This week, we have had some incredible sightings of an iconic reedbed bird that is typically scarce here on the reserve at Martin Mere. 10 Bearded Reedlings were heard calling and observed flitting through the reeds today, seen from the embankment next to the path to Gordon Taylor hide and along the reedbed walk. These highly distinctive birds are a sight to behold, and fittingly appeared for the first time this year during the bird fair last Saturday.
1 Ring-Necked Duck male was seen once more today. He has been present on the mere for a few weeks now, mainly resting and sleeping on the water's surface, sometimes close to the Discovery hide, but occasionally feeding with the other diving ducks on the mere (Pochard and Tufted Duck) and displaying to the female Mallards as he did last Winter. Other birds seen on the mere recently include other seasonal duck species such as the afforementioned Pochard, Tufted Duck, and Mallard, as well as Shelduck, Pintail, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal, and Shoveler. 2 Ruff were seen on the mere on Tuesday.
At Janet Kear hide today, 1 Grey Wagtail was seen. From the Harrier hide further up the path, around 32 Redwing were observed feeding on the red berries surrounding the hide's entrance. These thrushes are migratory, only appearing in England during the Winter months. Other birds seen at Harrier hide today include 2 Little Grebes, 8 Snipe, and 1 Lesser Black-Backed Gull.
On the reedbed walk path today at noon, 1 Jack Snipe was spotted after it was flushed from the ground it was nestling within, flying silently in an arc and landing in the middle of the reeds without a trace. This secretive species usually only appears in the UK in Winter, and is often difficult to spot without the bird flying up from its hiding spot in surprise. Other birds present today at the reedbed include 2 Ravens, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Water Rails, 2 Stock Doves, 1 Bullfinch, 8 Reed Buntings, 2 Stonechats, 4 Goldcrests, 1 Skylark, and 6 Cetti's Warblers.
At Rees hide today, 1 Wood Sandpiper was spotted. This uncommon small wader patrols the edges of ponds in search of its invertebrate prey. 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Kestrel female, and 2 Meadow Pipits were also seen at Rees hide today.
1 Green Sandpiper was found at Hale hide this morning, and 1 Barn Owl was seen from Mereview hide further up the nature trail.
Photograph of a male Bearded Reedling
