Latest sightings
Two Siberian Chiffchaff
They're flocking! Yes it appears we have two Siberian Chiffchaff present with 3 Common Chiffchaff early afternoon opposite the Sewage Works, accessed from the Reedbed Walk. The second bird is somewhat tattier than the original bird with missing feathers o
3 March 2014
Reserve Sightings
Siberian Chiffchaff still present this morning with 2+ Common Chiffchaff. A count of 70 Avocet this afternoon is the highest of the year so far. Most of these birds are seen from the Ron Barker Hide. At least 81 Ruff including the breeding plumage male. N
2 March 2014
Met Office Spring
I notice of late that the Met Office now starts spring on the 1st of March rather than on the 20th which is the vernal equinox. Perhaps a case of over simplification (dumbing down?), however today has definitely felt like the start of spring, delightful i
1 March 2014
Siberian Chiffchaff and other birds
The Siberian Chiffchaff is still present this mid afternoon feeding low along the pool side of the hedgerow parallel to the sewage works accessed from the Reedbed Walk. At least 3 Chiffchaff there singing occasionally. Two Grey Wagtail also close by wit
28 February 2014
Bird News
Siberian Chiffchaff still present along the hedgerow parallel to the sewage works at the end of the Reedbed Walk. Also at at least one Common Chiffchaff present and Goldcrest. Male Hen Harrier again this morning from the Ron Barker Hide. At least 6 Common
26 February 2014
Siberian Chiffchaff still present
Siberian Chiffchaff again showing reasonably well throughout the day and occasionally singing along the hedgerow opposite the sewage works, accessed from the Reedbed Walk. Also 2 Common Chiffchaff present also in song. Easily picked out if the bird is sin
25 February 2014
Bird News
Another pleasant day warm in the sun. The raptors took advantage of the weather with a brief appearance of the adult male Hen Harrier, 10+ Common Buzzard seen from the reserve, 2 Peregrine which have been absent of late, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Seven Bar
24 February 2014
Bird News
Slightly more sensible than the forecast suggested but still windy with the odd light shower. The Siberian Chiffchaff is still present seen low in the hedge row near the sewage works late afternoon but not vocal. Two Chiffchaff were also there plus a Gold
23 February 2014
Siberian Chiffchaff a first for the reserve.
A Siberian Chiffchaff (tristis) singing this morning by the sewage works from the Reedbed Walk. Greyer in colour than the usual Chiffchaff, the bird has a greenish wing panel. It's song is distinctively different too. Also at least 2 standard Chiffchaff p
22 February 2014
Med Gull and Ruff
The wader build up continues, this morning the Avocet count went upto 11 and there were at least 70 Oystercatcher, 3 Ringed Plover and a single Black tailed Godwit. The Ruff flock of 65 birds had a male with very advanced breeding plumage for the time of
20 February 2014
Chiffchaffs singing!
Best day of the year weather wise, sunshine early on and light winds. Three Chiffchaff singing along the hedgerow opposite the sewage works from the Reedbed Walk this morning. These birds are most likely wintering birds all sparked up by the warmer condit
19 February 2014
Hen Harrier again
The adult male Hen Harrier put in an appearance mid afternoon. More raptors today with 6 Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. At least 600 Pink-footed Geese present during the day. It's not too late to turn up a rarer goose or two among
18 February 2014
More Signs of Spring
Plenty of action and a few assorted counts from around the reserve today. A slight decrease in Whooper Swan with 880 roosting. A slight increase in Pink-footed Geese with 2600 resulting from birds coming north from Norfolk. Other wildfowl counts included,
17 February 2014
Hen Harrier in the sunshine!
That was more like it, with the wind dropping down, sun out and a hint of spring! The adult male Hen Harrier put in an appearance mid morning flying through the reserve. Other raptors included Merlin, 8+ Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. A single B
16 February 2014
Bewick's Swan
Bewick's Swan again this morning on the Mere with 600+ Whooper Swan. Ross's Goose still present mostly along the right side of the Mere from the Swan Link Hide. At least 15 species of duck, goose and swan present today. Waders included 2 Avocet, 92 Ruff,
14 February 2014