May and June see the final push in migration North, the arrival of late breeding birds and a flush of new hatchlings. All the breeding waders will have young present on the reserve; Avocet, Lapwing, Redshank, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher. These months also have the potential to turn up some rarer species. In recent years these have included; Golden Oriole, Red-necked Phalarope, Temmnick's Stint and Pectoral Sandpiper. Towards the end of this period we see the first potential signs of non-breeding birds on return migration. Keep an eye out for Dragonflies and Hobby!
- 3 Jul
Bird News
A raptor matching the description of Hobby was reported over Woodend Marsh today. 4 Green and 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, and at least 20 Black-tailed Godwits were on the reserve. Starling and Lapwing flocks seem to be getting bigger on a daily basis at the moment, and 4 juvenile Avocets were seen seen following an adult in apparent "practice flights" around the marshes. - 2 Jul
Bird News
Tawny Owl was seen again this morning in the pines along the nature trail, but waders were again the main attractions on the reserve today. 2 Ruff, well over 60 Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, and Little Ringed Plover were all present alongside the usual "commoner" waders. - 2 Jul
A first for Martin Mere and a Third for Lancashire.
A further update on yesterdays moth catch. One of the micro moths caught has been confirmed as Aethes beatricella which not only is a first for the Mere but only the third time its been recorded in Lancashire. The moth is part of the Tortrix group and uses Hemlock as its food plant. (click for pictures to see yesterdays first for the reserve). - 1 Jul
Monster Catch!
Perfect condition for Mothing last night lead to the biggest single species catch we've had on the reserve with over 130 species recorded(click to see results). There were 3 new addition to the reserve list; Blackneck, Sliky Wainscot and Ancylis achatana, photographs of these will be added tomorrow.One or two species are still pending which would make the count even higher. Excellent views of 30+ Black-tailed Godwit in front of the Swan Link hide, Green and Common Sandpiper all recorded today, also Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and the 'usual' Raptors. - 30 Jun
Flying Avocet
Great to see the first of this years Avocet taking flight with 4 birds now roving around the reserve. There are currently 25 adult birds and 11 small chicks. Now three moulting male Ruff, 3 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 8 Black-tailed Godwit. A third year male Marsh Harrier is new in. Kingfisher from the Ron Barker Hide. Good views of a full summer plumaged Mediterranean Gull(click for pic) on the Mere this afternoon. Tawny Owl and two Greenshank yesterday. - 28 Jun
Summer Birding and Mothing
Mild and damp condition made for an excellent catch of moths, with 76 species recorded (click for data). Bird reports today included good views of Linnet around Millers bridge, at least two Common Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper. Stoat and Hare also showed well, with the former spending time on Millers Bridge wondering how to raid inaccessible Swallows nest under the bridge! - 27 Jun
Sandpipers
A little cloud cover and a few spots of rain and hey presto some new waders drop in. At the end of the afternoon we had 4 Green Sandpiper, 3 or 4 Common Sandpiper, 48 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ruff moulting out of summer plumage, as well as increasing flocks of Lapwing additions to the breeding birds on site. The second broods of Avocet, Ringed Plover and Lapwing can be seen around the reserve avoiding predator attention. - 26 Jun
Bird News
Great weather and great birding around Martin Mere today. Hobby was reported (though distantly) this morning for the third consecutive day. 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff (males), 18 Black-tailed Godwits (most looking spectacular in full breeding plumage), a Common Sandpiper, Little Egret and 2 Marsh Harriers were also on site. 2 Kingfishers showed very well from the Janet Kear hide. - 24 Jun
Green Sands
Two Green Sandpiper were new in, showing form the Hale Hide, which is always a good spot for these waders. It's probably safe to say these are birds returning post breeding 'as the nights draw in'! Little Egret this afternoon from the Harrier Hide. Two Marsh Harrier hunting morning and afternoon. - 23 Jun
Wildlife a plenty.
A busy few days with an excellent selection of wildlife on the reserve. Black-tailed Skimmers and Four-Spotted Chasers showing around the ponds especially near the Ron Barker Hide. Two Wood Sandpiper reported on the mere mid-afternoon although no sign since. A probable Garden Warbler seen near the Ron Barker hide would be the first of the year. Raptors included Peregrine (with prey), immature Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzards and Kestrel. A Barn Owl was again out hunting, this time late afternoon from the United Utilities Hide. A Fox was seen on the nature trail. Yesterday a near adult Med Gull.