Sightings - Martin Mere
Blackcap and Yellowhammer singing
At last the sun came out today! Plenty of activity logged too with two new species for the year list. A Blackcap was singing near the Kingfisher Hide this morning. The status of Blackcap is confused w [...]
16 March 2012
Chiffchaff returns
The first Chiffchaff returned today, singing in the Waterfowl Gardens, one day later than last year. This species is the first of the traditional spring migrants to arrive, although the murky, cool we [...]
15 March 2012
Bullfinch
A pair of Bullfinch were found inside the Waterfowl Gardens near the North America area. They are not new for 2012 but generally we only get individual birds on the reserve, and then they tend only to [...]
14 March 2012
Ruff
An unusual influx of Ruff this late in 'winter' with 134 birds, making it the biggest count in 2012. Good wader numbers including, 88 Avocet, 62 Black-tailed Godwit, 84 Oystercatcher, 400 Lapw [...]
13 March 2012
Stint Sp.
A stint sp. (species) was seen distantly with 7 Dunlin from the United Utilities Hide early afternoon. Probability says it's a Little Stint. Again 50+ Avocet, 40+ Black-tailed Godwit and a count o [...]
11 March 2012
Today's Sightings
Another spring like day, a mild wind and warm in the sun. A few counts included 65 Avocet, 115 Oystercatcher, 72 Ruff, 33 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Redhank, 5 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin. Over 1000 Wh [...]
10 March 2012
Great Crested Grebe
A Great Crested Grebe arrived today and spent most of it's time preening, fishing and sleeping on the Mere. Great Crest's are unusual on the reserve as they prefer deeper water. They are just [...]
9 March 2012
Winter, Spring and Aurora
Many signs of spring with catkins out and Lapwing on territories, however there is still a winter feel and spectacle to the bird life around the reserve. Had a search for the Common Sandpiper that [...]
8 March 2012
Record Roost
A record roost of 9300 Black-headed Gulls on Vinson's and Sunley's Marsh yesterday evening. We usually get a 'pre-breeding' build up of Black-headed Gulls in March before they move on [...]
7 March 2012
Twelve species of wader.
A very early record of Common Sandpiper from the Ron Barker Hide this morning. It is possibly the earliest record for Lancashire. Plenty of other waders with 45 Golden Plover, 60+ Avocet, 6 Dunlin, 4 [...]
6 March 2012
Some sightings
A crisp day, sunshine and a chilly breeze. Plenty of waterfowl activity still with thousands of ducks, geese and swans present. Waders included 70+ Avocet, 80+ Oystercatcher, 30+ Black-tailed Godw [...]
5 March 2012
Peregrines
An adult male Peregrine and an immature bird were both welcome sightings with few reports of late. Other raptors included at least one Marsh Harrier, 3 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard. Good numbers o [...]
3 March 2012
101 Avocet
Another glorious day, calm, sunny and warm. Perhaps not surprising to find another large influx of Avocet, bring the total up to 101, not far off a record count. other waders included 108 Oystercatche [...]
2 March 2012
Bird News
The Cetti's Warbler was heard again today, this time from the reserve end of the reedbed walk, but, as is often the case with this very elusive species, not seen. A Marsh Harrier was seen circling [...]
1 March 2012
Claims for Spring?
Very pleasant conditions today, even more spring like, although the traditional start to spring (21st March) is sometime away and the reserve is still packed with winter visitors. Five Redshank at [...]
29 February 2012