Latest sightings
Spoonbill
Spoonbill flew in around 11am onto Woodend Marsh viewable from the United Utilities Hide and still on site 4pm at least. Probably the same bird which showed well in front of the Raines Hide around 6pm yesterday. [yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
8 April 2013
Sand Martin
A single Sand Martin was seen to fly south accross the reserve in the morning, the Little Egret was still around from yesterday and a pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls put in an appearance. A male Hen Harrier flew through the reserve without stopping, als
7 April 2013
Wheatear and Little Egret
A male Wheatear was seen from the reedbed walk today, a Little Egret was reported and also a breeding plumage Mediterranean Gull was briefly on the Mere in the morning along with the usual pair of Great black backed and a pair of Lesser black backed Gull.
6 April 2013
Breeding plumage Ruff
Now is a very good time to come and look at Ruff coming into breeding plumage. There are at least 40 birds present with one or two males now approaching full breeding plumage and many following on. Likewise with the Black-tailed Godwit. The godwit are gen
3 April 2013
Bewick's again
Four Bewick's Swan (2 adult+2 juv) flew in with ~ 50 Whooper Swan early afternoon. Some small flocks of Wigeon were looking nervous as a pair of Greater Black-backed Gull roamed around looking for there next meal. Raptors included the ever present Common
2 April 2013
Marsh Harrier
First 'spring' Marsh Harrier, a female type early on. Common Buzzards are active and a scan of the surrounding area can produce 6+ birds. Other reported raptors were Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrel. Around 120 Whooper Swan still in the surrounding
1 April 2013
Med Gull and other birds
Another pleasant day in the sun, if a little chilly out of it! As with most places in Lancashire we are leaving March without seeing a Sand Martin for the first time since the reserve opened over 30 years ago. A second summer Med Gull spent a few hours wi
31 March 2013
Bewick's Swans again.
Just as we'd expect to be posting about more spring arrivals it's the last of the wintering birds that are grabbing the headlines. Four Bewick's Swan (two adult and two juvenile) flew in onto the Mere with ~130 Whooper Swan early afternoon. Still plenty o
26 March 2013
Less Whoopers more species?
With the Mere now down at it's summer water levels the number of Whooper Swan spending time during the day on the reserve has dropped back considerably. As it happens a count in the local vicinity (Marsh Moss Lane) produced 440 Whoopers and 2 Bewick's Swa
25 March 2013
Brass Monkey looking for lost property...
Looking out on the Mere today watching a thousand or so assorted waders and wildfowl going about their business, and marveling how seemingly unaffected most were by the bitter easterlies strafing the reserve. Two Common Buzzard were coming in close by the
23 March 2013
Bewick's Swan again
Two Bewick's Swan appeared again late afternoon on the mere among 270 Whooper Swan, for the second day running, late afternoon (4-5pm) tomorrow stands a good chance of seeing them. Still c300 Pink-footed Goose around today as well. Still a bit of a wader
21 March 2013
Spring Equinox
Spring starts here as the days become longer than the nights and although the temperatures are below average for this time of year there are plenty of signs of spring in progress. Bird of the day goes to an early Swallow (Barn Swallow if you like) perched
20 March 2013
More Waders
More Avocet today with a count 86 mostly from the Ron Barker Hide. A flock of 10 Golden Plover dropped in briefly. further wader counts included 88 Ruff, 80 Oystercatcher, 300+ Lapwing, 28 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Redshank, 4 Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Two
19 March 2013
Chiffchaff arrives
First Chiffchaff of the spring near the Janet Kear Hide. Seen but not heard, probably saving it's vocal chords for slightly warmer conditions, although as it happens it was quite pleasant in the sun today. In the same area a male Blackcap was present, Nut
18 March 2013
Avocets still rising
Sixty two Avocet on the reserve today. A couple of Dunlin dropped in early doors, 70+ Ruff mostly males, now engaging in a spot of jousting along the bank edges of the Mere. Other waders included 60+ Oystercatcher, 2+ Ringed Plover, 10+ Black-tailed Godwi
17 March 2013