House Martin new for the year

A damp cold easterly can't have been the greatest of welcomes for the years first House Martin (4) a reasonably early record for this species. Swallows and Sand Martin also again today.

Some good wader counts with 129 Avocet, 310 Black-tailed Godwit, 50+ Ruff, 18 Oystercatcher, 12 Redshank and 4 Snipe.

Black-tailed Godwits floating around on the Mere

Bittern booming heard from the Harrier Hide and close by on the public footpath by the Sewage Works.

Reflecting Redshank (Andy Bunting)

At least 10 Corn Bunting at the end of Long Hedge before the stubble field. Bullfinches, Reed Buntings, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler all along that area, plus Red-legged Partridge.

Reed Bunting looking dapper.

Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warbler also along the back of the Reed Bed and the Reed Warbler singing near the first viewing platform.

Raptors 5 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.

Other sightings included 300+ Teal, Grey Partridge to the right of the Ron Barker Hide and 6 Little Egret around the reserve.

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.

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