Sightings - Martin Mere
Bittern
Bird of the day goes to a Bittern flushed near the Reed Bed Walk which flew onto Woodend Marsh. Is this the same bird which was present in January or is it a bird which has wintered somewhere else and has just dropped in on it's journey home (to europe)?
30 March 2014
LRP and Wheatear
At last some genuine summer migrants! A cracking male Wheatear was out on fence post from the UU hide this morning and a Little Ringed Plover dropped in on the Mere around midday, only to be hassled by resident Ringed Plover. A real cross over of species
29 March 2014
Siberian Chiffchaff still present.
Siberian Chiffchaff still present opposite the sewage works this afternoon. At least 5 Common Chiffchaff around the reserve. Two breeding plumage Med Gulls on the Mere this morning. At least 8 species of wader present including some stunning breeding plum
26 March 2014
Bird News
A couple of days to report as the phone lines were down (again) here yesterday. At least 3 different Med Gulls present intermittently on the Mere. A small movement of Common Gull also occurring. Waders have included 56 Avocet, 33 Black-tailed Godwit, 20+
25 March 2014
Med Gull, Sibe Chiff and other birds.
A second summer Mediterranean Gull was on the Mere early afternoon with Black-headed Gulls. Siberian Chiffchaff still present opposite the Sewage Works along the the hedgerow access from the Reedbed Walk. Common Chiffchaff also there. Waders included 50+
23 March 2014
Wet and Windy
Remember those warm days of spring? Don't cast off those fleeces yet as it looks like we are in for cooler condition for the next 5 days or so. As a result it's less likely we will see an influx of summer migrants, although locally, Little Ringed Plover,
22 March 2014
Dropping The Levels
As main mass of winter birds have departed, the water levels on the Mere are now being lowered. This normally takes around 4 days. The shallower water and exposed mud is excellent habitat for breeding and passage waders. Adult male Hen Harrier this aftern
19 March 2014
Grey Partridge
A Grey Partridge flushed out on the reserve fields as the cattle were being moved was the first of the year. This brings our year list onto a sleepy 97 species, compared to 2013's 107 by this date in the calendar. The Siberian Chiffchaff was still present
18 March 2014
Siberian Chiffchaff still singing
At least one Siberian Chiffchaff present again this morning opposite the Sewage Works from The Reed Bed Walk. The bird can be easy to pick up especially if it is singing. The adult male Hen Harrier hunting in fields early this morning from the Ron Baker H
17 March 2014
Hen Harrier
The cool and brisk westerly wind in the last couple of days has definitely reminded us that spring has only just got underway. The wildfowl numbers have dropped back considerably with perhaps under 200 Whooper Swan present this morning. Wigeon, Teal and P
16 March 2014
Bird News
At least 86 Avocets were on site today along with good numbers of Oystercatcher, 80+ Ruff inc a stunning male, 2 Dunlin, 4+ Redshank and at least 4 Snipe. A Little Egret was present and the 1st winter Ross's Goose of unknown origin is still around. Severa
15 March 2014
Bird News
Siberian Chiffchaff seen and heard early afternoon, also Common Chiffchaff there and along the Nature Trail. The Ross's Goose was looking wild today on the island at the back of the Mere. Will it disappear in the next few weeks? Similar wader counts to ye
11 March 2014
Hen Harrier again
A great day to be out and about and the forecast looks good for the week ahead. Locally one or two Sand Martin have been seen as well as Wheatear and Swallow. In fact a Chiffchaff along the Nature Trail is probably a new in migrant. Alternatively the Whoo
10 March 2014
Bird News
A brief sunday update. Two Siberian Chiffchaff still present with at least 2 Common Chiffchaff opposite the Sewage Works from the Reedbed Walk. Waders reported included 70+ Avocet, 4 Redshank, 3+ Ringed Plover, 7 Common Snipe, 200 Lapwing, 60+ Ruff, 60+ O
9 March 2014
Latest Sightings
Plenty of action again today, mild in the afternoon as the wind dropped. A good day for raptors for some with male Hen Harrier briefly mid afternoon, male and female Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 6+ Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. At least one Siberian Chiffc
8 March 2014