Sightings - Martin Mere
Willow Warbler
Late news for yesterday a Willow Warbler was apparently present near the Kingfisher Hide late afternoon. First record of the year. Spring action was otherwise reflected in singing Chiffchaff and Blackcap today, as well as displaying Lapwing, Redshank, Rin
5 April 2014
Swallow and Sedge Warbler
Two new summering species arrived today with 10 Swallow seen and a singing Sedge Warbler on Woodend Marsh. Twenty four Sand Martin logged today. The Sedge Warbler maybe Lancashire's first this year. Again a broad selection of species to be found around th
2 April 2014
Yellowhammer
New addition to the year list with singing Yellowhammer along the edge of the reserve on the recently purchased (last year) land by the railway line. Another was also singing just off the reserve near the derelict farm opposite the entrance. Corn Bunting
1 April 2014
Bird News
A broad selection of residents, winter visitors and a few summering birds around the reserve at present with over 60 species present today. Still small flocks of Fieldfare in the locality and small numbers of Whooper Swan on the reserve and local fields.
31 March 2014
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