A visit to Burton Mere Wetlands Sunday the 26th February 2012

The volunteers at South Stack were given a real treat by the staff and management at the South Stack Reserve.

It was great and appreciated by all. We all travelled in a mini bus this helped all the volunteers to get to know each other better,as we all work on different days of the week. 

Below are some pictures of our time spent at Burton Mere

The above is the main entrance and reception building

There are RSPB volunteers able to direct visitors to the various hides and walks. There is a super view of several lakes where there are many types of wildfowl.

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 Views looking out from the main reception across the lakes.


We are off for our trip around the reserve.


A Great Spotted Woodpecker!!


Above is first hide on the reserve that we visited. It was really smart, all the buildings were fairly new with terrific views.

A view of the main reception across the lake as we returned.


And then of course the essential bit of the day.

Below is a list of the birds seen at Burton Mere

black tailed godwit

tufted duck

pochard

shoveler

teal

wigion

pintail

redshank

dunlin

gadwall

kestrel

sparrowhawk

Lapwing

Grey heron

g.s. woodpecker

lesser Spotted Woodpecker

nuthatch

goldfinch

chaffinch

black headed gull

common gull

ruff

coot

moorhen

curlew

jay

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Below is an extract from the Burton Mere Website

 

About Burton Mere Wetlands

Wildfowl and wading birds in winter, warblers in spring, vast panoramas and a fascinating history are just some of the highlights from Burton Mere Wetlands. Straddling the border between England and Wales, this is a unique landscape. Many years of hard work have restored reedbeds, fenland and farmland.

Opening times

Our reception building is open between 9.30 am and 5 pm. The reserve is open between 9 am and 9 pm, or dusk if sooner.

Entrance charges

£4 adults, £6 family, £1 kids, concessions £2.

If you are new to birdwatching...

Burton Mere Wetlands is perfect if you're new to birdwatching, as the entire reserve has been designed to get you closer to nature. It has relaxed, modern facilities with excellent access for people of all abilities.

Information for dog owners

No dogs allowed, except registered assistance dog

Facilities

  • Car park : 85 spaces (7 disabled). Two bike racks. Not suitable for coaches - please ring for details on parking coaches and larger minibuses.
  • Toilets
  • Disabled toilets
  • Baby-changing facilities
  • Picnic area
  • Binocular hire
  • Live camera
  • Group bookings accepted
  • Guided walks available
  • Remote location
  • Good for walking

Pushchair friendly

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Before returning home we went to Parkgate. This is a wetland site not far from Burton Mere. It is great for wildfowl, below is what we saw.

 

white fronted goose

pink footed goose

great white egret

spoonbill

common snipe

little egret

hen harrier

The only drawback that I can see at Parkgate is the parking facilities. There is a small car park but the remainder seem to park along the roadside.

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Then we all set off home arriving back on Anglesey around tea time. A great day had by all.