Latest sightings
Waders
The spring build up of waders continues with the first Ringed Plover on Thursday in Plover field which is currently excellent for feeding waders. A spectacular flock of at least 827 Black-tailed Godwit were present also on Thursday, which didn't quite ecl
19 February 2016
500+ Black-tailed Godwit
A few of the 500+ Black-tailed Godwit There is always an 'icelandic theme' to winter sightings at Martin Mere with the presence of Whooper Swan and Pink-footed Geese both of which breed there during the summer. It is
16 February 2016
European White-fronted Geese again
Find the White-fronts... Two adult European White-fronted Geese with Pink-footed Geese from 12:30 onward mostly asleep in Plover Field. Ring-tailed Hen Harrier seen over Woodend Marsh on a couple of occasions then app
14 February 2016
European White-fronted Goose
Star bird of the day was an adult European White-fronted Goose which dropped in briefly with ~ 1000 Pink-footed Geese on Plover Field. These birds are feeding close by on a recently harvested carrot field. Hopefully a few more sighting of this before the
13 February 2016
Avocet
The first returning Avocets, a group of 6 birds were on the Mere this morning, other waders included 400+ Black-tailed Godwit, 64+ Ruff, 13 Oystercatcher 2000+ Lapwing and several Common Snipe. Three of the six Avocet this
12 February 2016
Bird sightings
A good day on site with nice weather as well! Barn Owls continue to give great views at times from either UU Hide or Ron Barker Hide, with at least 2-3 birds seen today. At least 1 Tawny Owl was again in the Ivy near Kingfisher Hide. Redpoll was seen alon
11 February 2016
Good weather on it's way!
It's looking like we are in for some slightly calm weather and even sunshine on and off over the next 7 days even if the occasional shower is thrown into the mix on a couple of them. Lapwings and wildfowl in the air flushe
10 February 2016
Hen Harrier
First Hen Harrier of the winter, a ring-tailed bird flying through in between the rain squalls. This has been our quietest winter for Hen Harrier, a bird which has faced much persecution in it's upland breeding habitat. It's quite possible this bird will
8 February 2016
Latest Sightings
Another cold and damp one. We should be thankful it wasn't blowing a gale today! Not a huge number of reports so I'll keep this brief. A minimum of 2 Barn Owl, surprised to see these out in light rain this morning. Challenging condition for these birds.
6 February 2016
Bird news
Two Jack Snipe flushed out on the reserve by WWT staff was a good sighting, there are probably small numbers of this diminutive little Snipe around the reserve but they are often only seen when they flush after almost being stepped on! Barn Owls continue
5 February 2016
Latest Sightings
A compilation of the past few days sightings. We would have updated yesterday but our access to broadband was disrupted! Nacreous or Polar Stratospheric Clouds from Monday evening. As we go into February we can still
3 February 2016
Kittiwake
It pretty much rained all day with that misty murk that isn't ideal for anything, except perhaps for dropping a Kittiwake onto the reserve! Seen for less than a minute the bird took flight off the Mere and headed into the gloom. Almost annual (we had two
31 January 2016
Bewick's Swan again
Two days in a row for the Bewick's Swan feeding on Top Mere viewed from the Hale Hide on a fairly wild and blustery day. The wind drops tomorrow so it should be a better days viewing all round if slightly more showery. A good selection of hides provide so
30 January 2016
Bewick's Swan
A new Bewick's Swan was the highlight of the day, the bird was found feeding on the potatoes on Top Mere best viewed from Hale Hide, this is the 3rd Bewick's Swan of the winter. Still lots of Whooper Swans with at least 1300 around at the moment.
29 January 2016
Oystercatchers
Barn Owls have again been showing well from Ron Barker Hide today, also nearby at least 1 Tawny Owl was in the Ivy. The pair of Peregrine were active today being seen throughout the day, look for them in Plover field sat either on the ground or on Mole hi
28 January 2016