Sightings - Martin Mere
Festival of Lapwings
If you've not been recently then you have been missing out on seeing huge numbers of Lapwing feeding around the reserve. At least 3000 birds are present making it particularly spectacular when they take to the air. Most of these birds will be moving on as
5 February 2014
Bird News
A few internet hiccups over the weekend, however we are back for now! No major rarities to report. A Eurasian Wigeon showing characteristics of American Wigeon was seen over the weekend and is probably the same bird that has been seen a few times in the l
3 February 2014
Bird News
Another calm day with a few new birds turning up. At least 60 Black-tailed Godwit were new in from the coast. Always a pleasure to see this species flying around in a tight knit flock. Again 2000+ Lapwing, also 10 Oystercatcher, 60+ Ruff, 3 Dunlin, 4 Comm
30 January 2014
Some Counts
Another good day with sensible weather. Some counts produced 960 Whooper Swan, 835 Pink-footed Geese, 12 Mute Swan, 1185 Wigeon, 1855 Teal, 47 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 300+ Pintail, 25 Cormorant. Raptors included Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 4+ Common Buzzard, Marsh
29 January 2014
Waders
A far more sensible day with the winds dropping back, making the sun seem warm. Impressive numbers of Lapwing present with over 3000 birds. A Woodcock was reported flying over the car park. A few Common Snipe showed well from the Gladstone Hide. At least
28 January 2014
Raptors
A good day for raptors probably resulting from the weekends wet and windy weather which would have made hunting difficult for these birds. Merlin seen on and off, 3 Peregrines early on, with one catching a Coot. At least 5 Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier,
27 January 2014
Lapwings and other birds
A calm start before some wilder weather blew in. Biggest count of the winter with 3100 Lapwing, a fantastic sight as they take to the air to avoid raptors. More Oystercatcher arriving with 9 birds around the Mere. Also 80+ Ruff and a single Dunlin. At lea
25 January 2014
Bewick's Swan again
The Bewick's Swan was again on the Mere showing well from Swan Link Hide with 1000 Whooper Swan and a few Mute Swan. The 2 Marsh Harriers were again hunting over the reedbeds and fields along with 4 Common Buzzard and a Sparrowhawk was seen perched on fen
24 January 2014
Harriers
The male Hen Harrier was seen briefly in the afternoon battling into the wind before being lost to view, also at least 2 Marsh Harriers were on show most of the day. The usual 4+ Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk were seen. A few more waders turning up in th
23 January 2014
Bewick's & Little Egret
The single Bewick's Swan was again on the Mere most of the day with upto 1000 Whooper Swan. A Little Egret was seen in the morning and the pair of Raven were out on the fenceposts. No sightings of the Peregrines today but at least 1 Marsh Harrier and 4 Co
22 January 2014
Bird News
Bewick's swan again, reliable at the moment on the Mere from the Swan Link Hide particularly around the 3pm swan feed. Over 1000 Whooper Swan roosting on the reserve, also 4000+ Pink-footed Geese. A flock of over 300 Herring Gull which dropped onto Wooden
21 January 2014
Bird News
Another very pleasant day with light winds and mostly sunny. Two Peregrine active for most of the day scaring the 1500+ Lapwing and 80+ Ruff into chaotic swirling flocks. Marsh Harrier from the Ron Barker Hide eating a dead goose. At least 4 Common Buzzar
20 January 2014
Raptor Day
A great raptor day although some luck involved if you managed to see all of the birds available. Male Hen Harrier over the Reed Bed early on, Merlin from the Ron Barker Hide for most of the morning and late on on Plover Field. Peregrine and Marsh Harrier
19 January 2014
Bird News
Slightly chillier today, free from the forecasted showers too. The reserve is packed with birds at present. At least 1600 Lapwing regularly taking to the air as Peregrine, 3+ Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Marsh Harrier roam around. As usual 80+ Ruff wit
18 January 2014
Bewick's Swan again
The single Bewick's Swan spent most of the day on the Mere with upto 1200 Whooper Swan, a nice challenge to pick out. No sign of any Peregrines today but upto 4 Common Buzzard. A Grey Wagtail was seen and off site a Little Egret was along Curlew Lane in t
17 January 2014