Latest Sightings
Over the weekend, numerous birds of prey have been sighted including 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 5 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard and 1 Barn Owl at Ron Barker hide. Another Barn Owl was spotted from Tomlinson hide. 1 Peregrine was seen on the Mere, as well as 1 Great White Egret and 1 Lesser Black-Backed Gull.
Today, 1 male and 1 female Marsh Harrier can be seen from Harrier hide, where Pochard and Canada Geese are present, and you may also see Reed Bunting
Over 150 Teal and Shovelers can be seen on Vinsons and Sunleys Lakes at Ron Barker hide. A covey of 10 Grey Partridge were sighted in the hedgerows of the cattle field next to the hide, as well as 8 House Sparrows and 1 Fieldfare.
On the Nature Trail, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Wren, Robins, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Long-Tailed Tits and Song Thrush can be observed.
The Great Spotted Woodpecker is drumming on the trees at Janet Kear hide, where 2 Jay and 1 Little Egret were also spotted this morning.
On the Mere, the Whooper Swans are still present and you can watch them feeding every at 3pm in the Discovery hide. Also seen are Pintail, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallards, Pochard, Greylag Geese, Mute Swans and Coot.
Oystercatchers, Ruff, Lapwings and Black-Tailed Godwits can be seen on the Mere in good numbers. There are 2 Greater Black-Backed Gulls, the largest member of the gull family, and 3 Cormorants with one starting to show breeding plumage.
Snipe can often be sighted from the viewing platforms, or Rees and Gordon Taylor hide, hiding within the vegetation.
Around 1,000 Pink-Footed Geese have just landed on the fields at the back of the Mere. They typically move around the site all day, and can often be seen on Ploverfield, visible from the bridge near Rees hide.
Photograph of a Eurasian Jay.
