Wetland Wonders

[Twitcheruth]

We arrived at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands mid-morning and were greeted by the usual hubub in the warmth of the visitor centre hide.
An initial scan of the pools and islands produced Dunlin,Redshank,Black-tailed Godwit,Lapwing,Shoveler,Teal,Shelduck,Pintail,Wige on and the usual Canada and Greylag Geese.
A male Stonechat was flitting on and off the fence poles in front of the window his black face markings standing out even as we peered into a low wintry sun.
In the distant fields at least 3 White-fronted Geese were seen,every now and then as they raised their heads the white patches flashing in the sun.
Beyond one of the muddy islands 2 Tundra Bean Geese were seen,a lifer for us and a good tick for Cheshire!
A female Hen Harrier then flew into flew,flying low over the far reeds and disturbing waders and ducks alike.......suddenly a Peregrine flashed past and began chasing the Harrier,boths raptors put on a brilliant flying display that was enjoyed by everyone in the hide for a good 5 minutes......there was much ooooing and aaahing! lol
Braving the strong wind and moving out to the marsh we saw Snipe and Gadwall amongst the wildfowl from this wind ravaged hide!
Another fantastic day at this superb local reserve.....in 4 visits here since it opened in September we've had 3 lifers!

[PeterB]

A good day then. Is this the place that only opened recently? Sound like the wildlife has bedded in quickly.

[Twitcheruth]

Originally Posted by PeterB

A good day then. Is this the place that only opened recently? Sound like the wildlife has bedded in quickly.

Yes,it's an extension of an established reserve that was previously unaccessable to wheelchairs/for older folk and had no facilities......it now has WC's,wheelchair access and a heated visitor centre with hot drinks available.

It's not liked by a lot of twitchers.....I overheard 1 saying that it wasn't the same now that it was full of pensioners and women!!!!!!! Grrrrrr!!!!!!......but that's another discussion!!!!!

[PeterB]

There are some right d*&£^$ out there.

Just hot drinks or bacon sarnies? Just for reference purposes.

[Twitcheruth]

Originally Posted by PeterB

There are some right d*&£^$ out there.

Just hot drinks or bacon sarnies? Just for reference purposes.

lol,just hot drinks and the mo Peter.....I'm sure it'll not be long till a bacon butty van arrives on the carpark......the catering van at RSPB Bempton Cliffs,Yorkshire does some amazing veggie burgers tho! lol

[Little Sparrow]

Sounds a great reserve Ruth! I would have loved to have seen the Peregrine and Hen Harrier to do!

Glad you had a good day and saw some great species to boot!

[Twitcheruth]

Originally Posted by Little Sparrow

Sounds a great reserve Ruth! I would have loved to have seen the Peregrine and Hen Harrier to do!

Glad you had a good day and saw some great species to boot!

Thanks Pam.....a super day out despite the wind!!!!

[Winterkoning]

So p[leased that you had such a great day there Ruth.............

[JONNY74]

I was there on Sunday Ruth, had no luck with the Bean geese. But I did have a female Merlin perched on one of the islands and 56 White fronted geese in the fields at the back. Oh and a hunting Short-eared owl right outside the new hide.
As for the people complaining, the only problem I have is that viewing from both the visitor centre and new hide can be a little naff at times. But other than that I think it's a fantastic reserve with great potential for some top birds over the next few years.
Let's see how many of the moaners stay away when the next big Yankie wader or rare marsh Tern turns up. Which they will I'm certain.

[Twitcheruth]

Originally Posted by Winterkoning

So p[leased that you had such a great day there Ruth.............

Thanks Mike.

Originally Posted by JONNY74

I was there on Sunday Ruth, had no luck with the Bean geese. But I did have a female Merlin perched on one of the islands and 56 White fronted geese in the fields at the back. Oh and a hunting Short-eared owl right outside the new hide.
As for the people complaining, the only problem I have is that viewing from both the visitor centre and new hide can be a little naff at times. But other than that I think it's a fantastic reserve with great potential for some top birds over the next few years.
Let's see how many of the moaners stay away when the next big Yankie wader or rare marsh Tern turns up. Which they will I'm certain.

lol,yes I agree Jonny and despite the moaners and at times difficult viewing it's a great reserve with great potential!