29/08/2012 Burton Point

Wheatear: I took a quick trip after work on Monday to Burton Point with the hope to see the Little Owls, which have successfully bread down there and alas the weather turned the rain came and the owls where gone, probably hidden from view.

But I did see 4 Wheatear happily sitting on the fence around the cattle grid and sheep pens which brightened my day a little.


Another great week at the RSPBs Burton Mere Wetlands Reserve and the highlight for me was definitely the Common Lizard and the Merlin. The Marsh Harriers where out daily and a pectoral Sandpiper gave a good show on Friday and the same waders and wildfowl are growing in numbers.

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25/08/2012 Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB

Common Lizards:  This was one of many highlights of today action at Burton Mere Wetlands it was spotted on one of the ditches on the reed and fen trail, I actually found out that Common Lizards although their name suggest are no so common but here at Burton Mere Wetland there is a large and widespread population.

Green Woodpecker: I was surprised to see this young woody feeding in a garden as I walked in to work this morning. It was on someones lawn in one of those million pound houses just off Paddington Lane.




We know there is a resident Green Woodpecker on the reserve itself and we often get reports of people hearing its call but very few people actual get to see it. I was chuffed.







The Marsh Harriers once again didn’t disappoint as they showed really well through the day as did a Pectoral Sandpiper which was a fantastic tick.
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22/08/2012 Chester Meadows










I have just come across this Friends of Chester Meadows news letter from Spring 2012.

They have taken two of my photographs of the Mediterranean Gull and have kindly put my Blog link on there too. This article was first realised on their public information board just outside of the meadows.



The Meadows are unique in being so close to the centre of the busy city of Chester, yet offer a peaceful place to enjoy surrounded by nature. They are regularly enjoyed by walkers, joggers, anglers, bird watchers. There is so much to see: ground nesting birds, river birds, small mammals, aquatic life or just take in the breathtaking beauty.







20/08/2012 Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB

Garden Orb Spider: Araneus diadematus

This brightly coloured beauty comes in a variety of shades of orange and brown, and is characterised by the pattern of white dots on its back which resembles a cross. The minutely spiny legs are banded light and dark.








Seen and photographed on through a window at the Marsh Covert Hide at Burton Mere Wetlands.



 
**NEWS** It has been confirmed that the Marsh Harrier with the green wing tags numbered 'B4' was tagged in Northfolk at Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve and was tagged by the Hawk and Owl Trust. 
See the link below for more info on the Harriers at Sculthorpe Moor and the ongoing work the Hawk & Owl Trust are doing there.

 http://www.hawkandowl.org/SculthorpeHome

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19/08/2012 Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB

Goldfinch: The weeks wader run down on the reserve includ Dunlin, Ruff, Reenshank, Spotted Redshank, Green and Common Sandpiper, Snipe in their dozens, Little Ring Plover and tens of Black Tailed Godwitts.

The highlight was certainly the Marsh Harriers, five all in all with one having green wing tags attched to both wings.

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14/08/2012 Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB

Goldfinch: Back on the feeders at BMW and there has been lots of activity but nothing outstanding, the usual suspects, garden birds and squirrels.



But don’t despair with Greenshank, Spotted Redshanks common sightings on the reserve along with reports of Wood Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper the autumn migration and return of warders is well underway.
Watch this space for the more passing migrants and who know there might be the odd rare bird!
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13/08/2012 Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB

Greenshank: Along with 5 Greenshank there were a few Snipe, Ruff and Redshanks spotted from the Marsh Covert Hide.
Over the past few days there has been a regular sighting of Marsh Harrier, one of which has green wing tags we presume it was tagged in Norfolk but this has yet to be confirmed. 







Other raptors over the past week seen at Burton Mere Wetlands include Peregrine, Hobby, Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Red Kite – which was only seen one briefly on Friday and not seen since.
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04/08/2012 Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB

Great Tit: I am now the Visitor Officer Intern for the RSPBs Burton Mere Wetlands Reserve, and I am made up!

Not only is this a great opportunity for me, but to work at such a fantastic reserve, a reserve which has had successful fledglings this year of over 40 Little Egrets many Avocet Redshank and 4 Spotted Flycatcher is brilliant.


A reserve in the heart of the Dee Estuary which is a strong hold for the elegant and stunning Black Tailed Godwit as it is estimated to have over 5000 individuals. It’s a reserve which is for ever changing and a reserve with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Yesterday there was 1 Ruff, 4 Spotted Redshank, Marsh Harrier, Hobby and 7+ Snipe.....superb!

Today the Spotted Redshank and Snipe where still around (one hour early morning) then 1 Little Stint on the RSPB owned Parkgate Marsh, off the Donkey Stand Flash.

COME DOWN AND SEE THIS STUNNING RESERVE AND WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER 

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