Latest Sightings
Both the weather and the variety of bird life this week on the reserve here at Martin Mere have been incredible.
1 White Wagtail - a European race of the familiar Pied Wagtail - was observed traversing the rocks on the far right hand bank of the mere today, likely most easily visible from Raines Observatory. This bird possesses a considerably lighter grey on its back than Pied individuals. Other birds seen on the mere this week include our Mediterranean Gull x Black-Headed Gull hybrid, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pink-Footed Geese, 1 Kestrel male, 1 Buzzard, 3 Lesser Black-Backed Gulls, 1 Common Tern, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1+ Swift, 5 Avocets, 3 Oystercatchers, and 2 Stock Doves.
From Harrier hide today, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Pochard male, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Grebe, and 1 Reed Warbler were spotted.
Behind Raines Observatory at the bird feeders, 2+ House Sparrows were seen. Further up the nature trail at Ron Barker hide, 1 Marsh Harrier male was seen. Males possess a striking silver flash on each wing with black wing tips and bright yellow eyes, whereas females are a dark brown colour with a variable cream coloured head and black eyes.
Photograph of a Grey Wagtail.
