Latest Sightings
A cast of 15 Marsh Harriers have been soaring across the skies today, visible from the Discovery and Ron Barker hides. We counted 45 individuals during our Harrier Roost Survey. Other birds of prey to be seen around the reserve are Sparrowhawks, Peregrines, Barn Owls, Kestrels, Hen Harriers and Buzzards.
Wading on the edge of the Mere, 32 Black-Tailed Godwit were counted, as well as 27 Ruff, 1 Snipe, a large flock of Lapwing, and 6 Oystercatchers.
Until they return to Iceland in the Spring, the Whooper Swan population will remain plentiful at Martin Mere. There are also a few of our native Mute Swans.
Visitors can learn about the Whoopers' migration and enjoy a close view of these wild swans as they are fed *every day* at 3pm in the Discovery Hide.
There is an abundance of overwintering species, such as Pintail, Pochard, Wigeon, Mallard, Greylag Geese, and Pink-Footed Geese. The highest count of Pink-Footed Geese this winter is ~10,000 and the flock is often seen landing on the fields at the back of the mere.
Other resident waterbirds are Shovelers, Tufted Ducks, Coot, Moorhen, Cormorants and Teal. You may spot Great White Egrets, Little Egrets and Grey Herons hunting amongst the reeds. Cattle Egrets are present around our herd of English Longhorn cattle, seen on the path to Gordon Taylor or at Ron Barker hide.
This week, the elusive Water Rail was observed in the vegetation near Janet Kear hide, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was scaling the trees. Another Woodpecker was seen behind Ron Barker hide.
Sightings on the nature trail and outside of Ron Barker hide include: 1 Bullfinch, 1 Stock Dove, House Sparrows, Reed Buntings, Linnet, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Robins, and Ring-Necked Pheasants.
The piercing call of a Kingfisher was heard in the reedbed walk yesterday.
Photograph of a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
