Latest Sightings
This week, the reserve team carried out a Breeding Bird Survey to estimate how many birds are breeding around the site.
Mallard ducklings, Greylag goslings and Coot chicks have already been seen wandering around the collection grounds.
Many warbler species were performing mating calls and behaviour on the Reedbed Walk, including Cetti's Warbler, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, and Chiffchaff. The Bittern was also heard 'booming' in the Reedbed and at Ron Barker hide.
Wren, Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrush, House Sparrows, Linnet, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Blue Tits, Long-Tailed Tits and Great Tits can be heard singing along the nature trail. You can observe these birds on the feeders en route to Ron Barker hide or at Janet Kear hide.
United Utilities hide provides an excellent view of the whole reserve. From here, you can see breeding Avocets, Shovelers, Lapwings and Oystercatchers. You may also see Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, Ruff and Black-Tailed Godwits.
On the Mere, 3 Whimbrels and Common Tern were seen, and Swallows are often seen flying. There are Black-Headed Gulls and Mediterranean Gulls nesting on the islands.
Other species you will see from Discovery hide and Harrier hide include Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Pochard, Moorhens, Teal, Tufted Ducks and Little Grebe.
From Tomlinson hide and in the fields behind, you can spot Stonechat, Skylark, Kestrels, and Buzzards.
Marsh Harriers and Wheatear are often seen from Ron Barker hide, where the Barn Owl and Kingfisher may be observed.
Photograph of Mallard.
