These sightings are 2010 highlights from regular birders and cover the whole of the Ribble Estuary Nature Reserves. Many are from Hesketh Out Marsh which has has produced some most rewarding experiences considering the reserve has only been in existed as a salt marsh since the outer sea-wall was breached just over 2 years ago.
First from our ex-warden -
Bittern, Great White Egret, White Stork, Crane, Spoonbills, Long-billed Dowitcher, Pectoral Sandpiper, Green-winged Teal, top goose action, 90+ Bewick's Swans, 12 Short-eared Owls, 4 Hen Harriers, 7 Merlins, Honey Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Richard's Pipit, Blue-headed Wagtails, 450 White Wagtails, Lapland Buntings, 55 Bramblings, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Sandwich terns, Arctic Terns, Waxwings, breeding Avocets, Curlew, Med Gulls & Eiders - all mega but my Ribble bird of the year 2010 was this Woodchat Shrike on private land near Longton Marsh on 20th May.
For another watcher a Bittern on Crossens Outer Marsh back in January was the highlight of 2010.
Many Happy Birding Hours in 2011.