Sightings - Martin Mere
Adopt a Moorhen
Quiet in terms of new birds but some interesting behaviour, among the Black headed Gull colony on the Mere, one Gull has seemingly taken over a Moorhen nest and the Moorhen chick that was in it. It seems perfectly happy with looking after the chick but ag
29 May 2013
Curlew Sandpiper
The change in weather had the desired effect today, the rain forcing a few migrant waders down onto the reserve, the best being a breeding plumaged Curlew Sandpiper which was found early afternoon from Ron Barker hide with 2 Dunlin, a further group of 4 D
27 May 2013
Yellow Wagtail & Ruff
Two Yellow Wagtail continue to be seen from UU Hide out on Woodend Marsh, also 2 Ruff and a Black tailed Godwit were seen today. A Common Tern was briefly on view from Ron Barker along with a Mediterranean Gull (2nd sum/3rd cal yr), a different bird to ye
25 May 2013
Mediterranean Gull
A 1st summer Mediterranean Gull was around the Mere on and off during the day with small numbers of Black headed Gull. Both Rook and a single Raven were seen today. At least 2 Ruff were reported today along with 2 Yellow Wagtail out on Woodend Marsh. From
24 May 2013
Yellow Wagtails
A brief update today. Two Yellow Wagtail, male Greenland Wheatear, 7 Dunlin, 2 Little Ringed Plover and an adult female Marsh Harrier. There is of course a big selection of birds which can be seen daily around the reserve with 50+ easily achievable in hal
15 May 2013
Cuckoo
First Cuckoo of the year showing well on fence posts next to the United Utilities for most of the afternoon. Great to see this increasingly rare summer migrant. This species puts our year list on 145. picture by Brian Treadwell Waders included 2 Ruff, 2
14 May 2013
Mega!
A proper blow today, strong Westerlies with the occasional squally showers. An adult Gannet flew South West over the reserve c.10:40. A mega for your 'Martin Mere List' as this is only the third record for the reserve in over 30 years. Two more new additi
13 May 2013
Curlew Sandpiper
Curlew Sandpiper still present on Woodend Marsh viewable from the United Utilities Hide. Also from there 7 Dunlin, 4 presumed Greenland Wheatear and Little Ringed Plover. Six Whimbrel flew in onto the Mere mid afternoon. Other waders included breeding plu
12 May 2013
Little Egrets
Two Little Egrets on the reserve today. Birds have been present pretty much non-stop since March. At least 3 Grey Heron also present today. Rather windy again so some difficult viewing condition later in the day. Curlew Sandpiper again reported from the U
11 May 2013
Cetti's Warbler
A fair amount of passage birds today even though the rain didn't happen. Bird of the day goes to Cetti's Warbler heard only along a reedy ditch opposite the Common Crane Pen inside the grounds. This would be the second ever record for the reserve followin
8 May 2013
Looking good...
It's looking good for tomorrow with a strengthening south easterly and rain in the forecast. A classic bird to turn up in this weather would be Black Tern, however any birds migrating North may find themselves dropping in during rain. I was going to say w
7 May 2013
Wood Sandpiper
A Wood Sandpiper, new for the year, was found mid morning and still present late afternoon on Woodend Marsh viewable from the Untied Utilities Hide. Also there two Curlew Sandpiper, 14 Dunlin, 7 Ringed Plover and Greenshank early on. More waders around th
6 May 2013
Blue-headed Wagtail
Blue-headed Wagtail from the United Utilities Hide on Woodend Marsh, a single Yellow Wagtail, 5 Wheatear, 7 White Wagtails and 10 Dunlin. Three Little Ringed Plover from the Harrier Hide. Raven mid afternoon. At least 57 Avocet on the reserve. Raptors inc
5 May 2013
Waders dropping in.
Some waders on the move today with 10 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover joining yesterday's 2 Curlew Sandpiper, viewable from the United Utilities Hide. Garden Warbler inside Waterfowl Gardens between Gladstone and Janet Kear Hides. Marsh Harrier, 2nd calender male
4 May 2013
Early Bird Walk
A 5.30am start till the big breakfast at 9am. Thankfully no rain and the sun peaked out briefly. We recorded 50 species of bird including singing Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Reed and Sedge Warbler with the star bird being a reeling
4 May 2013