Recent sightings The week started with a raptor extravaganza with kestrel, hobby, marsh harrier and three peregrines spotted on Monday. Tuesday continued to be an exciting day with a sighting of a juvenile spotted flycatcher around the far end of the meres. A juvenile redstart was also showing well up at Burton Point around the water trough in the sheep field. Some beautiful yellow wagtails were flitting around at the back of the scrape at the beginning of the day with the now seemingly ever present cattle egret. The spotted crake was back on Wednesday! It is thought there may be more than one as some sightings have looked to be an adult whereas other sightings have appeared to be a juvenile. Good numbers of waders are still on-going and increasing. Green sandpiper was showing well this week along with common sandpiper, snipe and ruff. The little egret are building up good numbers again in the roost with a count of 283 a few nights ago. Frequent sightings of kingfisher are also continuing.
(Spotted crake seen back in 2015, Anthony Lovatt)This week WeBS (The Wetland Bird Survey) was also conducted across the whole estuary. The 1st merlin of the year was seen out on the salt marsh and at least one hen harrier has now returned.
Star sightings We have 2 start sightings this week! The juvenile spotted flycatcher and the juvenile redstart. It has been really exciting to see these birds and as they are both juveniles it means these two species have both been breeding not too far away.
(Juvenile spotted flycatcher, Pete Sutton)Wardens’ wanderings This week some signs were put up upon entry to the reserve reminding visitors to slow down whilst driving down the track. Every few years we have to pay to have the track re-laid with gravel. If people remember to drive slowly then this will mean less potholes and damage to the track and increase the time between each re-lay of gravel. This will therefore save the reserve and the RSPB money so more can go towards our conservation work! Please remember next time you come to visit how you can help us in this small way!
Get involved We still have spaces on our International Bat Night walk on the 26th August 8pm at Burton Mere. Phone up to book your place or drop in to the visitor centre. https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/events-dates-and-inspiration/events/details.aspx?id=tcm:9-455516 All our Badgerwatch events are fully booked now but we may be releasing more dates for September so keep your eyes peeled on the events page.