Sightings - Martin Mere
Firecrest
Bird of the day must go to the Firecrest found near the Ron Barker hide mid afternoon, enabling a few people to add this little stunner to their lists, with any luck it may winter on site. Other sightings of interest included a drake Goosander from Ron Ba
28 October 2012
European White-fronted Goose
Fantastic day to be out birding, great views of 6 of raptors with Merlin, 3 Peregrine, 2 Marsh Harrier, 4 Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. The Merlin was seen acting 'Hobby like' catching Dragonfly. Adult European White-fronted Goose with Pink-foo
21 October 2012
Tundra Bean Goose again
Tundra Bean Goose again this morning on the Mere with Pink's. Orange-legged Pink-footed Goose also present on the Mere mid morning. At least 5000 Pink's on the reserve mid afternoon. Around 50 Whoopers on the Mere (16:30), more roosting. Goldeneye again o
20 October 2012
Don't miss the geese.
It's looking great for the next week weather wise and ideal to catch big numbers of Pink-footed Geese currently spending time on the reserve. Today at least 6000 birds have been 'loafing' around and in among those we have had a Tundra Bean Goose, European
19 October 2012
First of the rarer gesse
Three Tundra Bean Geese (adult + 2 juveniles) were found in among Pink's mid morning. The flock was mobile so they were not relocated by mid afternoon, however a European White-fronted Goose was. At least 5000 Pink-footed Geese on the reserve by early aft
18 October 2012
9000 Pink-footed Geese
A good count from this morning of 9000 Pink-feet on the reserve, also 370 Whooper Swan. Calmer conditions meant the Mere was packed with Teal, Pintail and Wigeon early on. Merlin late afternoon, 2 Marsh Harrier (imm male and juv), 2 Peregrine (ad+juv), 3
17 October 2012
Some counts
A bit of a compilation of sightings from the last few days. Very windy this morning but much calmer now as I type this. Some wetland bird counts included ~ 300 Whooper Swan, Mute Swan, 550 Greylag, 100 Canada Geese, 5000+ Pink-footed Geese, 1000+ Mallard,
16 October 2012
Close up
Another stunning autumn day. A top day for close up views of Pink-footed Geese with a few thousand constantly around the Mere and a morning count of 6150. More Whooper Swans arriving with a count of 306. Most of these birds spending time away from the Mer
14 October 2012
Redwing
First Redwing of the autumn feeding on elderberries next to the in focus shop. Normally hear them first calling on night migrations, although Song Thrush sound similar to the uninitiated. There has been a reasonable influx of Redwing, Song Thrush and Blac
13 October 2012
More Pink's
Another cracking autumn day here at Martin Mere. The Pink-footed Geese were undoubtedly the highlight with at least 15000 birds coming in mid afternoon, an awesome sight. Probable vagrant Canada Goose came in 15:30 with pink's, then flushed again 15:55. F
7 October 2012
Pink-feet building in number
Great today for anyone wanting good views of Pink-footed Geese. At least 10,000 birds in the locality and a few thousand on the Mere til mid morning. Eight Dunlin dropped in briefly at Woodend Marsh. Kingfisher on the Canoe Safari. A first winter Med Gull
6 October 2012
Bird News
Around 8,500 Pink-footed Geese roosting on the reserve this morning. Thousands of Teal scattered around the reserve slowly emerging from eclipsed plumage. Video below of Pink's from the other day. [yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jFRlZpvjr4&am
5 October 2012
Skylarks
Big movement of passerines this morning. Difficult to assess numbers passing south but a conservative estimate of 500+ Skylark is probably understated. Other species were involved including Meadow Pipits, Wagtails, Jays and at least one Great Spotted Wood
4 October 2012
Getting the wind up
Windy today, a bit too windy really, making observations difficult and keeping many of the birds well tucked in. One Lapwing that should have kept it's head down was caught by a Peregrine (ad+ juv today again) over the Mere mid afternoon. Star bird of the
3 October 2012
Bittern again
Looks like there is a Bittern hanging around on the reserve at the moment. The bird was first seen, assuming it's the same one, on the 20th Sept and again today feeding in a ditch between Woodend Marsh and Long Meadow. The first family party of Whooper Sw
2 October 2012