Recent Sightings
More wet weather plus very high tides on the estuary have meant that water is not draining into the river, and water levels on the scrape remain stubbornly high. However, a positive side of the flooding out on the saltmarsh is the high count of wintering duck species.
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Star Sightings
An early morning count, on the flooded saltmarsh, Oct 22, recorded 4000 Pintail, 5000 Wigeon, 1600 Teal and 175 Shoveler plus 35 Great White Egret.
Pintail by Paul Jubb Wigeon by Paul Jubb
Although the high water levels at Burton Mere Wetlands have restricted the wader sightings, our resident Black-tailed Godwits have taken to roosting just outside the visitor centre on the main scrape area, and create quite a spectacle when disturbed by one or the raptors like Marsh Harrier.
Black-tailed Godwit by J. Hewitt Black-tailed Godwit by S. Ryde
Pink-footed Geese are around the estuary in their thousands and are often seen in large numbers flying over the reserve to their roosting areas on the saltmarsh. They also use the wet grassland areas at the back of the scrape to feed during the day.
The Starling murmuration where they head in at the end of the day to roost in the reedbed as the light fades is increasing, and with the clocks going back at the weekend it may be worth a late afternoon visit to see this spectacle in November. Our top estimated count was 5000 last Saturday 19, with three Marsh Harrier and Great Egret hunting them.
Starling murmuration
Early morning Friday 25 October, site manger counted a record number of 34 Cattle Egret on the main scrape area scrape coming out the Egret roost. These are often found during the day in the local farmers fields, but they have also been seen following the tractor when the wardens are at work out on the wet grassland area. 35 Great Egret have been recorded and two Whooper Swan have been visiting regularly, seen at the Border Hide and briefly landing in form of the Visitor Centre.
Cattle egrets by S. Ryde Great Egret by S. Ryde Whooper Swan by J. Hewitt
Other daily sightings include Kingfisher, Stonechat, Water Rail, Siskin, Bullfinch, Fieldfare, Redwing, Goldcrest and Redpoll as well as the usual raptors like Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, and the occasional Hen Harrier mainly being spotted out over the saltmarsh.
Wardens Work
The wet weather has seriously hampered the wardens work recently. Other than trying to keep the drainage ditches active, this is the time of year that all the summers’ growth needs cutting back. A large proportion is done using the tractor, but the ground is so wet that this is not always possible, and much cutting has to be done manually. They are continuing to try and cut back in front of the hides and viewpoints as soon as it is possible and this week Becky the warden managed to get a good section done with her trusty steed Rhonda!
Rhonda the tractor
What else?
The Café continues to be the place to warm up and enjoy a break. They now offer two warming “Comfort Bowls” in addition to the normal menu.
Our Autumn quiz trail all about “Creatures of the Night” is available to try out. Just £1.50 per quiz.
Suitable for all the family, grab a quiz trail sheet and a Burton Mere Wetlands pencil from the Visitor Centre and see if you can answer all the questions!
Events
Dusk Wildlife Wander - Fully Booked!
Thursday 21 Nov. 13.30 – 16.30
Our Wildlife Wanders have been such a success that we have decided to give those who missed out another chance to join us and, those that made our summer and autumn walks, a chance to see the reserve from a different aspect, as we explore the reserve into dusk and hopefully catch the egrets coming into roost.
Join our friendly and highly experienced guide for an inspiring and informative walk across the reserve to spot all the wonderful wildlife we have to offer.
More dates to follow for another Wildlife Wander in January and we hope to bring you another great Point of Ayr event in December too. Booking is essential, please use the link to events on the website.
Please note the seasonal reserve opening times as we move into autumn and winter.
The Visitor Centre and Car Park will close at 5.00pm, from Sunday 27 October then from November 1 the entire reserve will close at 4:30pm.
Café hours are currently 11.00am – 4.30 pm, from November 1 it will be 10:30 - 4pm
Please always check with staff if you are note sure and we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful reserve.
Our social media pages are the best place to keep up to date with all the most recent changes, sightings and any closures. Follow us on Facebook or X.