Sunshine and Sandpipers

12 April 2019

Very sunny but chilly weather over the past couple of days with few new arrivals, but still lots of variety to be seen. At least 2 Common Sandpipers on site at the moment, with the first bird on the Mere yesterday, although with several sightings from various places around the reserve ( Ron Barker hide, United Utilities hide and the Discovery hide) more than 2 birds could be involved.

Other waders include at least 14 Ruff and 30+ Black-tailed Godwits, along with Avocet (70+), Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Snipe, Lapwing and Oystercatcher which are (or will be) breeding on site.

A single Mediterranean Gull was on Woodend Marsh this morning.

Several Common Buzzards, Kestrel and at least one Marsh Harrier today - the lack of raptor reports probably more of a reflection of the numbers of people birding than the numbers to be seen (see reports over the last few days).

Great variety of wildfowl, with Shoveller, Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck particularly well represented.

Sand Martins have been passing through in groups of between 10 and 30 birds over the past couple of days, with a few Swallows amongst them, although 7 House Martins seen by wardens this morning were the first of the year.

Lots of Skylarks up in the air singing, and Corn Buntings are also becoming easier to see, with several singing males around the perimeter of the reserve, particularly around Marsh Moss Lane and the sewage works area, where Fieldfares (looking stunning in their "fresh" Spring plumage) were still feeding in the bushes today. A Wheatear was in fields opposite the reserve entrance yesterday.

Once again, check back over the last few days reports for a better idea of what's about (eg Cetti's Warbler, Bearded Reedling, Little Egret etc) and most of these birds will still be present, even though fewer people looking means they have not been reported.