News
Reserve Update- 3rd November
A ring tail Hen Harrier was seen this morning flying around the flood ground. Several Buzzards were also seen from Avenue Tower. This cold weather seems to be great for raptors. Fieldfare were heard along the avenue this morning, and a few Goldcrest were
3 November 2017
Reserve Update Wednesday 1st November
Male Hen Harrier was spotted quartering some of the fields next to Avenue Tower this morning. The past couple of days have been a bit of a raptor fest with regular sightings of Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine and Sparrowhawk. The Hybrid
1 November 2017
Latest Sightings- 29th October
What a lovely sunny start to the day. Overnight we have had an influx of Whooper Swans, with 138 on the Whooper Pond first thing this morning. Hopefully we have some more of our named swans in! Some have flown off since and can be seen from the Avenue Tow
29 October 2017
Reserve Update Saturday 28th October
While Whooper Swan numbers at the feeds are remaining at around 60 birds, we are noticing a change in individuals with new leg rings being recorded daily. The Great White Egret was down along the Saltcot Merse again yesterday and some visitors were also
28 October 2017
Latest Sightings - 27th October
A brilliant sunny morning on the reserve, and significantly colder. This should help to bring more birds onto the reserve, especially the Whooper Swans. With northerly winds we will expect a 'fall' of Whoopers over the next few days. Named Whooper Swan ar
27 October 2017
Reserve Update Wednesday 25th October - Great White Egret
The Great White Egret has once again been seen this morning out on the merse from Saltcot Merse Observatory. For such a blatantly large, white bird it does manage to hide rather well in the creeks! It has also been a day for waders with 50 Curlew in P
25 October 2017
Latest Sightings - 24th October - Great White Egret
A Great White Egret is currently on the merse and can be viewed from the Saltcot Merse Observatory. It is going in and out of creeks so requires some patience to view. Named Whooper Swan arrivals: YHS - Solway Siren ZHP - Andrew K & YFZ -
24 October 2017
Latest Sightings- 23rd October
There are lots of barnacle geese still around, with some great views from Newfield Hide. Whooper Swan numbers are still around 150 on and around the reserve, but this could increase after the northerly winds yesterday! Redwing are still flying around, par
23 October 2017
Latest Sightings - 21st October
Another bright and (so far) dry morning on the reserve. Plenty of Barnacle Geese around, on the merse and moving into the fields. The Redwings are still piling in, and there are plenty of berries on the Hawthorns on the trees for them. Listen out for the
21 October 2017
Latest Sightings - 20th October - Marsh Harrier and Redwings
A fantastic morning at the Saltcot Merse Observatory with thousands of Barnacle Geese, Peregrine, Merlin and Marsh Harrier showing well. Plenty of Redwings now in the Avenues so keep an eye on the Hawthorns! Named Whooper Swan arrivals: ZHP - Andrew K
20 October 2017
Reserve Update Thursday 19th October
Well things have settled back down again after the storm on Monday and we have been able to have a good look around. Whooper Swan numbers have increased with approximately 150 birds both on Whooper Pond and in fields to the North of Avenue Tower yesterd
19 October 2017
Latest Sightings - 17th October
We made it through the night with only minor damage and the reserve is open as normal today. The high tide means we have over 14,000 Barnacle Geese on the reserve. Named Whooper Swan arrivals: ZHP - Andrew K & YFZ - Ruth C
17 October 2017
Latest Sightings - 14th October
Another dull start to the day, but it is dry and the birds haven't disappointed so far. Great numbers of duck still on the Folly Pond with over 600 Teal and close to 100 Wigeon. Plenty of Barnacle Geese on the reserve and surrounding fields this morning,
14 October 2017
Reserve Update Friday 13th October
The hybrid Barnacle Goose was spotted this morning mixed in the flock on the Lochar Field outside the Avenue Tower. There were also good numbers of Lapwing (307) and Golden Plover (151) taking advantage of the more sheltered conditions in Low Middle fie
13 October 2017
Reserve Update Thursday 12th October
Calmer day today with a lovely autumn blue sky first thing this morning. The Barnacle Geese are taking advantage of the good weather after their enforced day on the Merse yesterday to move out into the fields for grazing. Avenue Tower is a good spot a
12 October 2017