Latest sightings
Firecrest still present
A great days birding to be had on the reserve at the moment with spectacular numbers of wildfowl and Lapwing. It should be possible to see over 60 species in a full days birding around the reserve. That bright light to the
16 December 2015
Firecrest
Bird of the day and new for the year was a Firecrest with two Goldcrest between the Janet Kear and Gladstone Hides. Martin Mere has a good track record of Firecrest and usually once they arrive they do stick around. Listen out for the Goldcrest which are
15 December 2015
Over 13,000 birds!
Counts on the reserve over the weekend included 480 Greylag, 620 Shelduck, 1030 Wigeon, 19 Gadwall, 3030 Teal, 2150 Mallard, 430 Pintail, 33 Shoveler, 25 Pochard, 11 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 18 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 34 Moorhen, 290 Coot and 1000+
14 December 2015
Weekend Reports
Another wet and wild weekend with the best viewing occurring on the chiller Sunday. On both days the potentially elusive Green-winged Teal was found with Eurasian Teal from the Ron Barker Hide before being flushed by hunting Marsh Harrier(s). The return o
13 December 2015
Green-winged Teal
The Green-winged Teal was again on the far side of the Mere this afternoon, although the strong winds made it difficult to find at times, as it was facing head to the wind and therefore with it's back to observers fom the In Focus / Discovery hide side. T
11 December 2015
Bird News
Another raptor day today. similar to yesterday (see map with yesterday's post - it's still relevant), with 3 species of Owls ( Short-eard, Barn, and Tawny) as the stars of the show. A Swan carcass in a field at the back of the Mere provided food for at le
10 December 2015
Three Species of Owl
A three species of owl day today (and yesterday) with Short-eared Owl out hunting beyond Plover Field, 2 Barn Owl early and late on and 2 Tawny Owl roosting along the Nature Trail. Raptor action in the form of 4 different Marsh Harrier over the past coupl
9 December 2015
It's not raining!
It's not raining! The Mere looking special just before the 3pm feed. Best day weather wise for a few weeks. Unseasonably warm in the sun and a reasonably light southerly wind. The Green-winged Teal was seen out on Vin
7 December 2015
Green-winged Teal again
The drake Green-winged Teal was on the Mere from 11:30 onward til the end of the day showing from the in focus shop and the new Discovery Hide next door. Spot the Green-winged Teal.. At least 2 Barn Owl hunting early
6 December 2015
Greenland White-fronted Geese
It barely stopped raining today and the strong winds didn't help anyone birding on the reserve or elsewhere. Star birds of the day were four Greenland White-fronted Geese which flew in onto Sunley's Marsh around 11.30am. G
5 December 2015
Green-winged Teal
Given we have at least 2500 Eurasian Teal on the reserve perhaps it's not so surprising the drake Green-winged Teal has remained so elusive over the past month with only a handful of sightings. Today it was showing well on Sunley's Marsh in the afternoon.
4 December 2015
Winter Birding
Another relatively mild day with a few showers. The Mere was packed with birds throughout the day including 800+ Teal early on flushed by Marsh Harriers from Vinson/Sunley's Marsh. Whooper Swan numbers are over 1000 and around 10000 Pink-footed Geese are
2 December 2015
Chiffchaff
Following the atrocious weather conditions of the last few days, it was nice to have the opportunity to get out and see some birds. A Chiffchaff in trees near the Gladstone hide this afternoon was today's star bird, although a quick look late on failed to
1 December 2015
Bean Goose
A Tundra Bean Goose was showing from the United Utilities this afternoon. Around the reserve, still at least 2 Marsh Harriers and 2 Peregrines showing regularly, with at least one Tawny Owl in the 'usual' ivy covered tree after the Kingfisher hide. Goldcr
26 November 2015
Greenland White-front
A Greenland White-fronted Goose which spent a short while on top mere was the standout bird of the day, following on from the European White-fronted Goose that was present and photographed at the weekend. Greenland White-f
23 November 2015