Back to the usual sightings blog this week, with lots of interesting things to report. There have been a couple of lovely clear days giving great views out across the marshes to Blackpool, thought I'd share a picture taken during my lunch earlier today......
View of Blackpool by Barry Smith
It's not just the view that's appealing, the outer marshes are the places to see some spectacular stuff - hen harrier, peregrine, kestrel and merlin have all been spotted hunting for prey this week, sailing above the pink footed geese and black headed gulls. A couple of stonechats have also been reported, busily feeding on insects and keeping an eye out for predators from the top of any vantage point available.
Rimmer's marsh has had large numbers of pink footed geese, shelduck and a few greylag geese - whilst amongst the pools there have been wigeon, teal, pintail and shoveler - not forgetting to mention mallard, tufted duck and lots of displaying coots. There have also been two bewick swans spending a bit of time on the marsh, always good to see.
Shoveler by Barry Smith
From Sandgrounder's hide we have once again been treated with the spectacle of large flocks of golden plover (2000+) and lapwing (1000+), oystercatcher, curlew and snipe are offering regular views and the kingfisher continues to make it's darting visits around Rainford's pool and Junction pool.
While I was working earlier today I stopped to take in the sight and sound of a few hundred wigeon grazing on the grasses - waddling and whistling their way around the marsh.......it's probably been the soundtrack to my internship so far.
Wigeon by Barry Smith
A final rundown around the reserve includes meadow pipit, skylark, greenfinch, goldfinch and twite.