Sightings - Martin Mere
Avocets return
A good selection of waders today included the first returning Avocets of the year, a flock of 5 birds spent the day on the Mere along with a Dunlin, a Curlew, 6 Ringed Plover and 54 Oystercatcher. There was also the usual 70 Ruff and at least 15 Black-tai
16 February 2013
More waders
At least 18 new Oystercatchers new in today bringing the total to 20 with at least 4 Ringed Plover back and a fly through Dunlin. Cormorant numbers are slowly building up with 17 birds around the Mere. A good day for raptors with a Merlin being reported a
14 February 2013
Woodcock
In the snowy conditions today our wintering Woodcock was again on view from the Janet Kear hide this afternoon, some satellite tracking of Woodcock have shown some birds travel upto 6100 kilometres from as far away as central Russia to winter at sites suc
13 February 2013
Sparrowhawk
A single Brambling was again by the Janet Kear feeding station along with Chaffinch and Greenfinch. A Sparrowhawk caused a bit of excitement when it alighted on one of the islands on the Mere, it stayed for over 20 mins and caused all the Mallard to get
12 February 2013
Barn Owls
Another good day for Barn Owl watchers with birds showing til 10:30 and from 2pm onwards. The Ron Barker Hide is probably the best spot but birds are also seen from the Harrier Hide, Reed Bed Walk and more distantly from the United Utilities Hide. A Merli
10 February 2013
Green-winged Teal
A calm if slightly murky day. The drake Green-winged Teal on show towards the back right hand side of Vinson's Marsh from the Ron Barker Hide. It occasional sits a on log near there out in the water. Peregrines showing well throughout the day with 3 birds
9 February 2013
Singing in spring
One of those days were Great Tit and Chaffinch, among other species, start warming up their vocal chords in sheltered spots warmed by the sun getting ready for the territorial combats of spring. Green-winged Teal on Vinson's this afternoon on the close ri
8 February 2013
Hunting Peregrines
Three Peregrines active this morning. The adult female caught a female Wigeon and proceeded to pluck it while still fully alive... not for the faint hearted. After she had finished her fill the adult male and young male came into eat. Waders included 800+
7 February 2013
60 species
Far more sensible weather wise today making for excellent visibility and general viewing. At any time it fairly easy to top 30 species in less than half a day on the reserve. Add a bit of knowledge and 40-50+ should be on the cards for a full day. Today 6
6 February 2013
Another Wild One
A viciously cold wind with hail showers made birding on the reserve a challenge today. A Little Egret, probably escaping from the coast, went South over the reserve early on. Two Barn Owl also early in the day. The shelter of the Janet Kear Hide provided
5 February 2013
More waders
Breezy, which didn't make for showy birds today. Many species keep there heads down in these conditions. Any hopes for a Little Gull arriving in from the coast were dashed, maybe tomorrow. Green-winged Teal was present as usual from the Ron Barker Hide. L
4 February 2013
Bird News
A damp cold overcast day. Plenty of birds of course just getting on with it. No specific counts but 1000+ Whooper Swan roosting on the reserve with good numbers present throughout the day. Green-winged Teal on Vinson's Marsh around 12pm. It's regularly se
3 February 2013
Three Bewick's Swan
Chilly today with a North Westerly airflow. There seems to be a few more Pink-footed Geese around as birds start returning from the Norfolk wintering grounds. Only a matter of time before something rarer is found with them. Three adult Bewick's Swan on
2 February 2013
Black-tailed Godwit
Great to see a sizable flock of Black-tailed Godwit coming in from the coast. Around 90 birds spent sometime flying in formation over the Mere before coming into land. Peak numbers here can hit 300+ and the majority, if not all are icelandic birds. Other
1 February 2013
99 Species to the end of January
Great start to 2013 with 99 species of wild bird so far recorded. It's only one off of the record 100 species seen in January 2012. Species number 99 was Corn Bunting seen today but also apparently on the overflow Car Park on Monday. The area around Marti
31 January 2013