Latest Sightings
Whooper Swan numbers are increasing daily, with 300 counted today. They can be seen from the Discovery hide, Ron Barker hide and Harrier hide. Daily feeds are now being carried out at Discovery hide and Raines hide, so you can view the swans up close whilst learning all about wild birds.
3,500 Pink-Footed Geese were also counted today, with 1000 seen on the Mere for most of the day. The lone Snow Goose is still present, seen amongst the Greylag Geese.
The Black-Tailed Godwits have made their return after a brief absence, and around 40 were seen on the Mere on Saturday. 1 Greater Black-Backed Gull has been on the Mere all weekend. Pintail have been observed in high numbers - 236 counted on Sunday.
Also seen; 68 Shelduck, 1 Little Egret, 2 Great White Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 42 Wigeon, 5 Pochard, 8 Tufted Ducks, 25 Coot, and 3 Shoveler.
We've had a good number of raptors, including 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 6 Buzzard and 1 Peregrine. The Kingfisher has been showing well at at Ron Barker hide, as well as 1 Stonechat, 12 Cattle Egret, 1 Water Rail and 1 Green Sandpiper.
A Yellow-Browed Warbler was spotted on the footpath near the Eco-gardens, and a Swallow was seen outside the Bird Observatory. You can view many passerine birds (perching and songbirds) on the feeders at Janet Kear hide, such as Blue Tits and Robins, and you may even see a Water Vole.
Photograph of Whooper Swans.
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.
