We've had a plethora of wildlife sightings in the past few days here on the reserve at Martin Mere as large flocks of Pink-Footed Geese continue to fly in, stopping over for the Winter from their breeding grounds in Iceland. Our United Utilities Hide is a great place to spot these migratory birds flying overhead or feeding on vegetation in the fields behind the mere. 22 Cattle Egrets were also seen in these fields on Tuesday with our herd of English longhorn cattle.
On Tuesday, 1 Common Sandpiper was heard from Discovery hide. Other birds seen on the mere this week include hundreds of Mallard and Teal, 1 Pied Wagtail, 4 Linnets, 1 Great Black-Backed Gull, and 2 Lesser Black-Backed Gulls.
Down the nature trail at Janet Kear hide, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Dunnock, and 6 Long-Tailed Tits were seen today.
From the Harrier hide, 12 Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 4 Cormorants, 24 Gadwall, 30 Tufted Ducks, 4 Wigeon, 40 Shovelers, 10 Coot, and 1 Cetti's Warbler were observed.
This morning, 1 Kingfisher was found sitting on a pole in the sluice running in front of Ron Barker hide, periodically diving to catch fish in the water below.
Goosefest
Tens of thousands of Pink-Footed Geese are arriving 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.
Photograph of a male and female Wigeon.
