Latest Sightings
Despite the recent poor weather, we still have a range of interesting bird species at Martin Mere.
The Glossy Ibis is still on site, ranging across the Reserve and occasionally associating with the cattle – however Ron Barker is still the best hide to reliably see this bird. Other sightings from this hide include Marsh Harrier – four were seen here on Saturday – along with Kingfisher, Barn Owl and Stonechats. A pair of Stoats have also been spotted here lately.
On the main mere, three Pintail have been sighted – a sure sign of Autumn beginning. A small group of about 10 local resident Pink-footed Geese are occasionally seen amongst the Greylag and Canada Geese, and Cattle Egret can often be seen at the back of the Mere or with our English Longhorn cattle. On Saturday, 55 Lapwing, 50+ Teal and 14 Cormorant were counted here.
Harrier Hide remains the best hide on the site for Lapwing, with over 150 birds counted over the weekend, along with 3 feral Bar-headed Geese, 10 Ruff, 3 Tufted Duck and a Peregrine.
Other site highlights include an Osprey over the Gordon Taylor hide, a male Wheatear behind the Mere on Owl Marsh, and over 40 House Martin near Woodend Marsh.
Image of a Cormorant.
