LOS Fieldtrip Report to RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands - 13th April 2025
Changing of the Guard!It’s that time of year; winter migrants are leaving as the summer migrants arrive. This was evident in the species seen on the 8th and penultimate field trip of the current season. On arriving at the car park, we were greeted by notices that the visitor centre and café would both be closed for the day due to staffing issues. Not a good showing from the RSPB especially with the amount of money that has been evidently spent on the reserve recently. Nine hardy souls braved the cold wind as the fortnight of glorious early April weather came to a chilly end.
The magnificence of this reserve was seen in the fact that 40 species were seen or heard in the car park and reception area, this before we had even ventured into the reserve. A plump very friendly Robin and a vocal Nuthatch greeted us in the car park as we prepared for the day. An Egyptian Goose, several Lapwing, a swoop of Swallows and a flock of 30 or so Fieldfare were feeding in the fields at the entrance to the reserve, the latter in preparation for the journey north they would be very soon undertaking.
To the left of reception, a couple more summer migrants were heard but frustratingly not seen in the form of a Chiffchaff and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler. Looking on Reception Pool from the sides of the Visitors Centre, along with the usual waterfowl, we saw a few Black-tailed Godwits, a couple of Redshank plus solitary Greenshank and Snipe. On the islands to the left of the centre many Avocets were present, squabbling with all around them as they pair off in preparation for breeding. As we were preparing to head into the reserve, the Cetti’s Warbler that had been skulking about in the reedbed below us decided to make its way up to where we were stood and gave great views before disappearing under the boardwalk and broadcasting its presence on the other side.
A walk through the millponds on the way to the screen gave better views of the Egyptian Goose, on arriving at the screen we heard another summer visitor in the form of a very vocal Reed Warbler, spring arrivals were truly in full flow. A couple of busy male Reed Buntings kept us entertained as we scanned the reeds in the hope of a view of a Reed Warbler but it was not to be. We soon arrived at Marsh Covert hide and had several excellent views of a male Marsh Harrier bringing in nesting material. A constant stream of Sand Martins began skimming low over the water that was graced with a single elegant male Pintail constantly upended as it fed.
Continuing the investment in the reserve another new path had been made from the screen at the start of the boardwalk, a bund created parallel with the water before a ninety degree turn to dissect the bog. We did however head down the original boardwalk as we were being entertained by another Cetti’s Warbler. On reaching the set-a-side field we were treated to views of more spring arrivals in the form of a Common Whitethroat and Willow Warbler along with another vocal Cetti’s Warbler that gave excellent views. A stream of Meadow Pipit passed over the field with a few landing adjacent to the group giving a chance of a photo. A pair of Stonechat also graced the field and a Raven went over, however it was time to head to Border hide for lunch whilst scouring the pools.
On reaching the new hide, it gave excellent views across the reserve and is a fitting replacement for the Inner Marsh Farm hide. On taking a seat, we were treated to excellent views of hundreds of Black-tailed Godwits, many in summer plumage, 8 x Bar-tailed Godwit and the same number of Spotted Redshank, with most of them almost in full summer plumage. In addition, a single Red Knot was spotted along with 3 x Ruff and a single Dunlin. On closer inspection it became apparent a hundred or so Red Knot were intermingled within the Black-tailed Godwit flock. A Carrion Crow was observed taking a Coot chick that had become separated from its parents, ever the opportunists.
Many birds suddenly lifted and huddled in the water, there was an obvious nervousness within the flock, next the protagonist showed itself in the form of a magnificent male Sparrowhawk that was walking through the reeds on the opposite bank. A pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls was the next addition to the days tally as they dropped in briefly before 3 x Wigeon gave a flyby and were added to the list. On heading back to the visitor’s centre, on arrival we were informed of a Litte Ringed Plover on the pool in front. Our final port of call was the east side of the visitor centre where another pair of Stonechat gave excellent views from Bunker hide. We continued onto the new viewpoint were Greenfinch, Great Egret, Great Spotted Woodpecker and finally Stock Dove were added to the days total.
A magnificent tally of 78 species, 76 seen and 2 heard only. I hope to see you on the next field trip which will be our final one of the season.
Photographs and article by Keith WilliamsL.O.S. Fieldtrips Officer
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