Sightings - Martin Mere
Stonechats
A pair of Stonechats can be seen from Ron Barker hide at the moment, often fairly close around the pool to right of hide, also a Barn Owl was out hunting around the pump house field early afternoon. Good numbers of Cormorants around the Mere with at least
16 December 2013
Med Gull and other birds.
Another bird packed day on and just off the reserve. Over 1000 Whooper Swan present with another 13+ species of wildfowl around the reserve. Over 1000 Lapwing present, 60+ Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit. An adult winter plumage Med Gull was on the Mere with
15 December 2013
Whooper Swans
A wild and windy day with few reports, a female Stonechat was seen distantly out in the fields. The usual 3 Peregrine were about but seen mostly in flight today along with 2-3 Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. c1000 Whooper Swan including a rare yellow le
14 December 2013
Barn Owl
A misty start to the day followed by the sun breaking through with a chilly SE wind blowing. Good numbers (1000+) of Whooper Swan on the reserve throughout the day, with many feeding on the waste potatoes on Top Mere. No recent counts to mention but Wigeo
11 December 2013
Raptors
Upto 2 Marsh Harriers were on the reserve today along with the family of Peregrines (2 adults 1 juv male) showing well along with Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Buzzard. The Little Egret is still around and briefly visited the Mere late afternoon. A male Stonec
9 December 2013
Little Egret again
The Little Egret was still present, seen in flight over the Mere. Only the juvenile male Peregrine was seen today along with Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel. A few thousand Pink footed Geese dropped onto the mere at dusk to roost and there are still c120
8 December 2013
Little Egret
A Little Egret was a new bird on site today, still a good bird on site with only a few records a year. The Tawny Owl is still present along the track to UU hide but no reports of the Woodcock today. A Dunlin was with c80 Ruff on the Mere this evening alon
6 December 2013
Bird News
Another calm day, although thursday looks good for blowing in a Baikal Teal.. A few waders new in with Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit joining 50+ Ruff and 800+ Lapwing. Merlin was pick of the raptors, also 3 Peregrine, 2 Common Bu
3 December 2013
Merlin
A packed Mere this morning in almost windless conditions. A Merlin was seen from the Ron Barker Hide this morning. The family party of 3 Peregrine (adult pair and juv male) showed well as usual, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzard and Kestrel. The Tawny Owl s
2 December 2013
Bird News
Tawny Owl twitchers were not disappointed as the bird showed well today between the Janet Kear and United Utilities Hides in the first tree after the Holly (on the left) over the path. An adult winter Med Gull was on the Mere with Black-headed Gulls mid-a
1 December 2013
Tawny Owl
Great winter condition for viewing across the reserve with blue skies and light winds. Tawny Owl was showing well today along the Nature Trail between the Janet Kear and UU Hides. Marsh Harrier still present, 3 Peregrine, 2 Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Spa
30 November 2013
Wet and windy
Not the best day for observing, less people around so only a few reports. at least 2 Peregrine and a Marsh harrier were seen along with Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and several Common Buzzard. No reports of the Woodcock or Tawny Owls today but a Dunlin was with t
29 November 2013
Tawny Owl
The Tawny Owl continues to show well near the United Utilities hide, there was also a 2nd individual briefly today. The usual 3 Peregrines were around the Mere on and off all day giving great views. Good numbers of Ruff are present and at least 3 Black ta
28 November 2013
A Dawn Count
A dawn count produced 1290 Whooper Swan and 3270 Pink-footed Geese. The usual raptors with 3 Peregrine, 7 Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. Tawny Owl again roosting in trees between the Janet Kear and UU Hides. Woodcock was the pick of the waders and showed
27 November 2013
Bird News
A compilation of recent sightings after a busy bird fair weekend. A Red Kite that drifted over the reserve on friday was new for the year, bringing our year list onto 158 species. The usual raptor present included 3 Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, 3+ Common Buz
26 November 2013