Latest Sightings
In the past few days here at Martin Mere, the good weather has continued to shine down over the reserve. A diverse range of species continues to visit the site as the summer continues.
On Monday, 2 Greenshank were spotted near the back of the main mere. Other birds seen on the main mere recently include 20+ Black-Tailed Godwits, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Kestrel.
With our group of English longhorn cattle, 16 Cattle Egrets were observed on Tuesday. They provide the cattle relief by feeding on the insects that plague them during the day.
1 Tawny Owl juvenile was seen on Wednesday on the right side of the path toward the Ron Barker hide. 1 Kingfisher was also spotted on Wednesday from the Mereview hide.
9 Common Terns, including 4 juveniles, have been seen on site throughout the week. Two individuals can often be found fishing in the small stream in front of Ron Barker hide. From Ron Barker, 1 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock and 8+ Swallows were observed taking advantage of the warm weather, as it has caused the insect population they rely on to come out in abundance. 1 Marsh Harrier has also been seen hunting in the area, with another seen today from Gordon Taylor hide.
From the Janet Kear hide today, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Coot and 10+ Blue Tits (including 6 juveniles) were seen. Further up the nature trail path from the Harrier hide, 3 Little Grebes, 4 Pochard, 13 Tufted Ducks (including 4 ducklings), 4 Great Crested Grebes, 14 Gadwall, 2 Mute Swans and 1 Little Egret were counted.
Outside of the United Utilities hide, 8+ Long-Tailed Tits were seen flittering around the trees in a group.
On the path leading to Gordon Taylor hide, 1 Barn Owl was spotted this morning. 2 Stock Doves, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Reed Bunting, 4 Ruff, 100+ Lapwing, 2 Oystercatchers, 4 Avocets (including 2 juveniles), 1 Reed Warbler and 1 Buzzard were seen from the Gordon Taylor hide itself.
Behind the Tomlinson hide, 2 Stonechats were spotted, with one being a juvenile.
Photograph of a Greenshank.
