Latest Sightings
Of the rarities we have had in the past couple of days only the juvenile black-necked grebe is still on site and showing well on the main lake in the reedbed. The best places to see it from are either Harrier Hide or from the inner reedbed walk which leads round the back of the main lake. The curlew sandpiper has now moved on, likely continuing its migration having fuelled up on all the insects in the mud on Woodend Marsh.
Our second pair of great-crested grebe have also recently hatched 3 chicks on the reedbed. Great-crested grebe can have young into late-November so these chicks are by no means late! Be sure to watch for them riding around on the parents backs. The bittern has also been seen in the reedbed, but Ron Barker hide continues to be the best location to see bittern.
One of our reserve team also recorded and spotted crake on the track between Gordon Taylor and Tomlinson hide.
Other waders are showing well however, with up to 6 green sandpiper on Woodend Marsh and a couple of little ringed plover both on Woodend Marsh and from Ron Barker hide. Both species are currently on migration to Africa so they won't be around for long! Snipe are also starting to show a lot more as well too, as well as an increase in ruff, being seen on the exposed mud on Woodend Marsh, the mere and Vinson's pool near Ron Barker hide.
Hobby are also showing well at present being both seen over the mere and from Ron Barker hide. A peregrine has been seen in the past few days as well trying it's luck with the lapwing on the mere. If you see all the lapwing and black-headed gulls all take off from the islands at once be sure to keep your eyes peeled for it.
North West Bird Watching Festival
Join us for a wildlife-filled weekend at this year's North West Bird Watching Festival. There are guest speakers, exhibitors, workshops, bird ringing demonstrations and more! 19 & 20 October, find out more.
