Latest Sightings
The weather has been lovely and warm, and amphibians and butterflies have been seen around the reserve. The first Mallard chicks of the year hatched earlier this week, in the Captive Collections area.
On Monday evening, most of the migratory Whooper Swans departed to Iceland for the breeding season. We will see them return again in the late autumn. Less than 30 individuals remain on the reserve and a few might stay here all summer long.
There are still around 200 Pink-Footed Geese that have not yet migrated back to Iceland and Greenland, and they can be seen on Ploverfield at the back of the Mere.
1 Tundra Bean Goose, a winter visitor from Siberia, has been spotted from Ron Barker hide. It was observed amongst the Pink-Footed Geese previously, but seen solitary on Tuesday. 1 Merlin was seen from Ron Barker today and 1 Kingfisher was spotted earlier this week.
4 Reed Bunting and 1 Blackcap were sighted near Janet Kear hide. 1 Barn Owl was spotted resting under United Utilities hide.
25 Avocet, 1 Redshank, Lapwings, 10 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel, 21 Shoveler, 4 Buzzard, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Egret, 6 Ruff, 1 Snipe and 1 Marsh Harrier were observed from Gordon Taylor and Rees hides.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen further along, from the path leading to Tomlinson hide.
2 Cetti's Warblers were heard outside Gordon Taylor hide, and 1 was heard outside Harrier hide.
Photograph of a Barn Owl.
