Recent sightings
The waders this week have stayed consistent with avocet, lapwing and redshank all feeding up for their upcoming migrations. Green sandpiper and ruff have continued to hang around the scrape, with the spotted redshank remaining at Inner Marsh Farm hide. Once again, the Mediterranean gulls have been showing nicely, both adults and juvenile alike.
A green woodpecker juvenile has also been seen around the accommodation garden with the adult still feeding it. Kingfisher have been slowly returning to the meres and reception pool.
Birds of prey have been taking advantage of the fledgling birds recently with kestrel, buzzard, marsh harrier, peregrine and sparrowhawk all showing on the same day. Fantastic displays by the peregrine hunting was a highlight of the week. Little owl is still showing on and off up at Burton point with sightings reported most days.
Common lizards appear to be moving towards to board walks for the ultimate basking experience.
Star sighting
This week’s star sighting saw juveniles steal the show as the great egret pair showed off their youngster around the Inner Marsh Farm hide and on the reedbed. This is a first for great egrets breeding on Burton Mere Wetlands. In moth related sightings, a hummingbird hawkmoth was seen around the heron statue and hopefully the coming weeks will bring weather favourable for our insects.
Image: Regular visitor Steve
Warden wanderings
Monday saw the ringing of the little tern chicks out at Point of Ayr. A total of four chicks out of the three broods were rung through a coordinated effect with a ringing expert. The ages of the chicks varied from four to ten days old allowing coloured rings to be placed on the older chicks, meaning they will be easier to identify if they return.
Images: Emma Drainey and Liz Boone
A butterfly survey was also done this week showing an abundance of gate keepers and meadow browns.
The arrival of the cows on the wet grassland meant that the warden team have been busy fixing the temporary electric fence placed out to prevent the cows roaming too far. Hopefully the cattle egrets will begin to come down to the scrape and live up to their naming.
Get involved
Reminder! This Sunday is our limited edition 40th Anniversary pin badge. They will be on sale exclusively from the Burton Mere Wetlands.
August will bring our weekly Badgerwatch walks, plus a huge weekend of family fun with our Big Wild Sleepout with plenty of spaces still available on the Friday night. Wild Challenge quiz trail available every day with July's all about our beautiful butterflies.