Latest sightings
Latest Sightings
A frosty but sunny start then murky until the sun broke through early afternoon. Some mixed flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing off the Reedbed Walk this morning. Gadwall on pools towards the back of the Reed Bed. An unconfirmed report of Brambling from the J
22 January 2015
Golden Plover
Seven Golden Plover new for the year with Lapwing at the back of the Mere late afternoon. These birds have probably been displaced by recent snow up on the Pennines. When the reserve opened in the mid 1970's large flocks of Golden Plover were regular in t
21 January 2015
Tawny Owls
Another calm day making for excellent viewing. Two Tawny Owl were showing on the Nature Trail before the Kingfisher Hide. A few Common Buzzard display flying today a sure sign that spring is round the corner. Kestrel and Sparrowhawk present and Peregrines
20 January 2015
Whooper Swan count
Highest count of the winter of Whooper Swan with 1500 recorded this morning. Also the highest count of Pink-footed Geese for over a month with 9000 birds. Two Water Rail from the Harrier Hide one showing on the closest bank. Grey Wagtail perhaps new for t
18 January 2015
Pink-feet
A few wintery showers passing through today. The next few days look like they'll be excellent for some calm winter birding. Lots of Pink-footed Geese activity on the reserve indicating further influxes from their Norfolk wintering stronghold. Five species
17 January 2015
Latest Sightings
A few bits and pieces around the reserve. Cetti's Warbler again calling opposite the first viewing platform on the Reedbed Walk, also Water Rails calling here. Both Fieldfare and Redwing around today. Two Treecreeper in a mixed tit flock along the Nature
16 January 2015
Woodcock
Woodcock early on from the Janet Kear Hide in vegetation beyond the back of the pool. A couple of other new additions to the year list with 2 Mistle Thrush feeding near mole hills in the overflow car park and 3 Red-legged Partridge from the Ron Barker Hid
15 January 2015
Latest Sightings
Brief news today with 8 Barnacle Geese with Pink-footed Geese late afternoon. As usual Marsh Harrier hunting around the reserve, 4+ Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Waders included 1000+ Lapwing, 70+ Ruff, 25 Black-tailed Godwit.
14 January 2015
Barnacle Geese
An interesting sight this morning with the arrival and departure of ~20 Barnacle Geese. Given recent poor weather in Scotland it's not impossible that these could be wild birds, but the possibility of feral ones can't be ruled out although they did look '
13 January 2015
Bird News
A compilation of recent sightings in what has been a windy few days. Two Barn Owl out and about today from ~2pm viewed from the Ron Barker Hide. One bird was harassed by a Marsh Harrier which was harassed by an immature Peregrine while a Sparrowhawk looke
12 January 2015
Marsh Harriers
A very quiet day on site with few reports, 2 Marsh Harrier were seen along with several Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. At least 1 Little Egret was on the reserve today, also 20+ Redwing and 10+ Fieldfare. Lots of Lapwing with at least 1500 and 5
9 January 2015
Willow Tit
A Willow or Marsh Tit was seen near the Ron Barker hide this morning, almost certainly a Willow Tit on local distribution and recent records. Up to 3 Little Egrets were seen around the site today. Dawn counts this morning revealed a total of 1370 Whooper
8 January 2015
Latest Sightings
A damp start followed by sunny and clear conditions. Raptors again included Merlin, Peregrine, 4+ Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. A single Dunlin was new in joining 60+ Ruff, 2 Redshank, 8 Black-tailed Godwit and 800+ Lapwing. Plenty of Pintail
6 January 2015
Merlin and other birds
A very pleasant day feeling warm in the sun and good visibility. A few new birds for the year with Merlin out beyond Plover Field mid morning, a couple of Redpoll presumably Lesser near the Kingfisher Hide and Woodcock in flight between the UU and Janet K
5 January 2015
Latest Sightings
A belated Happy New Year to you all! Always good to start the new year again with a clean slate. Last year we recorded 146 species of wild birds on the reserve, approximately 12 species down on recent averages. Highlights included Siberian Chiffchaff (a
4 January 2015