Warm and a bit of rain but nowhere near enough for what’s needed. The mere is now empty, which is a great shame as the main autumn wader passage approaches..we will have no chance of seeing these exciting birds as they pass through. As well as that, the underwater eco system will be damaged and it will take some time to get back to normal. Can’t help the weather though and not a lot can be done to prevent this. Living in the driest part of the U.K, the water simply isn’t there. I think digging the mere deeper would probably help..if this is possible it would defiantly be worth a go. Anyway, what has happened this week?..good news on the centenary end Spotted Flycatcher as they have fledged young. They are very elusive but an adult with a beak load of food and contact calling was seen on the 18th. Lapwing resting on the mere built up to 68 and 27 Greylag Geese put in an appearance. Several Yellow Wagtail still using the mud to feed. Kingfisher are around the cress hut pool or from spring hide and a juvenile Water Rail and Water Vole also being seen from spring hide. The two juvenile Tawny Owl can still be heard near dusk in the poplar wood and a male Marsh Harrier briefly showed up on the 15th.
Cooper and Scott 