Latest sightings
Spotted Redshank new in.
No sign of yesterday's phalarope but a moulting Spotted Redshank was new in for those out birding today. Still a family party of Avocet, 2 adult and 3 nearly fledged young. Other waders included 3 [...]
18 July 2012
Red Phalarope in breeding plumage!
A poor photograph of a mega bird! Apparently seen around 11am but only reported after 1pm and then as a Red-necked Phalarope, it spent time feeding on Vinson's Marsh from the Ron Barker Hide. Extr [...]
17 July 2012
Hobby and Swifts
Low cloud and the occasional shower provided excellent views of Common Swift (~100) hunting low over the reserve. Within the next four weeks the majority of local breeding birds will have departed for [...]
16 July 2012
Tawny Owl
Tawny Owl, an adult showing well perched in a tree near the Kingfisher Hide. A female Red-crested Pochard was feeding in front of the Harrier Hide late morning but can be elusive. Two Common Tern from [...]
15 July 2012
Bird News
A hint of the Mediterranean about the Mere today ( OK - maybe I exaggerate a little ), with not only Little Egret and Mediterranean Gull on the reserve, but sunshine as well ! Other birds around today [...]
12 July 2012
Med Gull and other birds
Pleasant day on the reserve and lots of activity. A second summer Mediterranean Gull flew in mid morning with Black-headed Gulls on the Mere. The Black-tailed Godwits are still looking very smart and [...]
11 July 2012
New Macro Moth for the Reserve
Althought slightly worn this Tawny-barred Angled is new for the reserve moth list which stands at ~ 560 species. It is of the form nigrofulvata. Click below for more information on this species via th [...]
10 July 2012
Sightings
Plenty of activity around the reserve. One advantage of this cooler and cloudy summer (yes there is one!) is good visibilty into the distance, especially after some rain. Counts of wildfowl included 3 [...]
9 July 2012
Kingfishers
An adult and juvenile Kingfisher showed well from the Ron Barker Hide early afternoon. Two Common Tern were also present from there. Waders reported included 15+ Avocet, 100+ Black-tailed Godwit, Gree [...]
8 July 2012
Crossbills
An excellent record of two Common Crossbill flying SSE over the Reedbed Walk at 11.10am. These are the 4th and 5th records for the reserve, only two birds have been 'twitchable' including one [...]
7 July 2012
Today's sightings
Rain almost stopped play today ! Despite the constant rain, Barn Owl, Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were still out hunting on and off throughout the day. At least 1 [...]
6 July 2012
Today's sightings
Over 400 Black-tailed Godwits recorded today along with 2 Green Sandpipers, continuing the strong wader theme of recent days. Around the reserve, the male Marsh Harrier was seen frequently, and a Barn [...]
5 July 2012
Two Greenshank
Although most people would swap all the rain for some extended sunny weather, today's showery conditions are ideal for dropping new birds in. Two Greenshank flew on to the Mere early afternoon and [...]
4 July 2012
Bird News
An excellent count of over 230 Black-tailed Godwit. Great to see these birds flying in tight formations when a raptor flushes them. Other waders included 3 Ruff, 2 Curlew, Ringed Plover, 20+ Avo [...]
3 July 2012
Barn Owls
Barn Owl chicks were ringed on site today, there are 7 ready to fledge with any luck, below are the 2 chicks from Harrier Hide ringed today. Other sightings included upto 25 Tufted Duck including a fe [...]
2 July 2012