Burton Mere Wetlands - 27 November 2012

An early start at Inner Marsh Farm and I found the area completely flooded and almost birdless (2 Moorhen and 1 Oystercatcher). So I made the short journey to BMW and the warmth of the visitor centre. Good call, as the first bird I saw was a Water Rail to the right of the centre. Knowing that the bird frequented that area, the staff had cut down the bank of high grasses the previous day but were amazed that the rail was showing so well, so soon.

There were lots of birds out on the main scrape, including Canada Geese (150+), Greylag Geese (100+) and a flock of 30 Pink-footed Geese flew across from east to west.  Also on view were Tufted Duck (45), Coot (60), Blackwits (50+) Teal (450), Shoveler (25), Wigeon (20) a few Moorhen and a male Hen Harrier.

Outside, feeding on a patch of laid seed at the end of the board-walk, were a number of Chaffinch, a Robin and 2 Brambling.

I had a quick look at Parkgate Donkey Stand on the way home and found Mallard (26), Teal (20), Great Crested Grebe (3), Little Grebe (2), Redshank (25), Lapwing (12), Moorhen (2), a Curlew, a Little Egret and a Kestrel.

Water Rail near BMW visitor centre 

Brambling feeding on nyjer seed

Female Kestrel at Parkgate

Burton Mere - 27 April 2012

Today was all about the hirundines... The place was alive with Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins gorging on insects over the water. Their fast, manic, yet orchestrated flight patterns was so hypnotic that everything else around me seemed to pale into insignificance for a good hour or so.

I eventually snapped out from my trance to catch a couple of Avocet dropping in. Then spotted a couple of Greenshank out on a small island, a Little Grebe feeding in the margins, and a Yellow Wagtail flew in to round off a very pleasant morning.

A well fed Swallow takes a time-out at Burton Mere

Burton Mere - 12 March 2012

A miserable morning weather-wise, so sought sanctuary in the Marsh Covert hide at Burton.

Lots of Wigeon, Teal and Black Headed Gulls about early on and I spotted a few Pintail in the distance towards the farmland. Waders included Black Tailed Godwit, Dunlin and a couple of Avocet flew in mid morning.

Highlights for me were Spotted Redshank and Little Egret. And, a Hen Harrier came through low over the water (almost in slo-mo) on two occasions, scattering the BHG's and waders.

On the way back to the car-park, I  saw a few Dunnock mooching around on ground near to feeders.

Burton Mere - 5 March 2012

My first visit to this RSPB managed wetlands but not my first visit to the site, as I fished here for many years before the land was sold on and I had no idea that RSPB now managed the now flooded area. They have certainly put a great deal of work in and the place is unrecognisable from my last fishing visit.

Notable sightings included a Little Egret amongst a dozen Grey Heron, Wigeon, a good flock of Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and 3 Snipe. The feeders outside of the visitor centre had all of the usual suspects and I spent some time watching my favourite Long Tailed Tits.

The visitor centre at Burton Mere Wetlands

There are 3 snipe in the photo, honest!

Flighty Black-tailed Godwit