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Otter notice

Our otters will be off show 7th-13th July whilst we complete essential works on their habitat. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

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Latest sightings

Day No.3 for the Black-necked Grebe

Day No.3 for the Black-necked Grebe

Another misty 'rare' start to the day eventually breaking out into sunshine and a fresher feel. The 'long staying' Black-necked Grebe is still present showing well on the Mere. Black-necked Grebe. Will it hang around for t

23 August 2017

Osprey South

Osprey South

It looked 'rare' this morning with humid overcast condition after a night of rain showers. The juvenile Black-necked Grebe was still present on the Mere until late afternoon at least. Black-necked Grebe still on the Mere

22 August 2017

Black-necked Grebe!

Black-necked Grebe!

Unexpected and only the second record for the reserve, a Black-necked Grebe was found by visiting birders on the Mere early afternoon. A big thanks to them for reporting the sighting to the in focus shop allowing many people on the reserve to see the bird

21 August 2017

Sightings

Sightings

A Hobby was seen again from the Ron Barker hide, also juvenile Marsh Harrier and Peregrine in the area along with the usual Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard. Up to 3 Green Sandpiper still present this evening on Vinson's from Ron Barker also still

20 August 2017

Wood Sandpiper

Wood Sandpiper

A nice juvenile Wood Sandpiper was found mid morning from the Ron Barker Hide on Vinson's pool and still present mid afternoon at least, also Green Sandpiper from here and 8 Dunlin, c1000+ Black-tailed Godwit, 15+ Ruff and plenty of Lapwing and Snipe. A H

18 August 2017

Curlew Sandpiper first of the autumn.

Curlew Sandpiper first of the autumn.

A Curlew Sandpiper joined the Dunlin flock on Vinson's Marsh this morning. The Little Stint was still present in the same area with plenty of opportunity to hide in the undergrowth. Another record count of Black-tailed Godwit with c.1400 birds present. Ot

15 August 2017

Little Stint

Little Stint

The adult summer Little Stint is still present and showing well from the Ron Barker hide on the left hand pool Vinson's, at times relatively close with up to 5 Dunlin. Also from here at least 40 Snipe, 350+ Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, 20+ Ruff a

13 August 2017

Waders

Waders

Few reports recieved today but a Little Stint was again seen from Ron Barker Hide along with 3 Dunlin and c800 Black-tailed Godwit and good numbers of Snipe and a few Ruff. An adult Hobby was seen from UU Hide late morning along with a juv Marsh Harrier.

12 August 2017

Little Stint again

Little Stint again

Light patchy rain and another good day for waders! A Little Stint flew in with Dunlin late morning and spent the rest of the day feeding on Vinson's Marsh. Little Stint in between Lapwing and Dunlin. An influx of Avoc

11 August 2017

Spotted Redshank new for the year

Spotted Redshank new for the year

A day without rain made for pleasant birding on and around the reserve today. Perhaps it was last nights weather that dropped in a mostly moulted adult Spotted Redshank that was present on Vinson's Marsh this morning. Spot

9 August 2017

Getting Otter

Getting Otter

Sighting of the day goes to an Otter seen swiming down Lanley's Brook past the Ron Barker Hide heading into the reserve. We had sighings last year from the Harrier Hide so keep your eye's peeled. More showery weather and a continued turnover of waders in

8 August 2017

Latest Sighting

Latest Sighting

Sunday started off bright and a little overcast followed by light rain in the afternoon. The Little Stint was present at the back of Sunley's early and then again from around 4pm. At least 8 Dunlin present, 800+ Black-tailed Godwit, 500+ Lapwing, 3 Green

6 August 2017

Little Stint and 13 other species of waders

Little Stint and 13 other species of waders

A great start to the day with the arrival (overnight?) of a Little Stint out on Vinson's Marsh before flying to the back of Sunley's. Plenty of vegetation for such a small bird to hide amongst. Little Stint this morning wi

5 August 2017

Lazy update

Lazy update

Basically all the birds seen yesterday have been seen again today! So the Wood Sandpiper is still performing well from the Ron Barker Hide, Hobby seen in the afternoon etc. A Roe Deer was seen from the United Utilities Hide this afternoon. See yesterday/p

4 August 2017

Record Count

Record Count

We have been edging towards a record count of Black-tailed Godwit and today we have (unofficially) hit 1100 mark breaking the previous record from July 1987 of 1075. Our godwits are of the icelandic race and these birds have been returning from the icelan

3 August 2017