Latest Sightings
The Christmas period has been packed with exciting wildlife at Martin Mere.
First of all, some new visitors – a pair of Russian White-fronted Geese have been present on Plover Field, best visible from the United Utilities hide – these are part of a national influx of the species, likely driven to Britain by snow on the continent. Another cause of local excitement was three Bewick’s Swans on Sunday, seen from the Discovery Hide – these are likely to still be in the area, so it’s worth paying attention to the flocks of Whooper Swans on the Mere for these birds.
Also on the Mere is the long-staying Ring-necked Duck from North America, which continues to show well, along with 60+ Pochard, up to 17 Ruff and 110 Black-tailed Godwit. A Peregrine is often seen hunting across the back of the Mere, and both Buzzard and Marsh Harrier can be seen on the distant posts.
Down on Woodend Marsh, the Glossy Ibis has been showing very well in front of the Gordon Taylor hide, and Kestrel and Sparrowhawk can be seen perched on the fenceposts surrounding the wetland. On the marsh itself, Teal and Shoveler can be seen in good numbers. The Short-eared Owl continues to hunt just off Woodend, behind Tomlinson Hide – best viewed from here or the United Utilities hide – nine Grey Partridge were also seen here.
The Janet Kear hide remains reliable for the typical ‘garden birds’ such as Blue Tit, Coal Tit and Great-spotted Woodpecker, and a Reed Bunting with partial leucism – a genetic condition causing it to be white – has been of interest in the past few days.
Photograph of a Sparrowhawk.
