Latest Highlights
More light easterlies and ideal viewing as more winter vistors arrive. First Woodcock of the autumn was flush along the Nature Trail path near the Kingfisher Hide. Keep an eye out for this species from the Janet Kear Hide.
A definite influx of Goldcrest with around 10 birds seen feeding around the toilet block opposite the Raines Observatory. In the tit flock there a Nuthatch was heard to call, the first since January.
Other Nature Trail birds included Jay, Song and Mistle Thrush and Tree Sparrows.
As yesterday 300+ Whooper Swan, 15000+ Pink-footed Geese, 1000+ Teal, 300+ Wigeon, plenty of Pintail and Shelduck.
Apart from Woodcock, 800+ Lapwing, 30+ Ruff, 40+ Snipe and Green Sandpiper, the later from the Harrier Hide in the afternoon.
Raptors included Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Two Raven on the reserve today.
At least two Kingfisher feeding along the main cut between the United Utilities and Ron Barker Hides.
As usual it should be possible to see at least 50 species of bird in a day without too much effort, although a telescope is very useful from most of the hides.
If you are visiting the reserve, pop in to the in focus shop (next to the Discovery Hide) where we have a full list of birds, and should be able to point you in the right direction to get the most out of your visit.
