Weekend Sightings
A good swan count locally between Formby and the Ribble with 1692 Whooper swans (373 cygnets = 22%) also 4 Bewick’s swans (1 cygnet).
Twite (3) seen again on the islands on Vinson's Marsh in front of the Ron Barker Hide in the afternoon.
Peregrine have been active on the reserve, with at least two birds, an adult male and a very washed out brown imm male. A male Merlin again today. Minimum of 3 Marsh Harrier, 4+ Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
Three Goldeneye, two adult male and a female on the Mere on Sunday.
Over 1000 Lapwing, 50+ Ruff, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, some Snipe and Oystercatcher, the latter a new arrival onto the reserve, signs of spring on the way...
Adult non-breeding Med Gull with Black-headed Gulls on the Mere. A pair of Great Black-backed Gull present most of the time on the Mere.
Willow Tit showing on and off at the Janet Kear Hide.
A couple of female House Sparrow with Tree Sparrow near the Raines Observatory, uncommon in recent years.
Water Rail showing on and off in the ditch between the Harrier and the United Utilities Hides.
Fieldfare feeding in the overflow car park, also Mistle Thrush and Blackbird there.
Call in at the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide for up to date info on what's being seen and where on the day of your visit or to report any sightings.
