Recent sightingsThe juvenile redstart has still been showing well this week up at Burton Point and was also joined by some adult birds making it 3 redstarts in total now. The ruddy shelduck has continued to be around this week too along with the green sandpiper and common sandpiper which are being seen nice and close most days right outside the reception hide. It is really nice to see these two species so close together, and makes it easier to tell them apart!
(Juvenille redstart, Carole Killikelly)
Birds of prey have also been around in good number. Marsh harriers are being seen regularly along with peregrines, kestrel, buzzard and sparrowhawk. Greenshank are beginning to show up on the reserve with as many as 5 this week along with other waders such as little ringed plover, dunlin, snipe (as many as 22 counted one evening this week) and a juvenile golden plover. More geese are beginning to come back to the reserve as well as we progress in to autumn with sightings of pink footed geese and barnacle geese this week.
Although the seasons are changing, some summer species are still hanging on. Sightings of warblers including chiffchaff, reed warbler and sedge warbler are still being reported. Also plenty of butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies and even common lizards on show despite the dropping temperature.
Star sightingThis weeks star sighting is the merlin! This sighting on Tuesday was the first for the autumn here at Burton Mere Wetlands and proves that the seasons are changing as we can see so evidently here on the reserve with the change in species present. If you haven't been to the reserve in a while then come down as it could be looking very different to the last time you visited with lots of exiting species to see!
(Merlin, Colin Wells)Wardens’ wanderings This week the wardens spent some time cutting the hedges along the entrance track to the reserve and generally tidying up the garden area with a group of volunteers. The hope was that everything would be tidy for the volunteer bbq on Wednesday evening however the bad weather meant the bbq had to be held in the visitor center instead. A good time was had despite the rain though and at least the garden is nice and tidy now!
Get involvedWe still have spaces on our International Bat Night walk on the 26 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
Thank you for these updates, Gwen. It is great to see what is happening on the reserve, not just in terms of the latest bird and other nature sightings but also what activities are going on behind the scenes. Much appreciated!