Firecrest
A good day to be out and about, great in the sun by mid afternoon. Some good coverage round the reserve today resulting in a couple of sightings of the Firecrest inside the Waterfowl Gardens opposite the Janet Kear Hide. Siskins and Redpolls have been seen in this area in the past few days.
A Bewick's Swan was reported on the Mere today following possible sighting from the 30th December. This species has now become rare in Lancashire.
Very 'owly' again with as many as 5 Barn Owl seen over the past few days including some very close views from the Ron Barker Hide. The two Tawny Owls still present in the usual spot.
The usual raptors with 3+ Marsh Harrier, 3+ Common Buzzard, Peregrine, 2 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk.
A few waders tagging on with the 3000+ Lapwing including a flock of 9 Golden Plover, 3 Dunlin, 40+ Ruff, 2 Oystercatcher and Common Snipe.
Definitely a few more Pink-footed Geese around with 2000+ coming into roost.
Other sightings included 2 Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, a few Redwing, Kingfisher, a bat sp. feeding/drinking over the pool in front of the Janet Kear Hide and the first butterfly of the year, a Peacock!!!
