Winter Wildfowl Watch

The Winter Wildfowl Watch held in the bird hide on Melchett Mere on 15^th Jan was a great success.

Melchett Mere in the summer

The weather was stunning, a beautiful winter's day with  bright sunshine over the mere illuminating various species of Wildfowl. Their stunning plumage was viewed with the aid of telescopes set up in the Allen Hide.

Members of the Knutsford Ornithological Society and myself helped members of the public to use them and help identify the birds. Goldeneye, Teal, Wigeon Mallard and Pochard were seen along with Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe. Woodland species could be seen on the bird feeding station including Coal Tit, Nuthatch and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

Between 30-40 visitors called into the hide during the session and were very well received. The visitors also included many children which was especially pleasing as their reaction to seeing new birds through a telescope in such bright conditions was great. A Buzzard perched in a tree was the children’s favourite!

Darren Morris, Tatton Park Ranger