Latest Sightings
After a wet early start it was reasonably mild with good visibility, turning colder throughout the day.
Plenty of raptor entertainment with at least 6 Marsh Harrier over wintering and probably roosting within the reserve boundary. Merlin and Peregrine seen over the weekend and a minimum of 6 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk present.
A Berwick's Swan was seen near by on Plex Moss with Whooper Swan on Sunday. Numbers on the reserve are approximate but 1000 Whooper Swan and 2000 Pink-footed Geese roosting with around 350 Whooper Swan regularly on the Mere, 600+ Greylag, 6 Canada Geese, 2000+ Mallard, c1000 Shelduck, 2000+ Teal, 800+ Wigeon, c500 Pintail, 40+ Gadwall, 20+ Shoveler, 2o+ Pochard, 30+ Tufted Duck, 6 Goldeneye inc two adult males.
The usual waders; 700+ Lapwing, 80+ Ruff, 20+ Snipe, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Redshank.
A good selection of other birds seen over the past two days including Tawny Owl near the Kingfisher Hide.
Kingfisher(s) from the Gladstone Hide, United Utilities Hide and Ron Barker.
Water Rail(s) again seen from the Ron Barker Hide and UU Hide.
Treecreeper around the Kingfisher Hide area and Brambling again on the feeder to the right of the Kingfisher Hide.
Goldcrests are being seen along the Nature Trail. Around the feeding stations expect Reed Bunting, Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tit.
The usual 50+ Tree Sparrow and 60+ Stock Dove. At least 4 Little Egret around the reserve and 6 Stonechat.
Four Roe Deer again and just off the reserve on Curlew Lane 6 Corn Bunting.
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.
