400+ Whooper Swan

26 October 2018

The first blast of arctic air arrived today and the number of Whooper Swan have increased to 420. The northerly airflow should continue to bring new birds in daily at present.

A few of the 400+ Whooper Swan recently arrive from Iceland.

Newly arrived this afternoon a single adult with 6 juveniles.

On Sunday a UK wide co-ordinated goose count saw 52,200 Pink-footed Geese in Lancashire, one of the lowest counts in recent years, reflecting the smaller numbers recorded here on the reserve. We'll report later if that is UK wide.

These are part group of c.250 Pink-footed Geese that came in high from the East which sometimes indicates they are new arrivals. The flock contained a grey neck ringed bird LCT.

Approximate wildfowl counts ; 1500+ Mallard, 1000+ Teal, 250+ Wigeon, 160+ Shelduck, 60+ Shoveler, 80+ Pintail, 20+ Gadwall, 20+ Pochard, 20+ Tufted Duck.

A minimum of 4 Marsh Harrier visiting the reserve, regular juvenile Peregrine, 5+ Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk.

Waders include 400+ Lapwing, 40+ Ruff, 20+ Snipe, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit.

Other sightings 1500+ Black-headed Gull coming in late afternoon. Over 60 Stock Dove out on the reserve. At least 2 Stonechat on reserve fence posts in the Plover Field area.

The area is great for Brown Hare. Unusual to see one sheltering from the wind next to the wardens house, right of the Discovery Hide.

Check out a few days of the previous sighting to get a fuller picture as to what can be seen on the reserve.

It should be possible to see over 60 species in a full days bird watching at Martin Mere. If you would like to know the best spots, up to date info or to report any sightings then please call in at the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide.