Latest sightings
Cuckoo
Plenty of activity around the reserve today. A single Knot was seen early on, Ruff numbers up one to 9, a Common Sandpiper was new in. A few Common Snipe dropped in during a rain shower. At least 90 B [...]
29 July 2012
Hobby
Fresher than of late and a couple of brief showers promising the possibility of new waders. As it happens the Ruff have increased to 8 birds, 3 Dunlin and 2 juv Little Ringed Plover new in. At least 7 [...]
28 July 2012
Greenshank
A Greenshank seen from Ron Barker Hide was a new bird and a further sign of the ongoing wader passage at this time of year, otherwise several Ruff remain but we are now down to 1 Avocet and at least 1 [...]
27 July 2012
New Ruff
Though the morning started promisingly with low cloud and drizzle nothing really of note was reported despite a few observers being out on the reserve today. Wader passage was noted with an increase i [...]
26 July 2012
Sandwich Tern new for the year.
Low cloud and misty rain alway promise something interest and almost the first bird seen while scanning the Mere this morning was Sandwich Tern. They never hang around for longer than a day and in the [...]
25 July 2012
Mild for Mothing
Moth species recorded on the evening of the 22nd July 2012 B&F Code Ta [...]
23 July 2012
Passage
A few more signs of 'autumn' passage with a single Whimbrel droppping in on it's journey south. The Green Sandpiper count has increased to three. Around 50 Black-tailed Godwit present, a s [...]
22 July 2012
Summer!
Blue skies and sunshine to start the day. Plenty of butterflies and dragonflies on the wing. The first Gatekeepers of the year near the Harrier Hide. Some counts around the reserve included [...]
21 July 2012
Barn Owls
Barn Owls were active this morning and into the early afternoon, 1 showed very well from United Utilities spending over an hour perched close to the hide, with another bird in the Ron Barker area. The [...]
19 July 2012
Spotted Redshank new in.
No sign of yesterday's phalarope but a moulting Spotted Redshank was new in for those out birding today. Still a family party of Avocet, 2 adult and 3 nearly fledged young. Other waders included 3 [...]
18 July 2012
Red Phalarope in breeding plumage!
A poor photograph of a mega bird! Apparently seen around 11am but only reported after 1pm and then as a Red-necked Phalarope, it spent time feeding on Vinson's Marsh from the Ron Barker Hide. Extr [...]
17 July 2012
Hobby and Swifts
Low cloud and the occasional shower provided excellent views of Common Swift (~100) hunting low over the reserve. Within the next four weeks the majority of local breeding birds will have departed for [...]
16 July 2012
Tawny Owl
Tawny Owl, an adult showing well perched in a tree near the Kingfisher Hide. A female Red-crested Pochard was feeding in front of the Harrier Hide late morning but can be elusive. Two Common Tern from [...]
15 July 2012
Bird News
A hint of the Mediterranean about the Mere today ( OK - maybe I exaggerate a little ), with not only Little Egret and Mediterranean Gull on the reserve, but sunshine as well ! Other birds around today [...]
12 July 2012
Med Gull and other birds
Pleasant day on the reserve and lots of activity. A second summer Mediterranean Gull flew in mid morning with Black-headed Gulls on the Mere. The Black-tailed Godwits are still looking very smart and [...]
11 July 2012