Latest Sightings
We are beginning to see more birds arriving to spend the Spring and Summer here, such as Swallows, Wheatear and Mediterranean Gulls. These birds winter in Africa and migrate to the UK each year. 2 Wheatears were spotted today from the Ron Barker hide, where 1 Barn Owl and 1 Kingfisher were also observed. Marsh Harriers and Cattle Egret can often be seen from this hide.
The Bittern and Willow Warblers have been heard on the Reedbed Walk this week. At Janet Kear hide and on the Nature Trail feeders, Reed Bunting, Great Tits, Goldcrest, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Cetti's Warblers and Goldfinches can be seen frequently.
Seen from Harrier Hide, 2 pairs of Great Crested Grebe, 4 Pochard, 26 Gadwall and 15 Shovelers were counted.
3 Little Ringed Plovers have been spotted, moving between the Mere and Woodend Marsh, visible from Discovery hide and Rees hide. Many waders can also be seen, including Avocets, Black-Tailed Godwits, Ruff, Redshank, Common Sandpiper and Oystercatchers.
Other species on the Mere include Black-Headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Lesser Black-Backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Cormorants, Wigeon, Lapwings, Snipe and Little Egret. A Sparrowhawk was spotted earlier today from the Bird Observatory.
Photograph of a male Wheatear.
