Latest sightings
Marsh Harrier
First 'spring' Marsh Harrier, a female type early on. Common Buzzards are active and a scan of the surrounding area can produce 6+ birds. Other reported raptors were Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrel. Around 120 Whooper Swan still in the surrounding
1 April 2013
Med Gull and other birds
Another pleasant day in the sun, if a little chilly out of it! As with most places in Lancashire we are leaving March without seeing a Sand Martin for the first time since the reserve opened over 30 years ago. A second summer Med Gull spent a few hours wi
31 March 2013
Bewick's Swans again.
Just as we'd expect to be posting about more spring arrivals it's the last of the wintering birds that are grabbing the headlines. Four Bewick's Swan (two adult and two juvenile) flew in onto the Mere with ~130 Whooper Swan early afternoon. Still plenty o
26 March 2013
Less Whoopers more species?
With the Mere now down at it's summer water levels the number of Whooper Swan spending time during the day on the reserve has dropped back considerably. As it happens a count in the local vicinity (Marsh Moss Lane) produced 440 Whoopers and 2 Bewick's Swa
25 March 2013
Brass Monkey looking for lost property...
Looking out on the Mere today watching a thousand or so assorted waders and wildfowl going about their business, and marveling how seemingly unaffected most were by the bitter easterlies strafing the reserve. Two Common Buzzard were coming in close by the
23 March 2013
Bewick's Swan again
Two Bewick's Swan appeared again late afternoon on the mere among 270 Whooper Swan, for the second day running, late afternoon (4-5pm) tomorrow stands a good chance of seeing them. Still c300 Pink-footed Goose around today as well. Still a bit of a wader
21 March 2013
Spring Equinox
Spring starts here as the days become longer than the nights and although the temperatures are below average for this time of year there are plenty of signs of spring in progress. Bird of the day goes to an early Swallow (Barn Swallow if you like) perched
20 March 2013
More Waders
More Avocet today with a count 86 mostly from the Ron Barker Hide. A flock of 10 Golden Plover dropped in briefly. further wader counts included 88 Ruff, 80 Oystercatcher, 300+ Lapwing, 28 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Redshank, 4 Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Two
19 March 2013
Chiffchaff arrives
First Chiffchaff of the spring near the Janet Kear Hide. Seen but not heard, probably saving it's vocal chords for slightly warmer conditions, although as it happens it was quite pleasant in the sun today. In the same area a male Blackcap was present, Nut
18 March 2013
Avocets still rising
Sixty two Avocet on the reserve today. A couple of Dunlin dropped in early doors, 70+ Ruff mostly males, now engaging in a spot of jousting along the bank edges of the Mere. Other waders included 60+ Oystercatcher, 2+ Ringed Plover, 10+ Black-tailed Godwi
17 March 2013
Hen Harrier again
The cracking male Hen Harrier was again hunting over the fields in the afternoon, before being escorted off the reserve by irate Lapwings. Other raptors included juv Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, sev Common Buzzard and Kestrel. At least 2 Barn Owl were seen, on
16 March 2013
Bird News
A damp start to the day which ended in a spot of spring sunshine. No Sand Martin or Chiffchaff yet.. Lots of breeding activity with 52 Avocet mostly paired up. Mating Ringed Plover on the shingle islands from the Ron Barker Hide. At least 60 Ruff some col
15 March 2013
Warm in the sun..
Warm in the sun, cool in the hides. Plenty of spring-like action with Ringed Plover, Lapwing and Skylark all display flying this morning. Two Med Gull, a breeding plumage adult and a 2nd winter bird associating with Black-headed Gulls. Also present a few
13 March 2013
A Blast of Winter
Any hopes of the first Sand Martin were dashed by the strong ENE wind blowing squally snow showers straight off Siberia! A few Avocet must have changed their minds as the numbers reduced to 40 as the scrapes in front of the Ron Barker Hide froze over. Tod
11 March 2013
Marsh Harrier
The first Marsh Harrier sighting for a few weeks, a female type. Keeping our fingers crossed the last years pair will return again to breed. The WEBS count this morning produced; 995 Whooper Swan, 121 Greylag, 58 Canada, 530 Wigeon, 870 Teal, 285 Pintail,
10 March 2013