Latest Sightings
From Monday to Wednesday this week, many exciting wild bird species have been visiting the reserve here at Martin Mere.
On the main mere on Monday, 3 Cormorants, 2 Common Terns, 2 Tufted Ducks, 1 Herring Gull and 19 Gadwall were seen, all of which were visible from the Discovery hide, along with 6 Shelduck ducklings, 6 Greylag Goose goslings and 3 Mallard ducklings were present on the mere. 408 Black-Headed Gulls were counted on the main mere as well, nurturing their young at their nests on the islands of the mere. 5 Mediterranean Gulls were also spotted on Wednesday.
1 Tawny Owl juvenile was seen from the long, straight path towards Janet Kear hide. Nearby, from the Harrier hide, 4 Great Crested Grebes were observed. A nest is visible on one bank of the pond, which two of the adults are carefully protecting.
From the United Utilities hide on both Tuesday and Wednesday, 1 Spoonbill was observed. This bird is relatively uncommon, and will hopefully continue to visit us. 9 Cattle Egrets were visible from this hide on Wednesday.
Many wading bird species have been seen on Woodend Marsh, including 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 28 Avocets and numerous Lapwings on Monday. Woodend Marsh is viewable from the United Utilities, Rees, Gordon Taylor and Tomlinson hides.
4 Whooper Swans, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Herons and 1 Marsh Harrier were showing well from the Ron Barker hide.
Photograph of an Avocet with 2 Avocet chicks.
