Otter notice
⚠️ Otter notice ⚠️
Please note that from Mon 2 Sept to Sun 8 Sept the otters will be off show whilst we complete works on their habitat. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
A Little Egret was a new bird on site today, still a good bird on site with only a few records a year. The Tawny Owl is still present along the track to UU hide but no reports of the Woodcock today. A Dunlin was with c80 Ruff on the Mere this evening alon
6 December 2013
Another calm day, although thursday looks good for blowing in a Baikal Teal.. A few waders new in with Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit joining 50+ Ruff and 800+ Lapwing. Merlin was pick of the raptors, also 3 Peregrine, 2 Common Bu
3 December 2013
A packed Mere this morning in almost windless conditions. A Merlin was seen from the Ron Barker Hide this morning. The family party of 3 Peregrine (adult pair and juv male) showed well as usual, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzard and Kestrel. The Tawny Owl s
2 December 2013
Tawny Owl twitchers were not disappointed as the bird showed well today between the Janet Kear and United Utilities Hides in the first tree after the Holly (on the left) over the path. An adult winter Med Gull was on the Mere with Black-headed Gulls mid-a
1 December 2013
Great winter condition for viewing across the reserve with blue skies and light winds. Tawny Owl was showing well today along the Nature Trail between the Janet Kear and UU Hides. Marsh Harrier still present, 3 Peregrine, 2 Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Spa
30 November 2013
Not the best day for observing, less people around so only a few reports. at least 2 Peregrine and a Marsh harrier were seen along with Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and several Common Buzzard. No reports of the Woodcock or Tawny Owls today but a Dunlin was with t
29 November 2013
The Tawny Owl continues to show well near the United Utilities hide, there was also a 2nd individual briefly today. The usual 3 Peregrines were around the Mere on and off all day giving great views. Good numbers of Ruff are present and at least 3 Black ta
28 November 2013
A dawn count produced 1290 Whooper Swan and 3270 Pink-footed Geese. The usual raptors with 3 Peregrine, 7 Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. Tawny Owl again roosting in trees between the Janet Kear and UU Hides. Woodcock was the pick of the waders and showed
27 November 2013
A compilation of recent sightings after a busy bird fair weekend. A Red Kite that drifted over the reserve on friday was new for the year, bringing our year list onto 158 species. The usual raptor present included 3 Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, 3+ Common Buz
26 November 2013
A brief report. A hail covered reserve early on before melting away. Don't be fooled by the warmth of the sun, it's chilly in the hides! Thousands of assorted wildfowl as in the recent reports. The usual raptors too with 3 Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, 2 Comm
19 November 2013
The arrival of a Woodcock, which showed well from the Janet Kear Hide has preempted the blast of cold air forecast to arrive over the next day or so. The JK Hide is one of the best spots in the North West to catch up with Woodcock during the winter, assum
18 November 2013
Highest count of the autumn of Whooper Swan with 1500 birds, also 7500 Pink-footed Geese roosting. At least 1500 Teal and 500 Wigeon. Three Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, 2+ Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Merlin present in the area, seen on the 14th.
17 November 2013
A calm day, mostly overcast. Good numbers of Teal and Wigeon around the reserve, small numbers of Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard and Tufted Duck. At least 600 Whooper Swan late afternoon as birds arrive from feeding in local fields. Raptors included 3 Peregri
15 November 2013
A great couple of days with some sensible weather. Yesterday's swan catch went well with 37 Whoopers caught, measured, weighted and ringed, as well as Shelduck and a load of Mallard. You'll be able to see what happens on the One Show on BBC 1 in the near
13 November 2013
Not ideal weather condition for birding today with 5 hours of misty rain making distance viewing difficult. The ducks seemed happy enough, probably due to the limited hunting opportunities for the 3 resident Peregrines. The Marsh Harriers were out and abo
11 November 2013