Recent sightings
Thursday 3rd July:
July is traditionally a good time for waders on the move, and today we saw a few new birds. The Green Sandpiper was joined by a 2nd bird today and at least 1 Common Sandpiper is still present, no more news on the Wood Sandpiper but it could easily still be on the reserve somewhere. Other waders included 3 Dunlin new in and the 4 male Ruff in various states of breeding plumage were on the mere. Up to 15 Black tailed Godwits were seen along with 5 Little ringed Plover 2 adults & 3 juveniles.
The group of 7 Common Terns are still in the area, a mix of adults and juveniles. A few new Gulls on the Mere included a fine adult Mediterranean Gull and an adult Common Gull among the growing number of Black headed Gull juveniles.
Friday 4th July:
The best sighting of the day has to be the adult Cuckoo seen and photographed from Ron Barker hide on fenceposts before disappearing, hopefully it will be seen again before it departs to Africa, traditionally adults can start making the epic journey south from July onwards.
Other sightings included 5 Ruff, the 3 Dunlin from yesterday are still present along with Black tailed Godwits and 2 resident Whooper Swan from Ron Barker hide and a Stoat was seen briefly.
