Keith...try going in the evening on a sunny day, the light at reception is best in the morning but at IMF if there's evening light shining on the birds it is absolutely stunning. I had several wader sp including the pec sand and phalarope, as well as the cattle egret at IMF a few days ago and the views were amazing in that light and many photographers in the hide got amazing images.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Sep 11 10:35 AM, 2014
Probably passed each other several times Keith, we should all wear a Forum Badge or something I agree about the sun, since I had good pics of all the species present from previous sightings all I did was to get a record shot of the Cattle Egret when It was at its closest on the island. Absolutely brilliant that you got 6 lifers out of it, all at one reserve too, it may be a while before you do that again, well done
Keith Williams said
Thu Sep 11 9:59 AM, 2014
Arrived at Burton Mere at 9.30am yesterday, we must have been there at the same time Doc.
Proceeded down to IMF, got shots of the Spotted Redshank, Pectoral Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope and Little Stint. Ducked on the Whinchat even though I spent a good 30 minutes scouring the butterfly field surroundings, though I did get some great shots of the Peregrine as it passed over. One shot in particular (though slightly out of focus) shows it flexing its talons out in front as it is flying, possibly limbering up for the next meal!
Back to the main hide and the Cattle Egret made it 6 lifers for me and all photographed though the sun at the IMF hide does not make for good photography!
-- Edited by Keith Williams on Thursday 11th of September 2014 09:59:45 AM
-- Edited by Keith Williams on Thursday 11th of September 2014 09:59:58 AM
Doc Brewster said
Wed Sep 10 5:24 PM, 2014
After being away for a weeks holiday in Cornwall & watching from afar the rarity-fest at BMW?IMF it was nice to get there on my first day off since coming back & catching up with most of the rarities that had been present
Ariving first at the Burton Mere Wetlands Reception Hide I was informed by Colin Wells (later told it was his birthday today - a big Happy Birthday & congrats on the success after all the hard work at the reserves!) that the Cattle Egret was straight out on the nearest island - well that was easy After taking a few record shots I decided to take a walk round to the Inner Marsh Farm Hide, despite warnings that it was packed full!! On the way there were 10 Greenshanks showing well from the screen and a Whinchat in the field by the old IMF walk down. The hide luckily wasn't as packed as I had thought but I still didn't get a seat, leaving them for others more in need of a seat whenever one came free. I soon scoped the Red-necked Phalarope, Pectoral Sandpiper, a couple of Curlew Sandpipers, a Little Stint and a Spotted Redshank. Having just come back from the wide open spaces of The Lizard I felt a little claustrophobic as the hide filed more and more so I left to let others have the space.
It was nice to bump into so many friendly aquaintances & say hello and to see so many smiling faces as folk 'filled their boots' with the good birds on show. Well done to all involved at the reserve and again a big Happy Birthday to Colin Wells
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 10th of September 2014 05:25:42 PM
sid ashton said
Tue Sep 9 10:16 PM, 2014
Managed to get over to Burton Mere Wetlands this afternoon arriving at 15.45 and with the exception of Knot the wader species listed by Lawrence were all stiill present as was the Pink footed Goose. It was a bit of a surprise to see one there so early in September although they were reported at Martin Mere over the weekend and elsewhere in GM today.
Also of note there were two Common Snipe and six Little Egrets in front of the IMF hide and a female Pintail on BMW scrape.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 10:33:18 PM
Lawrence Hindley said
Tue Sep 9 9:31 PM, 2014
Spent the morning from 9.30 to 12.30 and was amazed at the numbers of exotic waders present. the highlights are as follows:
Inner Marsh Farm
17 Spotted Redshank 3 Greenshank 3 Curlew Sandpiper 4 Little Stint 1 Pectoral Sandpiper 1 Red Necked Phalarope 1 Knot 50+ Black Tailed Godwit many Ruff
Burton Mere
1 Cattle Egret Pink Footed Goose
After such a good morning we got hungry so went to Parkgate for a Crown Carvery and a beer. Whilst sitting at the window eating we saw a Great White Egret. Birding does not get much better than that.
David Wilson said
Mon Sep 8 4:49 PM, 2014
Afternoon stroll around. Never seen the place so busy on a weekday. Hardly surprising considering the birds present. First up. :
Cattle egret and 6 Spotted Redshank from reception hide.
IMF hide : Red necked Phalarope. .Pectoral sandpiper. Little stint. Curlew sandpiper. Green sandpiper. Ruff. Lots of Snipe. Single Greenshank. Peregrine plus usuals. Lots of helpful birders pointing out the birds. Plenty dragonflies including scores of common darter with quite a few common hawkers too. Juvenile commom lizard basking on the bridge. Brilliant time and 4 lifers.
Tim Wilcox said
Mon Sep 8 12:11 AM, 2014
I was there for 6 hours. Mostly with Tony Darby. Great to chat with Jonathan Platt as I waited for a third Egret species (Little) for the day. John! How did we miss you. A red-letter day at IMF (as we used to call it)
Chris Harper said
Sun Sep 7 9:22 PM, 2014
Lovely couple of hours from 4.45-6.45 this evening: From imf hide: Red Necked Phalarope Pectoral Sandpiper 2 Little Stint 3 Curlew Sandpiper Greenshank 15 Ruff Green Sandpiper Bunker Hide: Bar Tailed Godwit 7 Black Tailed Godwit Embden Goose with Greylag Pintail Also Whinchat between the 2.
Great stuff!
JOHN TYMON said
Sun Sep 7 6:40 PM, 2014
AM-PM Pectoral Sandpiper -1 Little Stint-2 Curlew Sandpiper-3 Spotted Redshank- 12 at one point before being flushed by a peregrine Greenshank-10 Cattle Egret - 1 very distant Peregrine-2 Hobby-1 Wheatear-1 Whinchat-1 Ruff-25+ Kestrel-1 Raven-2 Common Buzzard-1 Pleasant days birding Nice to see John Baxter and Jonathan Platt along with a few other Mancy faces.
Mark Burgess said
Sun Sep 7 1:20 PM, 2014
8.00 - 12.00 good mornings birding
Of note,
Burton Marsh, Wheatear 3 Stonechat 4
Inner Marsh Farm Red Necked Phalarope Pectoral Sandpiper Curlew Sandpiper Green Sandpiper Little Stint 2 Ruff 25+ Snipe 25+ Spotted Redshank 5 Greenshank 5 Whinchat Wheatear
Bunker Hide Distant views of the Cattle Egret in amongst a small herd of cattle Pintail 20+ in eclipse
-- Edited by Mark Burgess on Sunday 7th of September 2014 01:21:53 PM
Tanmay Dixit said
Sun Sep 7 11:12 AM, 2014
Fantastic evening at BMW yday...one of those days where you just didn't know where to look
2 british lifers in cattle egret and red-necked phalarope. (IMF hide) At one point had pectoral sandpiper and the egret in the same scope view! Also from IMF 2 little stint 4+ spotted redshank 1 great white egret seen distantly flying in to roost. 12+ ruff plus other common waders
And as we were leaving that birding legend that is Colin (the site manager) pointed out 3 curlew sandpiper that had just come in viewable from the reception hide...it was a remarkable spot by him as the light was very poor at past 8pm!
Nice to meet Paul Brady and others and thanks to all the nice people in the IMF hide who pointed out birds and shared scope views etc.
steven burke said
Sat Sep 6 10:12 PM, 2014
cracking day today in the company of simon gough & rob creek, thanks again rob for the lift home, very much appreciated. simon & myself had 62 species throughout the day plus green woodpecker heard only. 2 lifers for me, red necked phalarope & cattle egret nice to see several familiar faces also
Simon Gough said
Sat Sep 6 9:38 PM, 2014
I got 3 lifers today too, I had been lucky enough to see a Cattle Egret before but the Little Stint were my first, along with the Phalarope and the Pectoral Sandpiper. Saw all 4 superbly well from IMF at different points, pristine examples too, but all bar the Phalarope were seen at Reception Hide too. Amusing byplay between Little Egrets and the Cattle Egret, it was getting pushed around like a new kid at school. I have to hand it to Steve, he pays more attention than me, he picked up the Wheatears and Whinchats while I was still basking in the delight of seeing the birds at IMF. We passed that spot 4 times on the day, the first walk over we saw a Sparrowhawk being mobbed by Jays and Magpies, this was before we met Rob. Steve said "this would be a good spot for Whinchats", he was happy with it a few hours later when we saw them!
Compelling to be there on a day with so many special birds to add to the normal sightings. The main scrape was so busy, somehow the water levels were perfect, I presume the RSPB guys had drained it somehow, but there were easily 50+ Snipe about the reserve, most of 40 Ruff, plus the dozen or so Spotted Redshanks. I saw 7 Bar-tailed Godwit which stuck about I think, apparently that's a good bird for Burton Mere although frequent at Hoylake and elsewhere on the coastline. Good chance to compare the Godwit species.
To top it all off a lift home instead of the normal 2+ hours of public transport, what a pair of gentlemen, a very enjoyable day indeed.
Stephen Fuentes said
Sat Sep 6 8:46 PM, 2014
3.30pm - 5.30pm
Cattle Egret and Pectoral sandpiper from the reception hide. Had to leg it down to IMF hide to see the Red-necked Phalarope, which was bobbing about near 6 Little egrets.
Three lifers for me.
Cheers,
Steve.
Rob Creek said
Sat Sep 6 8:42 PM, 2014
Met some nice people in the Hides and around the reserve today and good to meet up with Steven Burke and Simon Gough, on a day that produced 2 Lifers, a 13 species Wader fest, and 57 species seen overall
- Lifer-Red-necked Phalarope (at reception and IM hides) - Lifer-Cattle Egret (at reception and IM hides) - Pectoral Sandpiper (at reception and IM hides) - 1 Green Sandpiper - 10 Spotted Redshank - 4 Redshank - 1 Dunlin - 2 Little Stint - approx 10 Black-tailed Godwit - 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (more reported, this 1 was at reception just before we left) - Ruff (uncountable, seemed to be everywhere) - Common Snipe (uncountable, seemed to be everywhere) - Ringed Plover (singles dotted around) - Lapwing (huge number) - 6 Little Egret - 3 Grey Heron - 1 Raven over - 4 Rook - few Swallows - 4 House Martins - 1 Sand Martin - 1 Goldcrest - 3 Whinchat with 5 Wheatear (great spot by Steve, all together on a stone wall in the field near Covert hide except 1 Whinchat balancing on top of the shrubby grass - 1 Yellow Wagtail over - 1 Grey Wagtail over - few Pied Wagtail around - Linnet and Goldfinch in good numbers - few Chaffinch - 1 Greenfinch - 8 Buzzard (4 circling at one time) - 3 Kestrel - 1 Peregrine possibly young inexperienced bird as it took a Jackdaw but was mobbed by the others and flew off without it. - 1 Hobby reported but not seen by us - 1 Little Owl reported but not seen by us - good a Duck numbers including - Mallard, Teal and Tufted - few Shelduck and Gadwall - 1 fem Shoveler - Greylag Geese uncountable - fair few Mute Swan - 1 Chiffchaff seen, 1 heard - Other usual species included Coot, Moorhen, Canada Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Robin, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Wren, Dunnock, Starling, Herring Gull - 3 Common Lizard basking on the fencing
One thing of note...I hope everyone got the stand out species they wanted as these birds were moving around and were visible at different hides at different times, some people were walking from one hide to the other as they'd just missed one bird there and were trying to catch it at another hide and ended up walking back to the first hide they were at.
Adam Jones said
Sat Sep 6 5:49 PM, 2014
Great afternoon at Burton Mere. Cattle Egret from the reception hide at 2.30, which was great as I'd walked down to the IMF hide to see it there but it had gone. Still, that meant I got the Red necked Phalarope, Pectoral Sandpiper, Ruff and Dunlin. Also Bar-tailed Godwit and two Little Stint from reception hide. Two lifers in a day.
steven burke said
Fri Sep 5 6:25 PM, 2014
Red necked phalarope Cattle egret And pectoral sandpiper all present this morn/aft.
Info thanks to Phil Kelly.
Tanmay Dixit said
Fri Sep 5 10:16 AM, 2014
confirmed...juvenile. also been a cattle egret around last couple of days. let's hope they both hang around
Adam Jones said
Fri Sep 5 10:11 AM, 2014
There were certainly pictures of one yesterday taken from the IMF hide I believe. Alan Davies has also reported it again today.
Dennis atherton said
Fri Sep 5 10:07 AM, 2014
This is unconfirmed for now but ive just heard a report of a red necked phalarope at BMWetlands. If anyone can confirm that would be good
Tony Coatsworth said
Sat Aug 16 9:31 PM, 2014
I must have been in a daze and missed you.
Yes - went straight up to IMF - probably concentrating on last few minutes at Old Trafford
Simon Gough said
Sat Aug 16 7:59 PM, 2014
I thought I saw you Tony! Knew it was somebody I had met birding!
In addition to your sightings which were from Inner Marsh Farm I guess, I saw 2 Ruff down there but the massive highlight for me was the Wood Sandpiper, that was the first I've ever seen, worth an early start for sure.
At Marsh Covert hide a Green Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Greenshank, also a flock of around 10-11 Snipe went up when a Buzzard went on patrol. Also a Peregrine which flushed every single thing on there, looked yellowy underneath so maybe a Juvenile, might explain the lack of stealth...? Also some Gadwall in with all the Teal.
A lady reported a Water Rail on the footpath, so that's one that got away. Did get 20 yards views of a Little Grebe at the first screen
From Reception Hide 2 Ruff, I imagine the same 2, 6 Spotted Redshank, 2 Snipe, 1 Black-tailed Godwit right at the front so brilliant views, Little Grebe and 2 chicks, a nice Kestrel hovering and really awesome views of the juvenile Marsh Harrier hunting right behind the main scrape
Really enjoyed picking out all the ID features on the waders, a kind chap let me look through his scope at the Wood Sandpiper and every detail was correct, but even in my bins the jizz and the body shape, basic size, the leg length and colour were so noticeable against the Green Sandpiper and the 2 Redshank species. Got to hear it call too when it flew off at one point.
Mustn't forget a Raven over the Marsh as I walked down to Burton
A jolly nice day all round
Tony Coatsworth said
Sat Aug 16 5:22 PM, 2014
2 Spotted Redshank - one in summer plumage Juv Wood Sandpiper - flew south around 3:30 2 Snipe 30+ Black-tailed Godwits
Marsh Harrier 2 Buzzard
Good to see the two reserves are now joined up by a walkway
Mark Burgess said
Wed Aug 13 8:07 PM, 2014
Inner Marsh Farm 9.15 - 11.15am Highlights
Spotted Redshank 7, 1 in stunning summer plumage Black Tailed Godwit 24 again some in summer plumage Ruff 2 Snipe 2 Whimbrel Little Egret 2 Hobby high over, attempting to catch a Swallow unsuccessfully
John Rayner said
Sun Aug 10 5:02 PM, 2014
167 Black-tailed Godwits 4 Spotted Redshanks 1 Ruff 1 Little Ringed Plover 2 Wood Sandpipers 1 Green Sandpiper Large Lapwing flock Plus the usual array of Ducks and Geese
Cheers John
sid ashton said
Sat Aug 9 10:08 PM, 2014
Two Wood Sandpiper and two Spotted Redshank, one in very dark summer plumage seen from the Inner Marsh Farm hide.
Also good to see Jonathan Platt in the BMW reception area where there were three Ruff in front of the hide.
Nev Wright said
Fri Aug 8 7:55 PM, 2014
For anyone travelling to Burton on the M56 beware of the traffic and roadworks at the end of the motorway on fridays!! After a 3.5hr journey from Sale (normally 30-40mins), at least I managed to see one of the Wood Sandpipers and 3 Ruff! Alas no Spotted Crake today during our shortened visit. Lovely and sunny though!
sid ashton said
Wed Aug 6 9:12 PM, 2014
Dee Estuary Birding report that one of the Burton Mere Wetlands adult Spotted Crakes was present today. No details given.
richard howells 2 said
Tue Aug 5 10:59 PM, 2014
Eleven Goosander flew into the fishing pools around 1100, and flew out again about ten minutes later, heading upriver. Yellow wagtail seen from IMF hide, and Garganey in front of VC.
M Gannon said
Mon Aug 4 10:31 PM, 2014
No spotted crakes today, but there were no sightings reported at all today.
Highlights were:
Kingfisher Yellow wagtail (3 juveniles by the barn) Ruff-4 Sparrow hawk Black tailed godwit-30 Dunlin-20 Lapwing-100 Greylag goose-80 Buzzard-4
M Gannon said
Mon Aug 4 10:26 PM, 2014
To add to your mention of possible predation, a warden told us that last Saturday a stoat was seen wandering through the reeds near where the young crakes were seen. Fortunately the adult crakes did a good job of scaring it of but if stoats are in the area and that one found the nest, there could be serious trouble.
sid ashton said
Mon Aug 4 1:29 PM, 2014
Given the fact that the Spotted Crakes were showing so well earlier last week and now no sightings just had a bit of a read up on the species.
It is apparently not uncommon for them to have clutches of between 8 and 10 eggs. They are extremely skulking and secretive birds but predation of both eggs and young can be a problem. So perhaps that's what has happened at BMW - there may originally have more chicks than the two with the adult birds that I was lucky enough to see last Thursday but they have been gradually getting picked off to the point where there are no young remaining.
It could be of course that as the chicks have grown a little they have become more cautious and stay in the reeds out of sight. Just a thought.
Tanmay Dixit said
Mon Aug 4 9:43 AM, 2014
steven burke wrote:
Rob Creek wrote:
Approx 1.45 - 7pm. Good to see Steve Burke on site.
Unfortunately no sign of the Spotted Crake's whilst I was there, was last seen at 8.30am today. Plenty of other good birds though of note...
From near visitor centre A few Snipe dotted about 1 Dunlin 2 Ruff 10 Black-tailed Godwit 1 Water Rail ( brief but frequent glimpses ) 1 Little Grebe with 3 tiny chicks 2 Marsh Harrier 2 Buzzard 1 Grey Wagtail Numerous juvenile Pied Wagtail Quite a few Sand Martins and Swallows Usual Ducks, Moorhen, Coot etc
1 Reed Warbler up close to the screen halfway round to Inner Marsh
Inner Marsh Hide 2 Spotted Redshank 2 Ruff could be same birds as earlier 1 Dunlin could be same bird as earlier 9 Avocet Marsh Harrier seen at distance 2 Common Tern 1 Black Swan with many Greylag Geese
Plenty of Lapwing around, a few Raven over, and 2 Common Lizard basking in the sun on a fence post, thanks to the nice couple for pointing them out.
Good to see you again rob & several other familiar faces Pretty much the same sightings as rob (no spotted crake for me either) but can add... 1 kestrel 1 sparrowhawk 1 little egret 1 common sandpiper
Yesterday from 1-4.30pm ish. Good to see you Steve, sent you a PM mate :)
Not much to add to Rob and Steve's sightings, except further disappointment with the crake, great news of breeding though. 1 spotted flycatcher heard only 5+ common lizards (poss. up to 8!) inclu 4 juv and 1 stunning adult. All on the boardwalk leading to marsh covert. Lots of butterfly and dragon/damselfly species (inclu black-tailed skimmer - lifer) on the wing which was nice. having not seen the reserve since the new paths were built I was amazed - it is a stunning walk, great for wildlife watching and I think the RSPB have done a great job. :)
Rob Creek said
Sun Aug 3 10:50 PM, 2014
Nice one Steve, I forgot about the Little Egrets. 1 at Inner Marsh Hide and then another 5 infront of the visitor centre as I was leaving at 7pm
steven burke said
Sun Aug 3 10:17 PM, 2014
Rob Creek wrote:
Approx 1.45 - 7pm. Good to see Steve Burke on site.
Unfortunately no sign of the Spotted Crake's whilst I was there, was last seen at 8.30am today. Plenty of other good birds though of note...
From near visitor centre A few Snipe dotted about 1 Dunlin 2 Ruff 10 Black-tailed Godwit 1 Water Rail ( brief but frequent glimpses ) 1 Little Grebe with 3 tiny chicks 2 Marsh Harrier 2 Buzzard 1 Grey Wagtail Numerous juvenile Pied Wagtail Quite a few Sand Martins and Swallows Usual Ducks, Moorhen, Coot etc
1 Reed Warbler up close to the screen halfway round to Inner Marsh
Inner Marsh Hide 2 Spotted Redshank 2 Ruff could be same birds as earlier 1 Dunlin could be same bird as earlier 9 Avocet Marsh Harrier seen at distance 2 Common Tern 1 Black Swan with many Greylag Geese
Plenty of Lapwing around, a few Raven over, and 2 Common Lizard basking in the sun on a fence post, thanks to the nice couple for pointing them out.
Good to see you again rob & several other familiar faces Pretty much the same sightings as rob (no spotted crake for me either) but can add... 1 kestrel 1 sparrowhawk 1 little egret 1 common sandpiper
Rob Creek said
Sun Aug 3 10:05 PM, 2014
Approx 1.45 - 7pm. Good to see Steve Burke on site.
Unfortunately no sign of the Spotted Crake's whilst I was there, was last seen at 8.30am today. Plenty of other good birds though of note...
From near visitor centre A few Snipe dotted about 1 Dunlin 2 Ruff 10 Black-tailed Godwit 1 Water Rail ( brief but frequent glimpses ) 1 Little Grebe with 3 tiny chicks 2 Marsh Harrier 2 Buzzard 1 Grey Wagtail Numerous juvenile Pied Wagtail Quite a few Sand Martins and Swallows Usual Ducks, Moorhen, Coot etc
1 Reed Warbler up close to the screen halfway round to Inner Marsh
Inner Marsh Hide 2 Spotted Redshank 2 Ruff could be same birds as earlier 1 Dunlin could be same bird as earlier 9 Avocet Marsh Harrier seen at distance 2 Common Tern 1 Black Swan with many Greylag Geese
Plenty of Lapwing around, a few Raven over, and 2 Common Lizard basking in the sun on a fence post, thanks to the nice couple for pointing them out.
Mark Burgess said
Sun Aug 3 6:45 PM, 2014
9.45 - 11.15am, Highlights.
Great close views of a Marsh Harrier as it quartered the reed beds Ruff 2 Black tailed Godwit Unfortunately no sign of the Spotted Crakes for me,
Chris Harper said
Fri Aug 1 7:41 PM, 2014
Failed to see the Spotted Crake from bunker screen today frim 1.30-3, but still some great birding. Highlights: Ringed Teal Spotted Redshank Marsh Harrier(maybe why Crake didn't show?) Water Rail Black Tailed Godwit Ruff Dunlin Sedge Warbler Common Tern Black Swan
sid ashton said
Thu Jul 31 5:51 PM, 2014
On my way home from seeing the Pacific Golden Plover at RSPB Middleton Lakes Nature Reserve, Staffs called in at Burton Mere early afternoon and was lucky enough to see the pair of Spotted Crake and their two little black chicks. Also of interest Yellow Wagtail, Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit.
Chris Greene said
Thu Jul 31 4:30 PM, 2014
Spotted Crake and young still showing well from Bunker Hide, scope needed really, as the birds intermittently appear from the sedge on the far side of the scrape. Also 2 Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Marsh Harrier from IMF hide , plus plenty of other stuff around the reserve. Cheers Chris.
Steve Suttill said
Mon Jul 28 9:24 AM, 2014
Must have arrived about the time you were leaving, Simon.
As the sun was getting low, most of the birds were reduced to silhouettes which tests ID skills but flock of 15 Little Egrets feeding looked fantastic backlit.
Simon Gough said
Sun Jul 27 10:49 AM, 2014
Visit between about 1500-1800 yesterday, after Hilbre. Some nice birds about, lovely light too
Main reception hide Snipe 12-15 Dunlin 3 sp Common Sandpiper Black-tailed Godwit 25-30 sp, largely looked like islandica birds with red bellies Spotted Redshank in grey wp Ruff 2
Marsh Covert hide Water Rail 2 heard only Green Sandpiper Snipe
Inner Marsh hide Greenshank 2 lifer for me Spotted Redshank 2 wp, showing beautifully Avocet 2 Common Gull Black-tailed Godwit 2 Snipe 3
Also a Common Tern at the reception hide pools after the hide was closed, superb views at pretty close range Bullfinch male at feeders
Doc Brewster said
Fri Jun 6 9:36 AM, 2014
Hi Tom, think we met last night!! Good bird & a good decision to go last night, as news so far today is negative on this bird
The female Red-necked Phalarope, in cracking plumage, spent all of its time when I was there, from about 5.25pm-6.30pm out on the main lagoon in front of the Reception Centre. Of course the centre is closed then so we al viewed from the boardwalk areas behind & to the sides of the centre. Views were great in the scope despite strong sun hapmering viewing in one way with reflection off the water but improving it in another with the red colour glowing in the evening sun
Nice to meet all there, only a few folk when I was there, far fewer than I had expected, but that may have been due to the return of the bird from its early fly off not being broadcast widely on the pagers. I did put the news out & updated the pagers 3 time whilst there, so hopefully that helped folk who came later
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 6th of June 2014 09:39:11 AM
Tom Jones said
Thu Jun 5 6:45 PM, 2014
Red-necked Phalarope, still present at Burton Wetlands RSPB at 1800hrs tonight, on scrape out side main reception....
Tanmay Dixit said
Thu Jun 5 12:30 PM, 2014
Red-necked phalarope present at Burton Mere this morning.
Info from dee estuary birding.
Hazel Rothwell said
Thu May 22 8:32 PM, 2014
Another trip to Burton Mere 21st May; Birds seen and photographed include Little Owl perched on barn guttering and then power line, left of main reception area at the end of the pathway. 2 Sedge Warblers, 3 Whitethroat, good view of pair of G.S.Woodpeckers feeding nestling in Oak Tree viewed from the larger Mere wooden bridge. 2 Linnets which almost landed at our feet and perched very close ! Coots, Mallards both with young, tons of B.H.Gulls, Canada Geese, Avocets, Grey Herons, Little Egrets in flight and also a passing Rook. Chiffchaff, Long Tailed Tits with young fledglings, Pied Wagtail on same barn as the Little Owl, Swifts, Stoat with prey, Butterflies included: pair of Wall butterflies mating, Peacock, Comma, Orange Tipped, Small tortoiseshell, male Large Red Damselfly, Drinker Moth Caterpillar, usual regulars: chaffinch, blue tit, great tits with young, etc., Photos can be seen ........ https://www.flickr.com/photos/shoot2thrillpolicy/
Hazel Rothwell said
Fri Apr 25 6:18 PM, 2014
New boardwalk between Burton Mere Wetlands and Inner Marsh Farm opened on Good Friday so took a visit yesterday and was well impressed with the new link. Inner Marsh Farm car park/entrance is now closed so access only available via Burton Mere rspb. Garganey pair were present and spotted 4 Avocets in front of the main reception area, a lot less present than 3 weeks ago when there were 30+ Avocets. Other birds: Little Egret flew overhead as did a Common Buzzard and a Grey Heron, another Grey Heron was foraging in the reed bed; 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 male Reed Bunting (viewed from new screen hide, reed bed area), a Grasshopper Warbler was heard but only briefly glimpsed for a few seconds further up from the reed bed screen just before turning left to the hide. 8+ Whitethroat, Chiffchaffs, Dunnocks, lots of Oranged Tipped Butterflies everywhere, also Peacocks, small Tortoiseshell and Green-veined Whites. Tons of Black Headed Gulls, Canada Geese including a pair with three chicks. Near Denhall Lane at Netta's Cafe a lone Swallow and a Mistle Thrush.
sid ashton said
Wed Apr 16 5:35 PM, 2014
Garganey pair still present today, also seen Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Avocets. Whitethroat and Wheatear on the marsh.
M Gannon said
Mon Apr 14 7:06 PM, 2014
Visited this afternoon
A pair of Garganey were on the pool viewable from the marsh covert hide
Also of note were:
Greylag goose Gadwall-2 Shoveler-12 Teal-6 Shelduck-15 Tufted duck-20 Avocet-30 Black tailed godwit-150 Lapwing-10 Buzzard-2 Little egret-20 Grey heron-10 Comorant
Proceeded down to IMF, got shots of the Spotted Redshank, Pectoral Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope and Little Stint.
Ducked on the Whinchat even though I spent a good 30 minutes scouring the butterfly field surroundings, though I did get some great shots of the Peregrine as it passed over. One shot in particular (though slightly out of focus) shows it flexing its talons out in front as it is flying, possibly limbering up for the next meal!
Back to the main hide and the Cattle Egret made it 6 lifers for me and all photographed though the sun at the IMF hide does not make for good photography!
-- Edited by Keith Williams on Thursday 11th of September 2014 09:59:45 AM
-- Edited by Keith Williams on Thursday 11th of September 2014 09:59:58 AM
Ariving first at the Burton Mere Wetlands Reception Hide I was informed by Colin Wells (later told it was his birthday today - a big Happy Birthday & congrats on the success after all the hard work at the reserves!) that the Cattle Egret was straight out on the nearest island - well that was easy After taking a few record shots I decided to take a walk round to the Inner Marsh Farm Hide, despite warnings that it was packed full!! On the way there were 10 Greenshanks showing well from the screen and a Whinchat in the field by the old IMF walk down. The hide luckily wasn't as packed as I had thought but I still didn't get a seat, leaving them for others more in need of a seat whenever one came free. I soon scoped the Red-necked Phalarope, Pectoral Sandpiper, a couple of Curlew Sandpipers, a Little Stint and a Spotted Redshank. Having just come back from the wide open spaces of The Lizard I felt a little claustrophobic as the hide filed more and more so I left to let others have the space.
It was nice to bump into so many friendly aquaintances & say hello and to see so many smiling faces as folk 'filled their boots' with the good birds on show. Well done to all involved at the reserve and again a big Happy Birthday to Colin Wells
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 10th of September 2014 05:25:42 PM
Also of note there were two Common Snipe and six Little Egrets in front of the IMF hide and a female Pintail on BMW scrape.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 10:33:18 PM
Inner Marsh Farm
17 Spotted Redshank
3 Greenshank
3 Curlew Sandpiper
4 Little Stint
1 Pectoral Sandpiper
1 Red Necked Phalarope
1 Knot
50+ Black Tailed Godwit
many Ruff
Burton Mere
1 Cattle Egret
Pink Footed Goose
After such a good morning we got hungry so went to Parkgate for a Crown Carvery and a beer. Whilst sitting at the window eating we saw a Great White Egret. Birding does not get much better than that.
From imf hide:
Red Necked Phalarope
Pectoral Sandpiper
2 Little Stint
3 Curlew Sandpiper
Greenshank
15 Ruff
Green Sandpiper
Bunker Hide:
Bar Tailed Godwit
7 Black Tailed Godwit
Embden Goose with Greylag
Pintail
Also Whinchat between the 2.
Great stuff!
Pectoral Sandpiper -1
Little Stint-2
Curlew Sandpiper-3
Spotted Redshank- 12 at one point before being flushed by a peregrine
Greenshank-10
Cattle Egret - 1 very distant
Peregrine-2
Hobby-1
Wheatear-1
Whinchat-1
Ruff-25+
Kestrel-1
Raven-2
Common Buzzard-1
Pleasant days birding
Nice to see John Baxter and Jonathan Platt along with a few other Mancy faces.
Of note,
Burton Marsh,
Wheatear 3
Stonechat 4
Inner Marsh Farm
Red Necked Phalarope
Pectoral Sandpiper
Curlew Sandpiper
Green Sandpiper
Little Stint 2
Ruff 25+
Snipe 25+
Spotted Redshank 5
Greenshank 5
Whinchat
Wheatear
Bunker Hide
Distant views of the Cattle Egret in amongst a small herd of cattle
Pintail 20+ in eclipse
-- Edited by Mark Burgess on Sunday 7th of September 2014 01:21:53 PM
2 british lifers in cattle egret and red-necked phalarope. (IMF hide)
At one point had pectoral sandpiper and the egret in the same scope view!
Also from IMF
2 little stint
4+ spotted redshank
1 great white egret seen distantly flying in to roost.
12+ ruff
plus other common waders
And as we were leaving that birding legend that is Colin (the site manager) pointed out 3 curlew sandpiper that had just come in viewable from the reception hide...it was a remarkable spot by him as the light was very poor at past 8pm!
Nice to meet Paul Brady and others and thanks to all the nice people in the IMF hide who pointed out birds and shared scope views etc.
2 lifers for me, red necked phalarope & cattle egret
nice to see several familiar faces also
Compelling to be there on a day with so many special birds to add to the normal sightings. The main scrape was so busy, somehow the water levels were perfect, I presume the RSPB guys had drained it somehow, but there were easily 50+ Snipe about the reserve, most of 40 Ruff, plus the dozen or so Spotted Redshanks. I saw 7 Bar-tailed Godwit which stuck about I think, apparently that's a good bird for Burton Mere although frequent at Hoylake and elsewhere on the coastline. Good chance to compare the Godwit species.
To top it all off a lift home instead of the normal 2+ hours of public transport, what a pair of gentlemen, a very enjoyable day indeed.
Cattle Egret and Pectoral sandpiper from the reception hide. Had to leg it down to IMF hide to see the Red-necked Phalarope, which was bobbing about near 6 Little egrets.
Three lifers for me.
Cheers,
Steve.
- Lifer-Red-necked Phalarope (at reception and IM hides)
- Lifer-Cattle Egret (at reception and IM hides)
- Pectoral Sandpiper (at reception and IM hides)
- 1 Green Sandpiper
- 10 Spotted Redshank
- 4 Redshank
- 1 Dunlin
- 2 Little Stint
- approx 10 Black-tailed Godwit
- 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (more reported, this 1 was at reception just before we left)
- Ruff (uncountable, seemed to be everywhere)
- Common Snipe (uncountable, seemed to be everywhere)
- Ringed Plover (singles dotted around)
- Lapwing (huge number)
- 6 Little Egret
- 3 Grey Heron
- 1 Raven over
- 4 Rook
- few Swallows
- 4 House Martins
- 1 Sand Martin
- 1 Goldcrest
- 3 Whinchat with 5 Wheatear
(great spot by Steve, all together on a stone wall in the field near Covert hide except 1 Whinchat balancing on top of the shrubby grass
- 1 Yellow Wagtail over
- 1 Grey Wagtail over
- few Pied Wagtail around
- Linnet and Goldfinch in good numbers
- few Chaffinch
- 1 Greenfinch
- 8 Buzzard (4 circling at one time)
- 3 Kestrel
- 1 Peregrine possibly young inexperienced bird as it took a Jackdaw but was mobbed by the others and flew off without it.
- 1 Hobby reported but not seen by us
- 1 Little Owl reported but not seen by us
- good a Duck numbers including
- Mallard, Teal and Tufted
- few Shelduck and Gadwall
- 1 fem Shoveler
- Greylag Geese uncountable
- fair few Mute Swan
- 1 Chiffchaff seen, 1 heard
- Other usual species included Coot, Moorhen, Canada Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Robin, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Wren, Dunnock, Starling, Herring Gull
- 3 Common Lizard basking on the fencing
One thing of note...I hope everyone got the stand out species they wanted as these birds were moving around and were visible at different hides at different times, some people were walking from one hide to the other as they'd just missed one bird there and were trying to catch it at another hide and ended up walking back to the first hide they were at.
Cattle Egret from the reception hide at 2.30, which was great as I'd walked down to the IMF hide to see it there but it had gone. Still, that meant I got the Red necked Phalarope, Pectoral Sandpiper, Ruff and Dunlin.
Also Bar-tailed Godwit and two Little Stint from reception hide.
Two lifers in a day.
Cattle egret
And pectoral sandpiper all present this morn/aft.
Info thanks to Phil Kelly.
let's hope they both hang around
Alan Davies has also reported it again today.
If anyone can confirm that would be good
Yes - went straight up to IMF - probably concentrating on last few minutes at Old Trafford
In addition to your sightings which were from Inner Marsh Farm I guess, I saw 2 Ruff down there but the massive highlight for me was the Wood Sandpiper, that was the first I've ever seen, worth an early start for sure.
At Marsh Covert hide a Green Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Greenshank, also a flock of around 10-11 Snipe went up when a Buzzard went on patrol. Also a Peregrine which flushed every single thing on there, looked yellowy underneath so maybe a Juvenile, might explain the lack of stealth...? Also some Gadwall in with all the Teal.
A lady reported a Water Rail on the footpath, so that's one that got away. Did get 20 yards views of a Little Grebe at the first screen
From Reception Hide 2 Ruff, I imagine the same 2, 6 Spotted Redshank, 2 Snipe, 1 Black-tailed Godwit right at the front so brilliant views, Little Grebe and 2 chicks, a nice Kestrel hovering and really awesome views of the juvenile Marsh Harrier hunting right behind the main scrape
Really enjoyed picking out all the ID features on the waders, a kind chap let me look through his scope at the Wood Sandpiper and every detail was correct, but even in my bins the jizz and the body shape, basic size, the leg length and colour were so noticeable against the Green Sandpiper and the 2 Redshank species. Got to hear it call too when it flew off at one point.
Mustn't forget a Raven over the Marsh as I walked down to Burton
A jolly nice day all round
Juv Wood Sandpiper - flew south around 3:30
2 Snipe
30+ Black-tailed Godwits
Marsh Harrier
2 Buzzard
Good to see the two reserves are now joined up by a walkway
Spotted Redshank 7, 1 in stunning summer plumage
Black Tailed Godwit 24 again some in summer plumage
Ruff 2
Snipe 2
Whimbrel
Little Egret 2
Hobby high over, attempting to catch a Swallow unsuccessfully
4 Spotted Redshanks
1 Ruff
1 Little Ringed Plover
2 Wood Sandpipers
1 Green Sandpiper
Large Lapwing flock
Plus the usual array of Ducks and Geese
Cheers John
Also good to see Jonathan Platt in the BMW reception area where there were three Ruff in front of the hide.
After a 3.5hr journey from Sale (normally 30-40mins), at least I managed to see one of the Wood Sandpipers and 3 Ruff!
Alas no Spotted Crake today during our shortened visit.
Lovely and sunny though!
Highlights were:
Kingfisher
Yellow wagtail (3 juveniles by the barn)
Ruff-4
Sparrow hawk
Black tailed godwit-30
Dunlin-20
Lapwing-100
Greylag goose-80
Buzzard-4
It is apparently not uncommon for them to have clutches of between 8 and 10 eggs. They are extremely skulking and secretive birds but predation of both eggs and young can be a problem. So perhaps that's what has happened at BMW - there may originally have more chicks than the two with the adult birds that I was lucky enough to see last Thursday but they have been gradually getting picked off to the point where there are no young remaining.
It could be of course that as the chicks have grown a little they have become more cautious and stay in the reeds out of sight. Just a thought.
Yesterday from 1-4.30pm ish.
Good to see you Steve, sent you a PM mate :)
Not much to add to Rob and Steve's sightings, except further disappointment with the crake, great news of breeding though.
1 spotted flycatcher heard only
5+ common lizards (poss. up to 8!) inclu 4 juv and 1 stunning adult. All on the boardwalk leading to marsh covert.
Lots of butterfly and dragon/damselfly species (inclu black-tailed skimmer - lifer) on the wing which was nice.
having not seen the reserve since the new paths were built I was amazed - it is a stunning walk, great for wildlife watching and I think the RSPB have done a great job. :)
1 at Inner Marsh Hide and then another 5 infront of the visitor centre as I was leaving at 7pm
Good to see you again rob & several other familiar faces
Pretty much the same sightings as rob (no spotted crake for me either) but can add...
1 kestrel
1 sparrowhawk
1 little egret
1 common sandpiper
Good to see Steve Burke on site.
Unfortunately no sign of the Spotted Crake's whilst I was there, was last seen at 8.30am today.
Plenty of other good birds though of note...
From near visitor centre
A few Snipe dotted about
1 Dunlin
2 Ruff
10 Black-tailed Godwit
1 Water Rail ( brief but frequent glimpses )
1 Little Grebe with 3 tiny chicks
2 Marsh Harrier
2 Buzzard
1 Grey Wagtail
Numerous juvenile Pied Wagtail
Quite a few Sand Martins and Swallows
Usual Ducks, Moorhen, Coot etc
1 Reed Warbler up close to the screen halfway round to Inner Marsh
Inner Marsh Hide
2 Spotted Redshank
2 Ruff could be same birds as earlier
1 Dunlin could be same bird as earlier
9 Avocet
Marsh Harrier seen at distance
2 Common Tern
1 Black Swan with many Greylag Geese
Plenty of Lapwing around, a few Raven over, and 2 Common Lizard basking in the sun on a fence post, thanks to the nice couple for pointing them out.
Great close views of a Marsh Harrier as it quartered the reed beds
Ruff 2
Black tailed Godwit
Unfortunately no sign of the Spotted Crakes for me,
Ringed Teal
Spotted Redshank
Marsh Harrier(maybe why Crake didn't show?)
Water Rail
Black Tailed Godwit
Ruff
Dunlin
Sedge Warbler
Common Tern
Black Swan
Also 2 Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Marsh Harrier from IMF hide , plus plenty of other stuff around the reserve.
Cheers Chris.
As the sun was getting low, most of the birds were reduced to silhouettes which tests ID skills but flock of 15 Little Egrets feeding looked fantastic backlit.
Main reception hide
Snipe 12-15
Dunlin 3 sp
Common Sandpiper
Black-tailed Godwit 25-30 sp, largely looked like islandica birds with red bellies
Spotted Redshank in grey wp
Ruff 2
Marsh Covert hide
Water Rail 2 heard only
Green Sandpiper
Snipe
Inner Marsh hide
Greenshank 2 lifer for me
Spotted Redshank 2 wp, showing beautifully
Avocet 2
Common Gull
Black-tailed Godwit 2
Snipe 3
Also a Common Tern at the reception hide pools after the hide was closed, superb views at pretty close range
Bullfinch male at feeders
The female Red-necked Phalarope, in cracking plumage, spent all of its time when I was there, from about 5.25pm-6.30pm out on the main lagoon in front of the Reception Centre. Of course the centre is closed then so we al viewed from the boardwalk areas behind & to the sides of the centre. Views were great in the scope despite strong sun hapmering viewing in one way with reflection off the water but improving it in another with the red colour glowing in the evening sun
Nice to meet all there, only a few folk when I was there, far fewer than I had expected, but that may have been due to the return of the bird from its early fly off not being broadcast widely on the pagers. I did put the news out & updated the pagers 3 time whilst there, so hopefully that helped folk who came later
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 6th of June 2014 09:39:11 AM
Info from dee estuary birding.
Photos can be seen ........ https://www.flickr.com/photos/shoot2thrillpolicy/
Garganey pair were present and spotted 4 Avocets in front of the main reception area, a lot less present than 3 weeks ago when there were 30+ Avocets.
Other birds: Little Egret flew overhead as did a Common Buzzard and a Grey Heron, another Grey Heron was foraging in the reed bed; 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 male Reed Bunting (viewed from new screen hide, reed bed area), a Grasshopper Warbler was heard but only briefly glimpsed for a few seconds further up from the reed bed screen just before turning left to the hide. 8+ Whitethroat, Chiffchaffs, Dunnocks, lots of Oranged Tipped Butterflies everywhere, also Peacocks, small Tortoiseshell and Green-veined Whites. Tons of Black Headed Gulls, Canada Geese including a pair with three chicks.
Near Denhall Lane at Netta's Cafe a lone Swallow and a Mistle Thrush.
A pair of Garganey were on the pool viewable from the marsh covert hide
Also of note were:
Greylag goose
Gadwall-2
Shoveler-12
Teal-6
Shelduck-15
Tufted duck-20
Avocet-30
Black tailed godwit-150
Lapwing-10
Buzzard-2
Little egret-20
Grey heron-10
Comorant