Latest sightings
Merlin
A packed Mere this morning in almost windless conditions. A Merlin was seen from the Ron Barker Hide this morning. The family party of 3 Peregrine (adult pair and juv male) showed well as usual, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzard and Kestrel. The Tawny Owl s
2 December 2013
Bird News
Tawny Owl twitchers were not disappointed as the bird showed well today between the Janet Kear and United Utilities Hides in the first tree after the Holly (on the left) over the path. An adult winter Med Gull was on the Mere with Black-headed Gulls mid-a
1 December 2013
Tawny Owl
Great winter condition for viewing across the reserve with blue skies and light winds. Tawny Owl was showing well today along the Nature Trail between the Janet Kear and UU Hides. Marsh Harrier still present, 3 Peregrine, 2 Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Spa
30 November 2013
Wet and windy
Not the best day for observing, less people around so only a few reports. at least 2 Peregrine and a Marsh harrier were seen along with Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and several Common Buzzard. No reports of the Woodcock or Tawny Owls today but a Dunlin was with t
29 November 2013
Tawny Owl
The Tawny Owl continues to show well near the United Utilities hide, there was also a 2nd individual briefly today. The usual 3 Peregrines were around the Mere on and off all day giving great views. Good numbers of Ruff are present and at least 3 Black ta
28 November 2013
A Dawn Count
A dawn count produced 1290 Whooper Swan and 3270 Pink-footed Geese. The usual raptors with 3 Peregrine, 7 Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. Tawny Owl again roosting in trees between the Janet Kear and UU Hides. Woodcock was the pick of the waders and showed
27 November 2013
Bird News
A compilation of recent sightings after a busy bird fair weekend. A Red Kite that drifted over the reserve on friday was new for the year, bringing our year list onto 158 species. The usual raptor present included 3 Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, 3+ Common Buz
26 November 2013
Bird News
A brief report. A hail covered reserve early on before melting away. Don't be fooled by the warmth of the sun, it's chilly in the hides! Thousands of assorted wildfowl as in the recent reports. The usual raptors too with 3 Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, 2 Comm
19 November 2013
Woodcock
The arrival of a Woodcock, which showed well from the Janet Kear Hide has preempted the blast of cold air forecast to arrive over the next day or so. The JK Hide is one of the best spots in the North West to catch up with Woodcock during the winter, assum
18 November 2013
More Whoopers
Highest count of the autumn of Whooper Swan with 1500 birds, also 7500 Pink-footed Geese roosting. At least 1500 Teal and 500 Wigeon. Three Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, 2+ Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Merlin present in the area, seen on the 14th.
17 November 2013
Bird News
A calm day, mostly overcast. Good numbers of Teal and Wigeon around the reserve, small numbers of Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard and Tufted Duck. At least 600 Whooper Swan late afternoon as birds arrive from feeding in local fields. Raptors included 3 Peregri
15 November 2013
Latest Sightings
A great couple of days with some sensible weather. Yesterday's swan catch went well with 37 Whoopers caught, measured, weighted and ringed, as well as Shelduck and a load of Mallard. You'll be able to see what happens on the One Show on BBC 1 in the near
13 November 2013
In the murk.
Not ideal weather condition for birding today with 5 hours of misty rain making distance viewing difficult. The ducks seemed happy enough, probably due to the limited hunting opportunities for the 3 resident Peregrines. The Marsh Harriers were out and abo
11 November 2013
Counts
An early morning count produced 1000+ Whooper Swan, 5300 Pink-footed Geese, 470 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose, 290 Shelduck, 204 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 1230 Teal, 1490 Mallard, 100 Pintail, 21 Shoveler, 8 Pochard, 9 Tufted Duck, 4 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron and 141 Co
10 November 2013
Raptors
A showery day with sunny spells early on giving us some rainbows across the reserve, nice. A wildfowl packed reserve with more ducks arriving daily. Should have some figures from tomorrows count. As more birds arrive the hunting opportunities mean plenty
9 November 2013