Latest Highlights
Apologies for the lack of updates recently, normal service has now returned. Jam packed with wildfowl as many species continue to arrive as the weather gets colder across continental Europe. Recent counts produced 1910 Teal, 1010 Wigeon and 221 Shelduck. Whooper Swan have been feeding off the reserve although ~ 600 were in today. More Pink-footed Geese also around today, the most recent count produced c30,000, although most of the birds are off the reserve during the day.
Good for raptors with 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Peregrine, 5 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk. A Short-eared Owl flew over the reserve on Sunday.
An increase in Lapwing with 1950 seen on the rerserve. Other waders included c50 Ruff, 20+ Snipe and a few Black-tailed Godwit.
Some on site ringing as part of last weekends excellent North West Birdwatching Festival caught 68 birds of 12 species including a Chaffinch ringed in Denmark and a Kingfisher.
Over the weekend the Starling roost in front of the Harrier Hide built up to c25000 birds which gave some impressive murmurations.
Other recent sighting included 2 Water Rail, 20+ Fieldfare, 20+ Redwing and 30+ Skylark.
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.
