We’ve had a fantastic start to the autumn at Martin Mere, with Pink-footed Geese beginning to arrive back on the reserve! The recent northerly winds have brought a noticeable movement of these iconic geese south from Iceland, with several flocks passing overhead this morning. Groups of 29, 73, 67, 290 and 27 birds were recorded, alongside our resident seven Pink-footed Geese already enjoying the Mere. These early arrivals are a sure sign that autumn is here, with thousands more expected to make the journey from Iceland to the UK in the coming weeks.
There has been plenty of activity across the Mere, with around 120 Swallows, 70 Sand Martins and 55 House Martins feeding overhead this morning. Seven juvenile Yellow Wagtails were also seen, alongside around 170 Goldfinches. Among the waders, five Snipe, six Ruff and two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers were recorded, while a Great Egret, Little Egret and Black-tailed Godwit provided further highlights. A smart male Pintail has also been seen, alongside good numbers of wildfowl including 78 Teal, 33 Shovelers, a Wigeon, and a Pochard.
From Harrier Hide, visitors could enjoy a selection of duck and wetland species, including six Tufted Ducks, 45 Shovelers, 25 Gadwall, 56 Teal and four Wigeon. 10 Little Grebes and eight Cormorants were also present, alongside a Little Egret and two Mute Swans, and a Common Gull.
Ron Barker Hide provided some excellent birds of prey sightings, with four Buzzards, a juvenile Sparrowhawk and two juvenile Marsh Harriers hunting across the reserve. An impressive 58 Cattle Egrets were also seen alongside our herd of English Longhorns (seen both at the back of the Mere and to the right of Ron Barker), with 13 Snipe providing another highlight.
The reedbed was busy this morning with some of our smaller wetland birds, including two Chiffchaffs, two Sedge Warblers, three Reed Warblers and three Cetti’s Warblers. Two Water Rails were also heard, while a Kestrel was spotted nearby.
Photograph of Pink-footed Geese.
Goosefest
Tens of thousands of Pink-footed Geese will soon arrive from Iceland, with a line-up of exciting experiences from 5 September to 18 October. Get involved in workshops and unique close-up encounters. Find out more.
