Latest Sightings
After the sleet swept weekend Monday wasn't too bad and the lack of rain meant the raptors were performing. Two Peregrine were causing panic among the Lapwing and clashing themselves (imm + ad), at least 4 Marsh Harrier, 4+ Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk. Tawny Owl in a roosting spot near the Kingfisher Hide.
Approximate counts 2000+ Pink-footed Geese roosting on the reserve, over 1000 Whooper Swan roosting with around 300-400 coming from 2pm onward, 600+ Greylag, 10 Canada Geese, 2000+ Mallard, c1000 Shelduck, 3000+ Teal, 800+ Wigeon, c500 Pintail, 40+ Gadwall, 20+ Shoveler, 2o+ Pochard, 30+ Tufted Duck, 6 Goldeneye.
Waders; 1500+ Lapwing, 80+, 20+ Snipe, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Redshank and 2 Oystercatcher.
Other reports from the past few days included Treecreeper, Brambling and Bullfinch near the Kingfisher Hide. Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail in the grounds. Goldcrest along the Nature Trail with mixed tit flock (Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed). Also present 2+ Little Egret, 40+ Stock Dove and 60+ Tree Sparrow.
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.
*Top Tip* Bring some paper towels to give the hide windows a wipe between the showers so you don’t have to freeze to death with the hide windows open.
