Long-billed Dowitcher

More wet and windy weather however you never know what might be blown in and in fact a Gannet seen from the Ron Barker Hide on Saturday is only the 4th record for the reserve.

Also new in the local celebrity that is the 'Marshside Long-billed Dowitcher' having a break from the coast and feeding along the edge of the Mere, found from the in focus shop on Sunday morning. The dowitcher is only the 3rd record for the reserve.


Avocet numbers are building with 37 birds. Oystercatcher are up to 90. The first Curlew was seen on Friday, with at least 3 present today. Other waders include 200+ Lapwing, 30+ Ruff, 20+ Snipe, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper, the latter over wintering.

Raptors include Peregrine (ad), 2 Marsh Harrier, 4+ Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. At least 3 Barn Owl hunting during the day, in between rain showers.

The long staying Tundra Bean Goose is present today along the back edge of the Mere.

The Great White Egret was still present on Friday, also 5 Little Egret.

Two Barnacle Geese were seen with Greylag.

Willow Tit regularly visiting the feeder at the Janet Kear Hide.

If you are visiting the reserve and would like to know what is being seen on the day or would like to report any sightings, call in at the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide.

  • Share this article