News
Dario's family rule the roost!
As the winter progresses and more swans arrive at Slimbridge, a pecking order is developing as the fight to become the most dominant bird on the lake unfolds. We are now greeted every morning by dramatic displays of honking, frantic wing flapping and neck
23 December 2014
A new species and new information to help ducks, geese and swans
The latest scientific research that will help conserve waterbirds and their wetland habitats has been published by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) in a special two-part edition of its peer-reviewed, scientific journal: Wildfowl. A new species –
23 December 2014
Today's sightings
Kingfisher Hide Bittern-showing again this morning in the reeds and bulrushes near to the hide. The bird was c 10ft beyond the post and rail fence on the right hand side (West) of the channel. It seems to favour this area to hunt fish patiently, often mot
23 December 2014
Meet Steve, another long term member of staff
How long have you worked at Martin Mere? I’ve been at Martin Mere for 17 years, the first 2 as a volunteer. What was the first job you did? On my first day, I put sticky labels on envelopes in publicity. Being indoors didn’t really suit me, though
23 December 2014
Wildlife sightings for 23rd December 2014
3 Pintail - reservoir lagoon 5 Redwing - flew over W 2 Stonechat - grazing marsh 1 Kestrel - Q.E.W December bird highlights: Brent Goose, Woodcock, Bittern, Jack Snipe, Caspian Gull, Little Owl, Stonechat, Bearded Tit. Good numbers of wintering wildfowl
23 December 2014
Today's Sightings
Wader Lake/Time - AM/Tide - Low Curlew - 10 Shelduck - 8 Teal - 20 Greylag Goose - 1 Redshank - 3 Saline Lagoon Curlew - 12 Teal - 20 Other Birds Curlew - Flyer over Hawthorn Wood - 30 Jay - Wader Lake Path - 2 Goldfinch - Wader Lake Path - 15 Hawthorn Wo
23 December 2014
Recent sightings
A few more raptors being seen of late than in recent weeks, best of the bunch was a ringtail Hen Harrier (female or immature) which was seen just to the north of the reserve today, which could well have been the satellite tracked bird that was recorded ju
22 December 2014
Today's sightings
A bittern was seen on the Deep Water Lake this morning.
22 December 2014
Today's sightings
Whooper Swan on entrance fields at 0800 Kingfisher Hide Little Grebe 1 Water Rail 2 calling Cetti's Warbler 1 calling Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Greenfinch Blue and Great Tit Bittern-showed from 1120 to midday at least Digi-scoped pic-MJMcGill Holde
22 December 2014
Wildlife sightings for 22nd December 2014
349 Canada Geese - a.m. site count 4 Redwing - flew W 2 Stonechat - marsh/reedbed edge 2 Peregrine - high over the reserve 1010hrs 76 Wigeon - mostly on the marsh 1 Caspian Gull x Herring Gull hybrid 2nd winter 70 Herring Gull 15 Common Gull 7 Mandarin 37
22 December 2014
Latest Sightings
Barnacle Geese: 6,000 around the reserve. Whooper Swans: 153 High tide: 12:10 9.5m Whooper Pond Whooper Swan 153 Mute Swan 46 Mallard 160 Tufted Duck 42 Wigeon 133 Gadwall 1 ♂ Teal 15 Greylag Geese 5 Canada Geese 112 Folly Pond Green-winged Tea
22 December 2014
Today's sightings
Holden Tower Dumbles Numbers of Golden Plover built through to early afternoon before they departed toward the Cotswolds, c800 birds on site. 2000+ Lapwing remained on site for the day along with 700 Dunlin. Little Stint 1+ Ruff 1+ Wigeon 240 Shoveler 20
21 December 2014
Latest Sightings
Barnacle Geese Around 5,000 on the reserve from Farmhouse Tower Whooper Pond Whooper Swan 120 Mute Swan 50 Mallard 160 Tufted Duck 50 Wigeon 190 Teal 5 Greylag Goose 1 Canada Goose 70 Folly Pond GREEN-WINGED TEAL ♂ Teal 200 Wigeon 300 Shoveler 20 Shel
21 December 2014
Today's Sightings
Wader Lake/Time - AM/Tide - Low Shelduck - 9 Teal - 15 Other Birds Jay - Hawthorn Wood + North Wood Long Tailed Tit - Wader Lake Path Black Headed Gull - River Wear Redshank - River Wear - Hawthorn Wood Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1 Bullfinch - 5 Great Tit
21 December 2014
Wildlife sightings for 21st December 2014
1 Bittern - flew across main reedbed towards the Headley Hide 1103hrs 8 Redwing - flew NW 2 Redpoll - sheltered lagoon Silver Birches 2 Stonechat - marsh 1 Peregrine - over main lake 6 Snipe - main lake (3), marsh (2), scrape (1) *late sightings for 20th:
21 December 2014