Common Tern and other arrivals
Slightly overcast early on with the sun coming through late morning. We still have the easterly airflow which will continue to drift migrant birds into the region. The rain in the forecast could prove interesting in the next couple of days, grounding birds that would have passed over. Watch this space!
A Common Tern was new for the year yesterday, and now 2 present today, bringing the reserve year list onto 125 species.
As previously noted a big influx of warblers over the past 4 days with many more Reed and Sedge Warbler on the Reed Bed Walk. Grasshopper Warbler are scattered around the reserve with 6 birds reeling. More Whitethroat in joining many Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap.
A small number of Ringed Plover (4) are new in. In the next few weeks we can sometimes get some mixed flocks of the tundra race Ringed Plover travelling with Dunlin. At least 80 (40 breeding pair) Avocet present, 4 Little Ringed Plover with birds display flying on the Mere. (pic by Andy Bunting)
Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Redshank are all present and breeding. At least 10 Ruff present a few in breeding plumage. Small numbers of Black-tailed Godwit present.
Great to hear Cuckoo back on the reserve. The Reed Bed is a good area to see this summer visitor.
Pair of Med Gull on the Mere early afternoon.
Raptors included Peregrine, 3+ Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.
Beyond Long Hedge 10 Corn Bunting and at least one Wheatear in Langley's Fields either side of the public footpath up to the Railway Crossing.
Five Whooper Swan still feeding off Marsh Moss Lane.
Boxing Hares in Long Meadow this morning.
April into May is a great time to visit Martin Mere. The daily species count of birds can easily top 80 species and it should be possible to record 60+ in a day's birding.
The map below is update as and when sightings occur and can be found in the foyer of the in focus shop, next to the Discovery Hide. The in focus team will have a good idea were the best spots are around the reserve and if you have seen anything they are the people to report the news to.
