Latest sightings
Pink-foot Arrivals
After yesterday's small influx the numbers of Pink-footed Geese has increased again with numerous small parties dropping in on the reserve throughout the morning. At least 900 birds were present mid afternoon. The first la
15 September 2018
Trickle of Pink-feet
Rain showers moving through and fairly breezy westerly. Small numbers of newly arrived Pink-footed Geese were dropping in this morning with 150+ on the reserve, up from a count of 80 yesterday. By the end of the afternoon the flock was around 300.
14 September 2018
Marsh Harriers
As is usual for this time of year the reserve currently has up to 5 different Marsh Harriers including a sub adult male which has been giving great views at times. Also briefly yesterday was a ringtail Hen Harrier seen from Ron Barker Hide, presumably the
11 September 2018
Latest Sightings
A brief selection of Sunday's highlights. A minimum of 4 Marsh Harrier hunting around the reserve, 3 Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. More Snipe arriving with 100+ present, 400+ Lapwing, 60 Ruff, 4 Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper and 2 Dunlin. Pink-footed
9 September 2018
Short Eared Owl
A fabulous Short-eared Owl graced the reserve late afternoon and was showing well at times from Ron Barker Hide, also visible from most of the other hides at times. At least 2 Marsh Harriers and 2 Peregrine were the best of the raptors.
8 September 2018
Latest Sighting
A damp start and a cool fresh WNW wind throughout the day. A small group of 6 Dunlin were new in. At least 300 Lapwing, 30+ Snipe, 20+ Ruff, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher and Green Sandpiper. Lapwing in front of t
7 September 2018
Temminck's Return
After an absence of two days the juvenile Temminck's Stint returned to feeding on Vinson's Marsh late morning. There are a few pools on the reserve which can't be seen, so it's possible the bird had been lying low there. The day started off with some ligh
6 September 2018
Latest Sightings
A chilly but bright start to the day with some autumn mist hanging over the reserve. The ringtail Hen Harrier was seen again this morning interacting with Marsh Harrier. At least two Marsh Harrier today, Peregrine, 3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
5 September 2018
Pink-footed Arrivals and Hen Harrier again
Late afternoon and the sound of Pink-footed Geese dropping in makes for a good end to the day and doubled the number recent seen on the reserve. Twenty six birds could easily end up as 26,000 by the end of the month A
4 September 2018
Hen Harrier and other birds
A rain front drifted through this morning making viewing slightly murky before clearing around midday. As wader migration is in full swing such conditions can mean new birds turning up in poor weather. Yesterday's Hen Harrier was still present giving
3 September 2018
Eight Species of Raptor
The juvenile Temminck's Stint is still present today, attracting a steady stream of admirers. The bird has been spending most of it's time on Vinson's Marsh. Juvenile Temminck's Stint are unusual on passage at WWT Martin M
2 September 2018
Temminck's Stint still present
Temminck's Stint still present on Sunley's Marsh from the Ron Barker Hide. Temminck's Stint. (Back of the camera shots) At least two Marsh Harrier hunting around the reserve. Also 3 Buzzard and 2 Kestrel. Lapwing numb
1 September 2018
Temminck's Stint
A Temminck's Stint which was also present yesterday and thought to be a Baird's Sandpiper at one point, eventually showed well and is still present if a little distant at times from Ron Barker Hide on Vinson's. More regularly encountered in spring in UK i
31 August 2018
Pink-footed Geese!
The main news of the day was the first returning family group of Pink-footed Geese, and what a large family, 2 adults and 5 juveniles flew in high from the north at 10.30 this morning circled the Mere before dropping down on to Woodend Marsh. Later they w
30 August 2018
Hobby
A Hobby, probably a juvenile bird was seen mid afternoon being chased by a crow over the reserve, also an adult Peregrine was seen in the morning and a Marsh Harrier this afternoon also plenty of Common Buzzard sightings along with Kestrel and Sparrowhawk
29 August 2018