More Waders
The water levels on the Mere are dropping back slightly making for better wader habitat. Luckily the water levels around the site can be controlled so if this heat wave continues the reserve will be a haven for wetland birds as other sites dry up.
Great to see the Black-tailed Godwit numbers are on the up with 450+ recorded yesterday. We managed a peak count last year of 1600. Three Green Sandpiper present today from the United Utilities Hide. Also present 6 Ruff (new in), Common Sandpiper, Snipe, 50+ Lapwing, 4+ Redshank, 8+ Oystercatcher and 4 Dunlin. Many Avocet chicks have fledged although at least one pair has a recently hatched chick present (on the Mere). Little Ringed Plover(s) still on Woodend Marsh.
Three Common Tern on Woodend.
The usual raptors present with Buzzards, Kestrels and Sparrowhawk.
A good year for Shelduck with both full grown fledged young and recently hatched birds present showing well on the Mere.
The Reed Bed Walk is excellent for Odonata (dragonflies etc) and Butterflies currently.
Quite in terms of sightings reports at present. If you do see anything or want to know the best spots currently around the reserve do call in at the in focus shop, next to the discovery hide and we can point you in the right direction.
