Latest sightings
Linnet and Lesser Redpoll
Flocks of Linnet are building up on the Merses with a large grouping of over 50 birds observed one time. They also like to perch up around the Saltcot Merse Observatory and can often be found on the Willow tree in the sheep paddock to the left of the Obs
25 July 2020
Lovely Lapwing
The heavy rainfall in the past couple of days has really raised the water levels on all the ponds. This has meant the muddy edges surrounding the island on the Folly Pond that the Little ringed plover were using has vanished and it would appear that so h
24 July 2020
Raining Plovers
The foul weather yesterday and this morning has some benefits...9 juvenile Little Ringed Plover took shelter on the Folly Pond yesterday afternoon and at least 4 have stayed to this morning. Only views are from Sharp's Lookout (we are working to get
23 July 2020
Waders starting to drop in
The past week has seen a return of some of our waders to site. Curlew numbers are building up with 25 birds seen in the Lochar field today from the Pasture Pathway. They have also been observed flying across the River Walk. Common Sandpiper are often t
18 July 2020
Hares on the Pasture Pathway
Brown hares have been very active around the reserve recently. One was seen this morning on the newly opened pasture pathway. This is a new route going through the fields that links the Avenue Tower to the Saltcot Loaning. It is also a good place to sp
15 July 2020
Not our usual sightings, but Spring is coming!
As we are closed to all visitors, we won't be putting out our usual sightings updates but we will try to keep you up to date with general goings on here at the reserve. Our main focus is keeping the site in good order with minimal staff, looking after our
1 April 2020
Chiffchaff singing
After a slow start, with only one Whooper on the Folly Pond, others have now started dropping in. There are currently 15 on the reserve with more in the local area. We do know through satellite tracking that UK birds have already arrived back in Iceland
20 March 2020
Lots of raptor activity!
Two peregrines were seen displaying from the Avenue Tower yesterday which was very exciting to watch! A merlin and a hen harrier have also been sighted across the reserve. It's been lovely to see all of the usual suspects enjoying the sunshine this mornin
16 March 2020
The Calm After the Storm
For those who have ever wondered whether the tide reaches the Saltcot Merse Observatory at any time then the photo above shows conditions yesterday afternoon to the east of the Observatory looking towards the patch of Gorse. This is what a 10.2m high tid
13 March 2020
Primrose in Bloom
It is lovely to see a shot of colour down the Avenue as the Primroses are coming into bloom. The name actually derives from the Latin prima rosa meaning the first rose of the year. On a still, warm day (we might get one soon!) our banking of primroses a
12 March 2020
Swans Gathering
It is that time of year again when the Whooper Swans are starting to make a move to their favoured pasture area to the East of us. We are currently averaging between 40 and 60 birds at the feeds. Interestingly we are also recording new birds arriving, p
11 March 2020
First Brambling of the Winter
The first Brambling was seen around the feeding station last Thursday and was back around again yesterday. It has been a real quiet winter for sightings of them on the Reserve and this could be the last chance until next Autumn. Wader sightings continue
10 March 2020
Enjoying a break in the rain
Patches of sunshine following yesterday's wet weather have made for lovely viewing across the site! The Avenue Tower was a particularly lovely spot to be this morning as lots of barnacle geese were feeding in the surrounding fields. The Floodground had a
8 March 2020
Little Stint the highlight
A Little Stint in the Lochar Field, viewed from the Avenue Tower, has been the highlight this week. The flooded fields have been excellent for waders again with Curlew, Golden Plover and Lapwing here in good numbers. The Golden Plover are beginning to sho
7 March 2020
Drying up, a bit
We have been working hard to get the site dry again after the recent heavy rain. You should be able to access the whole site in walking boots, but there are still some puddles around so wellies could be useful.It's great to finally have the sun shining an
26 February 2020