Green-winged Teal is back
Early squally showers followed by a brisk South-westerly and sunshine. A few early signs that spring isn't too far around the corner, with a bit of a dawn chorus yesterday in mild conditions, Teal whistling out on the marsh and the arrival of a few more Oystercatcher from the coast.
A (the?) Green-winged Teal was found late afternoon with Eurasian Teal on Sunley's Marsh from the Ron Barker Hide.
As usual great views of Ruff and the occasional Black-tailed Godwit in front of the Discovery Hide. Approximate wader numbers with 1200+ Lapwing, 80+ Ruff, 20+ Ruff, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Redshank and 5 Oystercatcher.
A group of 4 Goosander briefly dropped in in front of the Harrier Hide on Tuesday, generally only a few records of this species each year. Similar counts of wildfowl from the previous days.
Good on the raptor front with 6+ Marsh Harrier, 6+ Buzzard, Peregrine, 2 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk.
Tawny Owl again roosting near the Kingfisher Hide.
Other sightings include, Great-spotted Woodpecker(s), Treecreeper, 2+ Little Egret, 2 Great Black-backed Gull (ad), 4+ Stonechat, 10+ Skylark.
If you are visiting Martin Mere for the first time and would like to know what is around and the best areas to see specific species do call in at the in focus shop, next to the Discovery Hide which over looks the Mere. It should be possible to see over 60 species in a day without too much difficulty.
