Great Weather for Waders and Wildfowl!
Damp today but plenty of action of late. It's been an excellent autumn for Snipe on the reserve. Currently we thing there are at least 150 on site but it could be much higher. Around 30 birds were next to the in focus shop this morning (picture below).
An influx of 100+ Black-tailed Godwit, presumably from the Ribble. At least 600 Lapwing present, 20+ Ruff and yesterday 2 Dunlin.
Biggest count of the autumn so far of Whooper Swan with 800 birds present this morning.
Six species of raptor; Merlin, Peregrine, 4+ Marsh Harrier, 4+ Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Barn Owl has been showing mid afternoon in the Kingfisher/Ron Barker Hide area. Also roosting Tawny Owl.
A noticeable thrush influx with Fieldfare and Redwing being regularly seen and more Song Thrush, Blackbird and some noisy Mistle Thrush.
Willow Tit and Great-spotted Woodpecker from the Janet Kear Hide. Keep an eye out for Woodcock under the Hawthorn bushes between the Gladstone and Janet Kear Hides.
Cetti's Warbler(s)n and Water Rail(s) calling on the Reed Bed Walk. Also Siskins calling in flight inside the grounds.
The North West Birdwatching Festival - 16th and 17th of November - link below
