Sightings - Martin Mere
c.7000 Pink-footed Geese
Pink-footed Geese on the Mere A lovely autumn day, light winds and bright sunshine early on. A roosting count of Pink-footed Geese produced just under 7000 birds. A single Barnacle Goose was picked up with Pinks from
25 September 2018
First Whooper Swans
Coming on the back of the influx of Pink-footed Geese, which continued today, a group of 11 Whooper Swan that flew in at the Ron Barker Hide this morning were first for the autumn. Fairly early for Whooper Swan, generally we wouldn't expect big number
23 September 2018
Pink-footed Geese
As predicted on Tuesday the weather charts held firm and an influx of Pink-footed Geese started to arrive. No counts as such although some massed airborne skeins had over 3000 birds as they moved locally and countless small groups were dropping in from
22 September 2018
Skuas
A very windy few days with very few people out looking and therefore very few reports received, but two juvenile Arctic Skuas flying past the Ron Barker hide today were exceptionally good records. All the "usual suspects" are still around, with a very ob
21 September 2018
Little Stint
Rain moved through early on followed by a brisk wind and sunshine. A Little Stint (same bird from Sunday?) was on the Mere briefly before being flushed by geese. It was later at the back of Sunley's Marsh. Little Stint lat
18 September 2018
Pinks
A brief update. Around 3000 Pink-footed Geese have been on the reserve today, with groups coming and going. We'll give you a roost count when available. It's looking interesting after ex hurricane Helene departs the UK on Wednesday setting up an airflow f
17 September 2018
Greenland White-front
Starting the day with fairly murky conditions with rain showers and a westerly wind. A Greenland White-fronted Goose was found with Pink-footed Geese on Sunley's Marsh this morning. It's likely that this is the same bird seen yesterday at Marshside RSPB.
16 September 2018
Pink-foot Arrivals
After yesterday's small influx the numbers of Pink-footed Geese has increased again with numerous small parties dropping in on the reserve throughout the morning. At least 900 birds were present mid afternoon. The first la
15 September 2018
Trickle of Pink-feet
Rain showers moving through and fairly breezy westerly. Small numbers of newly arrived Pink-footed Geese were dropping in this morning with 150+ on the reserve, up from a count of 80 yesterday. By the end of the afternoon the flock was around 300.
14 September 2018
Marsh Harriers
As is usual for this time of year the reserve currently has up to 5 different Marsh Harriers including a sub adult male which has been giving great views at times. Also briefly yesterday was a ringtail Hen Harrier seen from Ron Barker Hide, presumably the
11 September 2018
Latest Sightings
A brief selection of Sunday's highlights. A minimum of 4 Marsh Harrier hunting around the reserve, 3 Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. More Snipe arriving with 100+ present, 400+ Lapwing, 60 Ruff, 4 Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper and 2 Dunlin. Pink-footed
9 September 2018
Short Eared Owl
A fabulous Short-eared Owl graced the reserve late afternoon and was showing well at times from Ron Barker Hide, also visible from most of the other hides at times. At least 2 Marsh Harriers and 2 Peregrine were the best of the raptors.
8 September 2018
Latest Sighting
A damp start and a cool fresh WNW wind throughout the day. A small group of 6 Dunlin were new in. At least 300 Lapwing, 30+ Snipe, 20+ Ruff, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher and Green Sandpiper. Lapwing in front of t
7 September 2018
Temminck's Return
After an absence of two days the juvenile Temminck's Stint returned to feeding on Vinson's Marsh late morning. There are a few pools on the reserve which can't be seen, so it's possible the bird had been lying low there. The day started off with some ligh
6 September 2018
Latest Sightings
A chilly but bright start to the day with some autumn mist hanging over the reserve. The ringtail Hen Harrier was seen again this morning interacting with Marsh Harrier. At least two Marsh Harrier today, Peregrine, 3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
5 September 2018