, 5+ Shoveler, 7 Wigeon, 15 Tufted, 15 Gad
24 June 2013
Bird News
Difficult day for those coming in to see the Bluethroat with windy and occasionally squally condition out on the reserve, no shelter too! In the past few days the bird has showed best in calm and sunny weather and we would be surprised if the bird is no l
22 June 2013
Bluethroat still present
The Bluethroat is still present this morning, please follow on site directions. Some much better images of the bird were taken yesterday, the bird remains elusive but does sit up on the brush piles sometimes. This is the 13th county record of Bluethroat
21 June 2013
Bluethroat
male White spotted Bluethroat singing (T. Disley) The Bluethroat was seen on and off throughout the day, being first seen around 09.45 when it began to show occasionally upto c12.00, it became much harder to see after
20 June 2013
White-spotted Bluethroat still present
A brief update: White-spotted Bluethroat still present 10am.
20 June 2013
White-spotted Bluethroat
Breaking news: A singing male White-spotted Bluethroat was found way out on the reserve. Initial heard by reserve head warden Chris Tomlinson after dark yesterday evening. There was some conjecture regarding the calling bird but this evening (9.20pm) th
19 June 2013
Bird News
Two Green Sandpiper this afternoon in front of the Swan Link Hide. Two Grasshopper Warbler reeling early morning and late last night from the Reed Bed Walk. Cuckoo calling from the poplars along the fence there too. A young Tawny Owl seen near the Kingfis
19 June 2013
Summer Time
A very pleasant day on the reserve, feeling like summer! A Grey Wagtail briefly on the Nature Trail near the in focus shop seemed out of place. A similar selection of late with Cuckoo(s) still calling at the back of the Waterfowl Gardens/Reed Bed Walk. Gr
18 June 2013
Today's Sightings
Cuckoo still present, calling inside the grounds between the Canoe Safari and the Third Phase. Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs calling there too. Green Sandpiper, mostly from the Hale Hide. At least 30 Avocet present, other waders included Black-tailed Godwit,
16 June 2013
Spotted Redshank new for the Year
A Spotted Redshank heard calling flew in 10:40 and was relocated on Sunley's Marsh around 12:00. A breeding plumage bird, very nice! Early on, in light drizzle, 10 presumed tundra race Ringed Plover flew over the Mere. The Green Sandpiper and Ruff are sti
12 June 2013