Latest sightings
Good weather for Waders...again!
The wet weather and flooded fields have led to an upsurge in waders numbers around the reserve again. Nearly 2,000 Golden Plover have made themselves at home, utilising Lochar, Corner and Folly fields. They are joined by flocks of Lapwing and a few Reds
20 February 2020
Spring has Sprung!
Well the birds think so at least. Most evident have been the Song Thrushes that are making themselves known in the tops of the hedgerow trees with their repetitive song. Great Tit have been singing for a number of weeks but they are now also joined by C
19 February 2020
Puddle Jumping continues
The Scottish Puddle Jumping Championships continue today, and all this week until Friday, 12pm - 2pm. It's not just for the kids as grown-ups can join in too! New for 2020 is a Welly Wanging competition alongside the Puddle Jumping, and it all finis
18 February 2020
A damp Sparrowhawk
Once again, the wet weather means that wellies are recommended when visiting. Some paths are accessible in shoes, most in boots but to get around the whole site, wellies would be best.This rather damp Sparrowhawk was a nice surprise in front of the Scotti
13 February 2020
Roe Deer
Roe Deer have been very evident around the reserve the past few weeks with regular sightings of a pair in the Meadow next to Whooper pond. They can often be seen racing across the merse areas too. It has been good the past month for mammal sightings in
6 February 2020
Waders loving the weather
The rainy recent weather has been beneficial to some, with waders flocking to the wet fields. There are twenty Redshank and six Black-tailed Godwits currently on the Folly Pond. A flight of over 200 Curlews was observed landing into Newfield this morning
5 February 2020
Long-tailed Tits
Lovely flocks of Long-tailed Tits down the Saltcot Loaning today. The past couple of days have seen brilliant views of both the male and ringtail Hen Harriers around the reserve, both at the Avenue Tower and Saltcot Merse Observatory. Worth mentioning a
1 February 2020
Hen Harrier
The male Hen Harrier was observed flying past the Saltcot Merse Observatory today, visible even in the mist! Small bird activity remains good along the hedgerows with Yellowhammer and Bullfinch around the Paddock area. We are starting to record new swan
30 January 2020
Richardson's Canada Goose
This Richardson's Canada Goose was in our fields yesterday afternoon, and as of 09:30 this morning it is with Barnacle Geese opposite Newmains Farm along our entrance road. This is a rare goose, we have only seen a handful of them over the years.It is one
28 January 2020
Winter Passerines and Water Rail
We have just completed our latest round of Winter Passerine surveys with the star attraction being the presence of a pair of Bullfinches. The male has actually been spending quite a bit of time in the hedgerows outside the Peter Scott Observatory so do k
23 January 2020
Hazel Catkins and Hen Harrier
Another sign of spring around the reserve in the form of the hazel catkins! In the past week both the male and ringtail Hen harriers have been observed with good views of the male from the Avenue Tower yesterday. There are good numbers of Curlew around
22 January 2020
Otter still enjoying the Whooper Pond!
Otter sightings are still frequent on the reserve! This morning one of the juveniles was seen feeding on the edge of the water immediately in front of the Peter Scott Observatory windows. Sightings have occurred during our daily swan feeds so it's worth h
20 January 2020
Reed Bunting and Goldcrest
Small bird activity has again been good down the Avenue and Loaning with close up views of Male Reed Bunting and also two Goldcrests. The flocks of Golden Plover are building up and can often be seen flying overhead, along with the Lapwing. Their moveme
16 January 2020
Wader Weather
It has been good weather for the waders recently with all the heavy rains. Small flocks of Golden Plover were bombing around the Merse, as seen from Saltcot Merse Observatory, this morning. Looking lovely when the sun broke through the clouds to shine o
15 January 2020
Goldcrest, Bullfinch and Otters
Well the otters are still popping into and out of the Whooper pond on a regular basis so please keep your eyes peeled for them. The small bird activity down the Saltcot Loaning and Avenue has been really good recently with lovely views of Goldcrest, Bulf
9 January 2020