Latest Sightings
1 male Goldeneye has been observed on the Mere since Saturday, seen from Raines and Discovery hide. It is a diving duck with a large, iridescent green head, white cheeks, and piercing yellow eyes. It has a small sloping bill and in winter, it's body is mostly white.
The Snow Goose is still present on the Mere. Today, 26 Pink-Footed Geese are visible on the back of the Mere. Our most recent count totaled 3,975, and this number fluctuates day-to-day. Whooper Swans can be seen in high numbers from Discovery Hide, Harrier Hide and Ron Barker Hide.
Also sighted on the Mere over the weekend were 10 Black Tailed-Godwit, 12 Ruff, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Canada Goose, and 1 Pied Wagtail. There has been a large number of Pintail recently, visiting for the coming winter.
Shelduck, Shoveler, Wigeon, Coot and Mallard are also present and can be seen up close alongside the swans during our daily 3pm Wild Bird Feed. Lapwings, Cormorants and Greylag Geese are typically seen on the Mere. 1 Oystercatcher was just spotted today.
On Friday, a Jay was observed at Janet Kear hide. A Hen Harrier and the Kingfisher were seen at Ron Barker hide.
Photograph of a Common Goldeneye.
