September and October are perhaps the two most exciting months in the birdwatching calendar as all migratory species will setting off from their breeding grounds as the daylight hours and temperatures begin to decline. If you want to see, what is one of Britain's great wildlife spectacles as thousands of Pink-footed Geese come into roost on the reserve, then this is the time. Teal, Wigeon and Pintail numbers will increase rapidly, and by mid October the first Whooper Swans will be arriving. As ever Raptors will be active daily, Peregrine, Marsh Harrier and Merlin all present. Waders will be on the move with the chance of almost anything dropping in.
- 7 Sep
Garganey
An eclipsed male Garganey was new in today hiding amongst the increasing Common Teal. The arrival of 8 Avocet is unusual and one of the latest dates for this species. Raptors include the 'usual' species. Three Goosander again on the mere. Kingfisher from the Ron Barker Hide. - 6 Sep
First Pink-feet Seen!
Eleven Pink-footed Geese flying around the reserve are the first for this autumn. No sign of yesterdays Phalarope, and with higher water levels few other species of wader reported. Big numbers of Snipe with 70+ in one flock flushed by one of 3 Marsh Harrier. Other raptors included Peregrine, 9 Common Buzzard, Kestrels and Sparrowhawk. Three Goosander and Kingfisher. Seven Pintail and a Northern Wheatear.(click for more news) - 5 Sep
Phalarope Surprise
No doubt about todays highlight a fantastic juv Red necked Phalarope (click to see image) no doubt the continuous rain helped in dropping the bird in. A possible Osprey was seen over Ron barker today along with Marsh harrier, Peregrine and Merlin. A singing Chiffchaff outside the in focus shop seemed wrong given the conditions and time of year, also the usual Kingfisher was seen again from Ron barker. Good counts of 35 Snipe and 376 Teal. - 4 Sep
Hobbies
Two hobbies watched from the Ron Barker Hide were thought to be an adult and a possible immature bird, with others known to have bred in the SW Lancs area this year it's proving to be probably the best ever year for local hobbies. Peregrine and upto 2 Marsh harriers were also seen today along with the usual Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Buzzard sightings. - 2 Sep
Bird News
Again plenty of raptors, Merlin an immature female, 3 Sparrowhawk, 6 Common Buzzard, 3 Kestrel, 3 Peregrine and 2+ Marsh Harrier. Also 2 Kingfisher. - 1 Sep
More Harriers
It is generally difficult to access accurate numbers of individual species, especially if they tend not to hang around together in anyone place to be counted. Today however 3 juv Marsh Harrier were seen at the same time followed by a more heavily mark immature female type. Given that two males were seen yesterday, at least 6 birds are present in the local area.(Click for more news) - 31 Aug
August Thorn
An excellent night for mothing produced a good selection of species for the well attended 'moth morning'. Top of the catch, a first record for the reserve and a Lancashire rarity (only 9 records) was August Thorn.(Click for Picture) - 31 Aug
Harriers
Four Marsh Harrier, adult male, imm male and two juv's. Adult Peregrine and imm/juv. Raven from the Ron Barker Hide this morning. Waders on the increase include Ruff 40, Snipe 70+, a single Golden Plover with 1500+ Lapwing. Wood Sandpiper and two Green Sandpiper. Little Egret and 10+ Grey Heron.(Click for Picture) - 30 Aug
Bird News
Plenty of activity again, some good flocks of Goldfinch (50+) can be seen across the reserve. Three Marsh Harrier 2 juv and imm male, adult Peregrine, 3+ Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Many Snipe, one flock flushed by a Harrier numbered 25. Wood Sandpiper from the Ron Barker Hide also Green Sandpiper. Kingfisher again, a small passage of Swallow and Sand Martin through the reserve this morning. - 29 Aug
The First Pink's (Heard!)
A report of Pink-footed Geese near by in Ormskirk yesterday was followed by reserve manager Andy Wooldrige hearing a group(~10?) of Pink-feet dropping onto the reserve yesterday evening from his bathroom window! A typical date in recent years, we can expect many more in the forthcoming weeks. Worth noting that the large geese flocks around the reserve recently have been the larger Greylag Geese which are of 'feral' origin. (CLICK FOR MORE NEWS)