Latest Sightings
The past few days have been exciting for wildlife at WWT Martin Mere…
The long-staying Glossy Ibis is still present, and is ranging across the Reserve a bit more than usual – the United Utilities hide is the most reliable place to view this bird from. This hide is also a good spot to view our fresh-in Pink-footed Geese – these migrants have been long-awaited and are now numbering in their hundreds, often feeding on Plover Field. A Merlin was seen from this hide on Thursday, along with an Egyptian Goose – a locally scarce bird. The United Utilities hide also remains a reliable viewing point for Buzzard, Marsh Harrier and Kestrel.
On Woodend Marsh, Snipe have been feeding on the mud, and 40+ Linnet have been seen, as well as up to 4 Marsh Harriers. Grey Herons continue to feed on here, and it has been busy with Swallows feeding overhead, in preparation for their journey south.
Harrier Hide has been another reliable site for the Egyptian Goose, which seems to be following the flock of Greylag Geese, of which several hundred are still on site. Along with these – and the smaller flock of Canada Geese – over 15 Ruff and at least 3 vocal Cetti’s Warblers have been recorded here.
The Ron Barker hide has produced some good birds over the past few days, including a Whinchat, Stonechat several Marsh Harrier, Grey Herons, four of our resident year-round Whooper Swans (these birds usually arrive in mid-October) and up to 30 Cattle Egret. A Stoat has also been sighted here.
Image of Pink-footed Geese
