Latest sightings
French Med Gull
A fine selection of birds over the past few days. No massive influx of migrants yet some south or south-westerly winds might sort that situation out. At least 3 adult Med Gull present including one colour ringed bird which was ringed in France. More detai
30 March 2015
Bird News
Some bird news from yesterday, a ringtail Hen Harrier was reported from UU Hide but no other reports. Also a Little Egret out on Woodend Marsh viewable from UU Hide. A Raven around the Mere yesterday drew close attention from the Black-headed Gull colony,
27 March 2015
Meds & Mink
A Spotted Redshank was reported from UU hide today, also several Curlew were using the reserve alone with the usual 75 Ruff, 10 Redshank, 20 Black-tailed Godwit. At least 4 Mediterranean Gulls were around the Mere in the afternoon along with at least 4 Co
25 March 2015
Wheatear
An early morning walk around the boundary of the reserve was productive particularly when you stumble across a fine male Wheatear. Corn Bunting are singing
24 March 2015
Latest Sightings
Chiffchaff in song in the blossom covered trees next to the in focus shop this morning. Always a pleasure hearing one of the first sounds of spring. Plenty of insects to keep it happy too. Whooper Swan count on the Mere this morning produced 155 birds. A
23 March 2015
House Sparrow!
Lovely day out and about in the sun. No recent count but certainly under 300 Whooper Swan on the Mere for most of the day. Generally most of these birds will have left by the first week in April. Far from annually recorded at Martin Mere a female House Sp
21 March 2015
Eclipse!
A close up of todays partial eclipse (T. Disley) Eclipse (T. Disley)
20 March 2015
Spotted Redshank
Spotted Redshank in non-breeding plumage, new for the year on the left hand side of Vinson's Marsh early afternoon, viewed from the Ron Barker Hide. Other waders include 50+ Curlew, 40+ Avocet, 100+ Lapwing, 30+ Oystercatcher, 40+ Ruff, 20+ Black-tailed G
18 March 2015
First Chiffchaff
A Chiffchaff on the Nature Trail in song today and present yesterday is probably the first of the spring migrant birds. Chiffchaff have been present since 5th February at least. Adult breeding plumage Med Gull on the Mere 3.45pm at least. Some disturbance
16 March 2015
Bird Sightings
A few sightings from Friday included 2 Dunlin on the Mere as well as a pair of Peregrine hunting around the edge of the reserve and 2 Barn Owl from Ron Barker Hide. Today's sightings: the re-appearance of the male Goldeneye on the Mere, still impressive n
14 March 2015
Sand Martin
Sand Martin new for the year and really the first 'classic' spring migrant. This is one of the earliest records of Sand Martin at Martin Mere. Once all the WWT Martin Mere data has been finally computerised I'll be able to tell you exactly how it fits in!
12 March 2015
Spring!
Very pleasant today indeed even if the wind did feel a little cold inside the hides. Locally the first Sand Martin are turning up although the best we could do today is Chiffchaff opposite the sewage works which has probably been present since January. If
10 March 2015
More Mediterranean Gulls
At least 6 different Mediterranean Gulls (2 pairs plus 2 single birds) this afternoon/evening around the Mere all varying in extent of black and white on the head. Also 2-3000 Black headed Gulls. A pair of adult Mediterra
7 March 2015
Waders & Gulls and Glossy Ibis!
A great time of year on site to enjoy the numbers of spring waders building up and the gathering of the gull colony, the latter going from strength to strength each year. At least 4 Mediterranean Gulls (Adults) today among 1000+ Black headed Gulls on the
6 March 2015
Goldeneye
A drake Goldeneye flew onto the Mere mid morning. Most years a few birds are present throughout the winter, however this is the first record this year, a further indicator of climate change. A morning count produced 1640 Whooper Swan, very high for this
4 March 2015