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Latest sightings

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

Spring is definitely in the air on our Reserve, with some exciting birdlife being recorded in the past few days. First of all, some long-stayers – the adult male Ring-necked Duck continues to show well from the Discovery Hide, having been here since ea

12 March 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

The Ring-Necked Duck continues to be reported from Discovery hide overlooking the mere. From this hide (192) Black-tailed Godwits were observed on Saturday, many of which are starting to come into their brick-red breeding plumage. Also present on the

10 March 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

Spring is in full force here on the reserve at Martin Mere. Throughout the week, the male Bittern have been making their booming calls to attract females in the reedbed, and the Chiffchaff have also begun making their distinctive 'chiff-chaff!' breed

5 March 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

We've had the exciting return of 3 Sand Martins here at Martin Mere over at Ron Barker Hide. Sand Martins will fly 4,000km to the UK from sub-Saharan Africa for breeding during the summer so it is a true sign that spring has begun! We've had 4 Russian Whi

2 March 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

We have had a surge in Avocet numbers this week with 21 seen from Rees Hide and United Utilities Hide. Also in Woodend Marsh, there have been sightings of 2 Oystercatchers, 10 Shovelers and 1 Little Grebe. Stonechats have also been regularly spotted flyin

26 February 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

Spring has definitely been in the air these past few days, with birds starting to pair up and more early migration underway – evident in the WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) carried out by three members of our team over the weekend. On the Mere, the long-sta

23 February 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

It’s been a chilly week here at WWT Martin Mere with a few exciting records to reward those willing to face the wind. The national influx of Russian White-fronted Geese has continued to bless the Reserve – on Tuesday, a flock of six was ranging betwe

19 February 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

The cold snap over the weekend didn’t put the birds off at WWT Martin Mere, with plenty of interesting sightings in recent days. On Saturday, up to 30 Russian White-fronted Geese were seen from the Ron Barker hide, part of a national influx of Europea

16 February 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

It’s been another exciting few days at WWT Martin Mere, with Spring in the air… The first signs of Spring migration are starting to appear, with a continued presence of Curlew – at least ten were recorded today (Thursday) leaving the roost, as they

12 February 2026

Latest sightings

Latest sightings

The Ring-Necked Duck continues to be seen on the mere, best observed from Discovery hide. This hide has also provides a great view of a Knot, with the latest sighting being yesterday. On Sunday 114 Black-Tailed Godwits, 58 Oystercatchers, 24 Ruff and 2 C

10 February 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

A Knot has been sighted over the last couple of days on the mere. It can often be seen amongst Ruff and Black Tailed Godwits during our daily feeds, best viewed from Discovery hide. This hide also provides the best view of the drake Ring-Necked Duck. From

6 February 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

We have many of our regular visitors this week for World Wetlands Day. The Ring-Necked Duck continues to show well from the Discovery Hide, often feeding on the seed once the flurry of birds at the feed has settled down. Our wonderful Whooper Swans contin

2 February 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

It’s been a week of ever changing weather here at Martin Mere but we have still had some exciting birds! Notably on the Mere, we’ve had three Oystercatchers spotted, marking the start of an early return inland ahead of their breeding season in early

27 January 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

Over the weekend here at Martin Mere, we took part in the International Swan Census (ISC), a survey of Whooper and Bewick’s Swan populations in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, that takes place every six years! Although these species are monitored a

19 January 2026

Latest Sightings

Latest Sightings

The New Year has continued to provide an exciting range of wildlife across WWT Martin Mere. The drake Ring-necked Duck is still present on the Mere and is usually feeding close-in amongst the Pochard and Tufted Duck. Black-tailed Godwit have been present

16 January 2026