Latest sightings
Latest Sightings
A frosty start but with light winds and sunshine altogether very pleasant. Unpredictable regarding the arrival of more summer migrants as the winds are coming from the east. In autumn this would be exciting but in spring a south-westerly airflow and rain
10 April 2016
Little Ringed Plover
The first Little Ringed Plover of the year a presumed pair flew onto the back of the Mere early afternoon a week earlier that 2015. The first arrivals of this species in Lancashire is on average on the 19th March. An obvious arrival of Blackcap with birds
9 April 2016
Latest Sightings
Less windy than of late although still on the cool side the forecast looks good for the weekend. Yesterday's Great-crested Grebe has been joined by another and they have been engaging in some display in front of the Harrier Hide so watch this space!
8 April 2016
Great-crested Grebe
A Great-crested Grebe in front of the Harrier Hide was new for the year. The deeper water in that area has been attracting this species in the past few years. It is also good for Little Grebe, Pochard and Tufted Duck. Dist
7 April 2016
Avocet Count
Windy with heavy showers early on and feeling cold. It's that time of year when you tend to feel sorry for the Sand Martins and Swallows that are now being seen daily on the reserve. An excellent Avocet count again with 86 birds on the reserve. Other wade
6 April 2016
Osprey
The first Osprey for 3 years east over the reserve mid morning for one lucky observer! April is the peak month for Osprey passage through Lancashire so keep your eyes peeled. Plenty of spring activity with a number of new species recorded for the year lis
4 April 2016
Spring Buzzards
Plenty of spring activity today and the forecast is looking interesting for the next few days in terms of bringing birds onto/through reserve. The local Buzzards were joined by at least 20 birds which appeared to be heading North. Three Marsh Harrier toda
3 April 2016
Sand Martins
A noticeable passage north of Sand Martins was one of the highlights of a grey overcast day, maybe as many as 60 birds went through if not more. At least 4 Chiffchaff singing around the reserve. The usual pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls (one with green
2 April 2016
Bird News
2 pairs of adult Mediterranean Gulls, along with a single second summer bird were on the Mere all day. Whoopers Swan numbers down to 9 by the end of the day. Most of the 80 or so birds which were here yesterday seem to have left overnight, with 21 still p
1 April 2016
Bird News
A very quick round up of todays sightings - 5 hirundines (probably Sand Martins) over the reserve this morning. The single Bewick's Swan remained on the Mere all day with 80 Whoopers. 5 Mediterranean Gulls, a Marsh Harrier, several Buzzards, and a Tawny
31 March 2016
First Swallows
Still on the chilly side especially in the hides but now very pleasant in the sunshine. The first Swallow were seen late yesterday and birds were also seen this morning feeding in front of the Harrier Hide with Sand Martin. Great for waders with 40+ Avoc
30 March 2016
Dropping the levels
Yes, that time has come when the water levels on the Mere are lowered to provide better breeding/feeding habitat for assorted breeding waders and birds on passage. Straight away Avocet (26+) have been feeding on the Mere and both Ruff (40+) and Redshank (
29 March 2016
Latest Sightings
Little Egret was in front of the Kingfisher Hide and showed well. Little Egret from the Kingfisher Hide (Rob Adderley) Still up to 2 Marsh Harriers being seen, along with several Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kest
28 March 2016
Waders
Excellent views of Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit can be enjoyed on site at the moment, both giving superb photo opportunities. Good counts of 93 Ruff, 49 Oystercatcher and 29 Avocet, along with small numbers of Redshank and Lapwing. At least one pair of Me
27 March 2016
Sand Martins
4 Sand Martin passing through the reserve yesterday were the first of the Spring. Redshanks(4+), Oystercatchers (c.50), Ruff (60+) and Black-tailed Godwits (8+) were on the Mere. Lots of Common Buzzards and at least 1 Marsh Harrier still present
25 March 2016