Recent sightings The spotted crake was still around at the beginning of the week but has now not been seen since Monday. The windy weather started on Tuesday which might have caused the spotted crake to stay sheltered in the reeds. The rain we have had has also meant the reception pool is much fuller and there are less areas of exposed mud which would also deter the spotted crake from coming out.
The reserve had to be closed early on Wednesday due to Storm Ali as well but there have still been plenty of birds around. Lots of waders such as curlew sandpiper, spotted redshank, greenshank, ruff, dunlin, ringed plover, little ringed plover. Also sightings of kingfisher, sparrowhawk, green woodpecker, cattle egret, great white egret and pink footed geese (counts of 48) being highlights.
On Friday we had a day of threes. Three curlew sandpipers, three marsh harriers and three spoonbills! Which brings me on to our star sighting… Star sighting We missed our spoonbills while they were away from the reserve for a week and were glad to see them back on Friday!
(Spoonbills, John Hewitt)
Wardens’ wanderings This week the wardens and volunteers went over to Woolston Eyes to help with cutting and raking the reed. This is beneficial to the reedbed as it prevents willow growth taking over and means there is a variety of reed structure as each section is at a different growth stage. There was also a lot of clear up to be done after the high winds. Branches were removed from the path and unstable trees and branches were cut down. Get involved
The badger watching hide is still proving popular, with up to five badgers seen there this week. We're still taking bookings for this and next month, so if you're interested, get in touch. We know the kids have only just gone back to school, but we are preparing a special Halloween themed family quiz trail for the October half term week, starting on Sunday 21 October.
Away from Burton Mere Wetlands, details of the Wirral Wader Festival on the last weekend of October are now confirmed, so check out the programme of events and get the dates in your diary! Plus, the first of this season's Raptorwatch events at Parkgate is fast approaching on Sunday 14 October.