This week on the reserve here at Martin Mere has been bountiful with bird life. 1 Wood Sandpiper, which has been visiting the reserve recently, is still on the mere, best viewed from the two screens along the path to Gladstone hide. It has been frequently accompanied by 2 Common Sandpipers and 1 Green Sandpiper today.
A large group of around 190 Goldfinch has been seen flying across the reserve in search of thistle seeds to eat. Smaller groups of Linnet have also been found performing the same behaviour.
1 Red Kite, a species uncommon at Martin Mere, was also spotted soaring above the pond on Tuesday. Other notable birds seen on the mere recently include around 40 Swifts, 3 Great White Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 2 Grey Wagtails, 6 Shovelers, 8 Gadwall, 17 Ruff, 6 Black-Tailed Godwits, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Snipe, 145 Lapwing, 30+ Sand Martins, 1 Stock Dove, 8 Common Terns, and a whopping 26 Cattle Egrets.
At Harrier hide, the family of 5 Great Crested Grebe is still present. Other species seen at Harrier hide in the past few days include 13 Cormorants, 24 Teal, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Little Grebe, and 1 Common Gull.
From Ron Barker hide, 2 Whooper Swans have been seen consistently. These birds stayed over after the winter when the rest of their species migrated back to Iceland. 1 Kingfisher male was observed diving into the sluice in front of the hide today, catching and eating fish.
Photograph of a Red Kite.
