Latest sightings
Grasshopper Warbler
Excellent news with the first confirmed breeding record of Grasshopper Warbler for the reserve. This species is regular on territory but not easy to find the nest with young. New in today 2 male breeding plumage Ruff. This is early for these birds to retu
6 June 2014
Yellow Wagtail
A pair of Yellow Wagtail were seen from the United Utilities Hide today. Woodend Marsh seems to be where most of the 'rare' action is with 2 Little Gull and Common Tern still present. Cuckoo again showing well from the Janet Kear Hide. Green Sandpiper in
5 June 2014
Bird News
Although the forecast was for showers they didn't materialise so any predictions for a Red-necked Phalarope will have to wait for Friday/Saturday! Two Raven were present around midday viewed from the Ron Barker Hide, the first for a few months. Two Little
4 June 2014
Hobby
Hobby this afternoon over Woodend Marsh. Drake Garganey from the Ron Barker Hide. Two Little Gull and Common Tern still on Woodend Marsh viewed from the UU Hide. Green Sandpiper in front of the Hale Hide. Plenty of Avocet, some with chicks. Many Common Sw
3 June 2014
Glossy Ibis still present
An early up date (11:55). Glossy Ibis still present from the Harrier Hide. Green Sandpiper on the Mere is new for the year. Drake Garganey in Langley's Brook viewed from the Ron Barker Hide. Picture by Andy Bunting
2 June 2014
Glossy Ibis
Surprise of the day goes to the arrival of a Glossy Ibis briefly on the Mere then relocated feeding in front of the Harrier Hide 14:30 at least. The range of Glossy Ibis in Europe is mostly around the Mediterranean. This will be the 8th record for Martin
1 June 2014
Cuckoo again
A very pleasant day and plenty of activity around the reserve although no new arrivals at least migrant wise that we know of. A Cuckoo showed well from the Janet Kear Hide early afternoon. It's not been heard to call and is probably the same bird seen ove
31 May 2014
Garganey and other birds
A compilation of sightings from the past few days. A drake Garganey seen today (and yesterday) on Woodend Marsh from the United Utlities Hide new for the year. Quite a few Avocet with chicks dotted around the reserve. A Pochard was present with 6 newly ha
29 May 2014
Latest sighting
Were ever you look there are signs of breeding birds. The first Shelduck chicks were seen today. The small Black-headed Gull colony on the Mere is littered with small brown recently hatched chicks. The Avocets on Woodend Marsh are also hatching young. The
22 May 2014
Little Stint again
After yesterday's arrival of 3 Little Stint and apparent departure, at least one or perhaps a new Little Stint was found today mid afternoon on Woodend Marsh from the United Utilities Hide. Two Common Tern and the 1cy Little Gull also on Wood End in the a
20 May 2014
Cuckoo
First Cuckoo of the year seen well from the Ron Barker Hide and mobbed by the resident Swallows. Great to continue to record this species on the reserve for another year. More signs of movement with 2 new Curlew Sandpiper and 14 Ringed Plover, mobile arou
18 May 2014
Wood Sandpiper still
The Wood Sandpiper and Little Gull are still present from Friday, both best looked for from United Utilities Hide. No reports of the Curlew Sandpiper today but a late report from the 12th may of an adult Hobby over the Reedbed area. Otherwise no other rep
17 May 2014
Bird news Friday 16th
The weather started to look very interesting for bringing in some new birds and straight away had an effect with a flurry of new sightings. The best of which were a Curlew Sandpiper from Ron Barker which joined 2 Ruff and later in the day these were joine
17 May 2014
Bird News
A very pleasant day and the forecast looks good into the weekend. Perhaps not the most ideal condition for turning up something new, so it probably will! A few passage waders seen included Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper and Dunlin. At least 20 Avocet present,
14 May 2014
Garden Warbler new for the year
The first Garden Warbler of the year seen from the Janet Kear Hide today. Many Common Swift feeding over the reserve today. Three Little Ringed Plover on the Mere this morning. A 1cy (first calender year) Mediterranean Gull was on the Mere with Black-head
12 May 2014