Latest sightings
Lapwing and Ruff
A cloudy calm start breaking out into yet more sunshine, something that has been missing over most of the winter. Lapwing were in action on Plover Field calling and display flying, one of early spring most evocative sounds. Over 60 Ruff scattered around t
16 March 2016
Brambling
Another fine day as the high pressure holds with light easterlies and good spells of warm sunshine. These conditions are perfect for the departure of Whooper Swan so it will be interesting to see if any counts reflect this. The first Brambling of the year
15 March 2016
Blackcap singing
All the hallmarks of a proper spring day with the first Blackcap of the year in song between the Gladstone and Janet Kear Hides. Three species of butterfly seen with the first Brimstone and Red Admirals as well as Small Tortoiseshell. The downside of the
13 March 2016
Goosander and other birds
A misty start as milder weather and light winds tend to produce these conditions at this time of year. A new bird for the year list, Goosander a male was present for about 30 minutes on Sunley's Marsh before flying off. Goosander are just about annual o
12 March 2016
Bird News
A Redwing in front of the Janet Kear hide, and a Water Rail showing regularly in front of the Kingfisher hide were amongst todays less regularly recorded birds. Bewick's Swan, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, and both our regular Owls were also seen (see yeste
10 March 2016
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