Latest sightings
On the edge of spring
With the Mere packed with Whooper Swan still it's hard to believe that the spring equinox is only 11 days away. The forecasters suggest we are in for some milder conditions towards the end of the week which with the lengthening days will see more of our w
9 March 2016
Woodcock
An icy start but all together a glorious day if a little chilly in the hides early on. A great selection of waders using the reserve at the moment with up to 12 species recently recorded. A Woodcock was seen in flight from the Janet Kear Hide. Over past w
7 March 2016
Waders
Another rain free day to be celebrated and the forecast looks good for the next few days for anyone who has missed the winter spectacle at WWT Martin Mere so far. In four weeks time most of the wintering birds will have departed and the water levels will
6 March 2016
Latest Sightings
Snow free and light winds, warm in the sun this morning. Plenty of raptor action with Hen Harrier (ringtail) mid morning, immature Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, 4+ Common Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Barn Owl and Tawny Owl again. The first Curlew of th
5 March 2016
Hen Harrier
The 'ringtail' Hen Harrier was present around the reserve again today, and was seen by several observers early afternoon. In another good raptor day, 2 Marsh Harriers, an immature Peregrine, at least 3 Common Buzzrads, a Sparrowhawk, and both of the regul
4 March 2016
Kittiwake drops in.
The day started off with some heavy hail showers and increasing wind which stayed with us all day before the showers started again late afternoon. An adult breeding plumage Kittiwake was found with Black-headed Gulls on the Mere early afternoon and was st
2 March 2016
More Avocet
A compilation of sightings from the past few days with Monday being the best weather wise. The inexorable rise of Avocet numbers continues with 41 birds today. They tend to spend time sleeping at the back of the Mere and feeding on Vinson's/Sunley's Marsh
1 March 2016
Latest Sightings
Another pleasant day with a good range of species recorded. It is normally possible to see over 60 species in a full day on the reserve. The ringtail Hen Harrier showed reasonably well as this shot from the United Utilities Hide below testifies.
28 February 2016
Bittern
A couple of great days birding on the reserve, helped by the current benign weather conditions. Star bird of the day was the first Bittern of the year which flew from a ditch at the back of Woodend Marsh and dropped into the Reed Bed in front of the Harri
27 February 2016
Swan catch . . .
Today's annual swan catch netted a total of 101 Whoopers - a good number, slightly bettering the 92 birds caught earlier in the week at WWT Cearlaverock. The birds are measured, weighed, and given a general health check before being fitted with a numbered
25 February 2016
Bullfinch and other birds
Another cracking day with great light after a sub zero start. Interesting to note that the Avocet moved to the coast briefly before 8 returned late morning probably as a result of the overnight freeze. The cold tends to knock back the wader numbers so onl
24 February 2016
Hen Harrier again.
A stunning day warm in the sun but chilly in the hides. Continuing to look good weather wise for the next few days. Early morning at the start of the Reed Bed Walk. An early morning recce along the Reed Bed Walk produ
23 February 2016
Hen Harrier and Bewick's Swan again
Chilly in the strong breeze but no rain, which we must be thankful for. As suspected a good raptor day with Hen Harrier (ringtail) being the pick of the bunch, flying through distantly around midday. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, a pair of adult Peregrine, 3+ Com
22 February 2016
Windy but no rain!
The cold/warm front divide pushed further north meaning we were spared more rain, instead we had a very mild but very windy Sunday. It's not always easy to pick up the birds in these conditions but some excellent sightings were had! A six species of rapto
21 February 2016
Scaup and Short-eared Owl
Apologies for the lack of updates caused by a computer problem on Wednesday. This is a bit of a compilation of sightings. Today's bird(s) of the day were two female Scaup which were picked up on the Mere early afternoon before flying towards the Ron Barke
20 February 2016