Sightings - Martin Mere
White Wagtail
ABFirst White Wagtail of the year feeding around the edge of the Mere early morning only. Two Little Ringed Plover on the Mere, both male if the aggressive behaviour between them is anything to go by. An influx of Blackcap and Willow Warbler today with a
7 April 2019
Willow Warbler
Great start to the day blue skies, sunshine and the first Willow Warbler of the year singing inside the Grounds by the Canoe Safari. No shortage of Chiffchaff (below) with at least 8 singing males around the reserve. One hundred and one Avocet on site. A
6 April 2019
Tern Sp.
A Common or Arctic Tern was reported early afternoon flying North through the reserve, a very early record here. A young Peregrine spent a while on the reserve in the morning. Other raptors included Marsh Harrier, Buzzard and Kestrel. A Barn Owl was roost
5 April 2019
Hen Harrier
A ringtail Hen Harrier has been seen again this afternoon from Ron Barker Hide. Other sightings today include a Little Ringed Plover on the far side of the Mere which was also present yesterday. Good numbers of Black-tailed Godwit with at least 110 around
4 April 2019
Sunday Sightings
A brief update. See previous few days for a fuller picture. First Blackcap of the year, a male singing near the Kingfisher Hide.A flock of c.70 Whooper Swan still present.At least 9 Sand Martin through.At least 6 Med Gull present on the Mere.
31 March 2019
Saturday Sightings
Some good birding at the start of the day out on the perimeter of the reserve. This outer path can be accessed before the reserve opens by parking in the Car Park (8am onward, note the Car Park closes 6pm from tomorrow).The first Green Sandpiper of the ye
30 March 2019
Common Scoter
A pair of Common Scoter spent yesterday on the Mere, but, not surprisingly, moved on overnight.Still lots of wildfowl on the Mere though, with Whooper Swan, Shoveller, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Goldeneye (including 1 male) and Tufted Duck constantly on view.
29 March 2019
Little Ringed Plover
Another chilly start, overcast, brighter later. As predicted in the last sightings report our first Little Ringed Plover arrived yesterday feeding along the back of the Mere before being chased off by the resident Ringed Plover. Little Ringed Plover regul
27 March 2019
First Wheatear of the Year
Barely a cloud in the sky but a chilly wind in the hides. The exodus of wildfowl continues although it is still possible to see the vast majority of wintering species in smaller numbers. The first Wheatear of the year seen by the wardens on Outer Vinson's
25 March 2019
Farmland Birds
An early morning walk around the edge of the reserve produced the first Grey Partridge (2) of the year, also Red-legged Partridge too. A mixed flock of Corn Bunting (10+), Yellowhammer (2), Reed Bunting (4), Linnet (6+), Skylark and Meadow Pipit were fee
23 March 2019
Brambling
A male Brambling from the Janet Kear hide has been showing well on and off all day along with, amongst others, Goldfinch Greenfinch, Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting.On the Mere, up to about 60 Black-tailed Godwits, several of which are in near full breeding
22 March 2019
Bunting-fest
Overcast to start the day with a little misty rain feeling milder and spring like in the afternoon. Top news, the water levels on the Mere are slowly being dropped to the spring/summer levels! A great selection of species seen and heard today. Both Ye
19 March 2019
Sighting Map Sunday
Seven species of raptor; Merlin, Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard. ab
17 March 2019
Woodcock
A few more sightings of Woodcock in the past couple of days. Big thanks to Jim Bevan for this photograph. Other recent wader species recorded; Avocet,Oystercatcher (108), Curlew, Dunlin, Snipe, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Ruff (48) and Black-tailed
13 March 2019
Record Avocet Count
A late afternoon count of Avocet broke the Martin Mere record and possibly Lancashire/North West with 141 birds. Martin Mere played host to the first birds that bred in the North West in 2003 and since that time the birds have been back every year. In the
12 March 2019