Latest sightings
Latest Sightings - 29th December - snow and ice
A hard frost and then snow overnight has made the roads and paths a bit slippery this morning. The snow is starting to thaw, and it is now more like rain falling. Not had chance to get around the reserve yet, so this is more an update from the last
29 December 2017
Reserve Update Thursday 28th December
With the current cold snap, the Whooper Swans have started returning to the Whooper Pond once more for the feeds. Having said that, they were slightly reluctant to leave their roosting area on the Folly Pond first thing this morning! The Back Pond and
28 December 2017
Reserve Update Tuesday 26th December
A lovely day after all the rain yesterday. If you are visiting, it would be advisable to pack a pair of wellies as the path to Saltcot Merse Observatory is flooded. The female Greater Scaup is still on Whooper Pond. Whooper numbers are currently dow
26 December 2017
Reserve Update Saturday 23rd December - Another foggy start!
It's another foggy morning on the reserve but there is still plenty to see. The female Greater Scaup was back on Whooper Pond first thing this morning. If you are down, try playing the spot the scaup game as it is mixed in with the tufties! There we
23 December 2017
Latest Sightings - 21st December - foggy start, Great Egret returns!
It's another foggy morning on the reserve with visibility very limited at the moment. After going missing for a while the Great Egret was seen in its usual spot on the merse in front of the Saltcot Merse Observatory yesterday. Goose numbers had increased
21 December 2017
Reserve Update Saturday 16th December
Another cold and crisp start to the day! The Bewick's Swan has not been seen now since Tuesday but who knows with this cold snap it could draw more swans back onto the reserve. Whooper Swan numbers peaked for this year on Tuesday afternoon with over 2
16 December 2017
Latest Sightings - 12th December - Bewick's Swan briefly this morning
A Bewick's Swan arrived on the reserve yesterday and spent the day with the Whooper Swans on the Whooper Pond. It was still here first thing this morning, but has since flown east. It could be with another flock of Whooper Swans near Thwaite and Ru
12 December 2017
Latest Sightings - 9th December - Swans on ice!
Another cold and icy morning on the reserve, but the sun is shining! As many of the ponds are frozen, the Whooper Pond is the busiest with the swans breaking the ice. Newfield Hide is fantastic at the moment with plenty of Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Gees
9 December 2017
Reserve Update Wednesday 6th December
It was a good day to be down at Saltcot yesterday with cracking views of the Peregrine, male Hen Harrier, Merlin and the Great White Egret also returned. There is another high tide today at lunch time and with the strong winds forecast this might see mo
6 December 2017
Latest Sightings- 4th December
Yesterday morning was our monthly dawn flight, with terrific views at sunrise of around 10,000 Barnacle Geese and 20,000 Pink-footed Geese. Our next Dawn Flight is Sunday 7th January. A new pair of Whooper Swans arrived this morning, with 2 cygnets! Whoop
4 December 2017
Latest Sightings - 2nd December - Christmas Fayre today!
A slightly more mild morning on the reserve, with a bit of cloud cover. Its our Christmas Fayre TODAY, 1-4pm. A great range of stalls will be here including knitwear, wildlife illustrations, woodwork, bird boxes & tables, soft furnishings, Fairtrade p
2 December 2017
Reserve Update Wednesday 29th November
Second frosty morning in a row! This brought a number of Pintail onto the Whooper Pond with nine birds present first thing. These have now dispersed but the three on the Flood Ground tend to stick around. Male Bulfinch once more down the Avenue near
29 November 2017
Reserve Update Saturday 25th November
Good morning for a wander....Goldcrest, Fieldfare, Redwing and Long-tailed Tits are present in the Hawthorns down the Avenue. Due to their presence there was also a female Sparrowhawk perched up in one of the Sycamore trees first thing. The Water Rail
25 November 2017
Latest Sightings - 24th November - Redpoll, Water Rail & Bullfinch
It's a crisp and sunny morning on the reserve. Two Lesser Redpoll are feeding on Alders in the Peter Scott Trail. Also a Water Rail is under the feeders there and two male Bullfinches in the Avenue. Named Whooper Swan arrivals: YHS - Solway Siren ZHP - An
24 November 2017
Reserve Update Wednesday 22nd November
Definitely a day to wear wellies if you are visiting! Murky start is not helping with the counts but the Wigeon especially are liking all the flooded fields. Approximately 300 birds both in Corner Field and Lochar field, still to spot an American with
22 November 2017