What a lovely sunny start to the day. Overnight we have had an influx of Whooper Swans, with 138 on the Whooper Pond first thing this morning. Hopefully we have some more of our named swans in! Some have flown off since and can be seen from the Avenue Tow
29 October 2017
While Whooper Swan numbers at the feeds are remaining at around 60 birds, we are noticing a change in individuals with new leg rings being recorded daily. The Great White Egret was down along the Saltcot Merse again yesterday and some visitors were also
28 October 2017
A brilliant sunny morning on the reserve, and significantly colder. This should help to bring more birds onto the reserve, especially the Whooper Swans. With northerly winds we will expect a 'fall' of Whoopers over the next few days. Named Whooper Swan ar
27 October 2017
The Great White Egret has once again been seen this morning out on the merse from Saltcot Merse Observatory. For such a blatantly large, white bird it does manage to hide rather well in the creeks! It has also been a day for waders with 50 Curlew in P
25 October 2017
A Great White Egret is currently on the merse and can be viewed from the Saltcot Merse Observatory. It is going in and out of creeks so requires some patience to view. Named Whooper Swan arrivals: YHS - Solway Siren ZHP - Andrew K & YFZ -
24 October 2017
There are lots of barnacle geese still around, with some great views from Newfield Hide. Whooper Swan numbers are still around 150 on and around the reserve, but this could increase after the northerly winds yesterday! Redwing are still flying around, par
23 October 2017
Another bright and (so far) dry morning on the reserve. Plenty of Barnacle Geese around, on the merse and moving into the fields. The Redwings are still piling in, and there are plenty of berries on the Hawthorns on the trees for them. Listen out for the
21 October 2017
A fantastic morning at the Saltcot Merse Observatory with thousands of Barnacle Geese, Peregrine, Merlin and Marsh Harrier showing well. Plenty of Redwings now in the Avenues so keep an eye on the Hawthorns! Named Whooper Swan arrivals: ZHP - Andrew K
20 October 2017
Well things have settled back down again after the storm on Monday and we have been able to have a good look around. Whooper Swan numbers have increased with approximately 150 birds both on Whooper Pond and in fields to the North of Avenue Tower yesterd
19 October 2017
We made it through the night with only minor damage and the reserve is open as normal today. The high tide means we have over 14,000 Barnacle Geese on the reserve. Named Whooper Swan arrivals: ZHP - Andrew K & YFZ - Ruth C
17 October 2017
Another dull start to the day, but it is dry and the birds haven't disappointed so far. Great numbers of duck still on the Folly Pond with over 600 Teal and close to 100 Wigeon. Plenty of Barnacle Geese on the reserve and surrounding fields this morning,
14 October 2017
The hybrid Barnacle Goose was spotted this morning mixed in the flock on the Lochar Field outside the Avenue Tower. There were also good numbers of Lapwing (307) and Golden Plover (151) taking advantage of the more sheltered conditions in Low Middle fie
13 October 2017
Calmer day today with a lovely autumn blue sky first thing this morning. The Barnacle Geese are taking advantage of the good weather after their enforced day on the Merse yesterday to move out into the fields for grazing. Avenue Tower is a good spot a
12 October 2017
There are still over 10,000 Barnacle Geese on site today, mostly remaining down on the Merse due to the bad weather conditions. The weather does seem to have led to an influx of Wigeon with over 200 in Corner field and more observed in the Newfie
11 October 2017
Thousands of Barnacle Geese arrived yesterday, with around 9000 on our reserve. There are a couple of leucistic birds present with them. Reports from observers on the east coast suggest more could arrive today. Here is an image of a few Barnacle
9 October 2017