Water Rail and other birds
A great selection of birds to be seen around the reserve. Certainly possible to top 70 species in a days birding in the locality. Starting with some views of a Water Rail chick which narrowly avoided being eaten by Lesser Black-backed Gulls as it came out of the reeds on a spit and decided to swim across to the Harrier Hide. There are plenty of breeding Water Rail on the reserve but they are mostly heard not seen.
The Great-crested Grebes are entertaining visitors with their three chicks also in front of the Harrier Hide. Regular spot for Little Egret with one there yesterday with 8 Grey Heron, also there, Little Grebes, diving ducks and views of Sedge and Reed Warbler.
On the wader front 100+ Lapwing, 40+ Avocet with double figured fledged chicks, A few fledged Redshank flying around, Ringed Plover with chicks, at least 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ruff, 6+ Oystercatcher and 20+ Black-tailed Godwit.
On the wildfowl front most of the ducks are starting to go into eclipse plumage, were the males can start to end up looking similar to the better camouflaged females. Plenty of Mallard around, 50+ Teal, a good count of 50+ Gadwall, 20+ Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, a single Pintail, 10+ Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck. Visitors may also see a few wild Pink-footed Geese and Whooper Swan which have been over summering on the reserve for a number of years due to injured wings.
Cuckoo flew between the Kingfisher Hide and Hale Hide area. A Yellow Wagtail showed well, bathing in front of the Hale Hide briefly this afternoon.
Other birds included a 2cy ( second calendar year) Mediterranean Gull on the Mere, two Common Tern with 3 chicks on Woodend, 5+ Common Buzzard, Barn Owl mid morning from the United Utilities Hide. Tree Sparrows from the Kingfisher Hide and Corn Bunting opposite the reserve on the derelict farm house. The Reedbed Walk is best for viewing Common Whitethroat, Reed, Sedge and Willow Warblers.
