Happy Christmas!
Happy Christmas to you all out there and a big thanks for all of your sightings that help us to compile these reports.
Great to see a few more Pink-footed Geese on the reserve, it certainly appears that more birds have arrived in from Scotland/Iceland(?). One of the Pink-footed Geese has a tracking collar (white 31) may have come in from Finland/Svalbard(!)
Any flocks are worth looking through for rarer goose species. Also worth noting that at least 3 Bewick's Swan have been seen South of the Ribble with Whooper Swan so could appear on the reserve.
Still regular sightings of 6 species of birds of prey. A Merlin was seen chasing a Snipe high over the reserve yesterday. A minimum of 4 Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard, Peregrine, 2 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk. Three Tawny Owl roosting and 3 Barn Owl, the later hunting morning and afternoon. Two Raven again.
As usual mega views are to be had of Lapwing (700+), Ruff(60+) and Black-tailed Godwit(10+) from the Discovery Hide. At least 10 Snipe and a single Redshank are present. We sometimes get the first returning Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover (late December/January) if it stays mild. Last year Green Sandpiper over wintered.
With a little effort 15 species of wildfowl can be seen on the reserve 11 of which are regularly on the Mere and over 10,000 birds using the site.
At the feeding stations along nature trail you can expect Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great-spotted Woodpecker and the possibility of Siskin, Redpoll and Brambling. Goldcrest are present sometimes following the Long-tailed Tit flock. Twenty Fieldfare near the Raines Observatory.
Water Rails have been seen in front of the Ron Barker Hide along the sluice and from the Janet Kear Hide. Kingfishers also present with sightings from the United Utilities and Ron Barker Hides and occasionally in the grounds.
Out on the Reed Bed Walk Cetti's Warbler can sometimes be seen if you are patience, also close views of Stonechat. Little Grebe are in that area and it's likely wintering Bittern will be present. We probably still have a couple of elusive Bearded Reedling out there..
For the more adventurous the track leading from the Coach Car Park to the outer edge of the Reed Bed and beyond the Sewage Works can produce sightings of Bullfinch, Linnet, Chiffchaff and Corn Bunting. Also potentially Red-legged and Grey Partridge.
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.
