Latest sightings
Little Gull
Chilly but fine in the sun. The blast of arctic air may be putting off the arrival of Reed Warblers and Whitethroats but a mostly winter plumage adult Little Gull was new for the year out on Woodend Marsh this morning. Also new in a cracking full adult ma
16 April 2016
Grasshopper Warbler
New for the year a reeling Grasshopper Warbler towards the end of the Reed Bed Walk. A few pair probably breed on the reserve but once they stop reeling it can be a difficult species to locate. More warbler news with the first sighting of Cetti's Warbler
15 April 2016
Sedge Warbler
Glorious day after the early frost and mist disappeared. The first Sedge Warbler was in song on the Reed Bed Walk. Not the earliest we've had here in recent years or the latest. Plenty of Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap in song around the reserve.
13 April 2016
Arrivals
Overnight rain and some murky conditions boded well for some new arrivals and we were not disappointed! The first House Martins appeared with numbers of Sand Martin (100+) and a few Swallow. On the wader front both Green and Common Sandpiper were new in.
12 April 2016
Siberian Chiffchaff
A Siberian Chiffchaff was singing and calling this morning along the hedgerow opposite the Sewage Works at the end of the Reed Bed Walk. Access from the coach car park and follow the perimeter fence. The first part of the trail is muddy and it's worth not
11 April 2016
Latest Sightings
A frosty start but with light winds and sunshine altogether very pleasant. Unpredictable regarding the arrival of more summer migrants as the winds are coming from the east. In autumn this would be exciting but in spring a south-westerly airflow and rain
10 April 2016
Little Ringed Plover
The first Little Ringed Plover of the year a presumed pair flew onto the back of the Mere early afternoon a week earlier that 2015. The first arrivals of this species in Lancashire is on average on the 19th March. An obvious arrival of Blackcap with birds
9 April 2016
Latest Sightings
Less windy than of late although still on the cool side the forecast looks good for the weekend. Yesterday's Great-crested Grebe has been joined by another and they have been engaging in some display in front of the Harrier Hide so watch this space!
8 April 2016
Great-crested Grebe
A Great-crested Grebe in front of the Harrier Hide was new for the year. The deeper water in that area has been attracting this species in the past few years. It is also good for Little Grebe, Pochard and Tufted Duck. Dist
7 April 2016
Avocet Count
Windy with heavy showers early on and feeling cold. It's that time of year when you tend to feel sorry for the Sand Martins and Swallows that are now being seen daily on the reserve. An excellent Avocet count again with 86 birds on the reserve. Other wade
6 April 2016
Osprey
The first Osprey for 3 years east over the reserve mid morning for one lucky observer! April is the peak month for Osprey passage through Lancashire so keep your eyes peeled. Plenty of spring activity with a number of new species recorded for the year lis
4 April 2016
Spring Buzzards
Plenty of spring activity today and the forecast is looking interesting for the next few days in terms of bringing birds onto/through reserve. The local Buzzards were joined by at least 20 birds which appeared to be heading North. Three Marsh Harrier toda
3 April 2016
Sand Martins
A noticeable passage north of Sand Martins was one of the highlights of a grey overcast day, maybe as many as 60 birds went through if not more. At least 4 Chiffchaff singing around the reserve. The usual pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls (one with green
2 April 2016
Bird News
2 pairs of adult Mediterranean Gulls, along with a single second summer bird were on the Mere all day. Whoopers Swan numbers down to 9 by the end of the day. Most of the 80 or so birds which were here yesterday seem to have left overnight, with 21 still p
1 April 2016
Bird News
A very quick round up of todays sightings - 5 hirundines (probably Sand Martins) over the reserve this morning. The single Bewick's Swan remained on the Mere all day with 80 Whoopers. 5 Mediterranean Gulls, a Marsh Harrier, several Buzzards, and a Tawny
31 March 2016