First Whimbrel
Overcast for most of the day with light winds so feeling milder, a little rain in the afternoon. Belated news from Sunday, a note left by visiting birders late on reported a Ring Ouzel on the reserve. This would have been the 4th record for Martin Mere.
The first Whimbrel of the year dropped in with 14 Curlew late afternoon.
At least 3 Little Ringed Plover still, 2 Common Sandpiper on the Mere,
Dunlin and similar numbers of Avocet, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Ruff and
Black-tailed Godwit to previous days.
Better condition for birding on the Reed Bed with Grasshopper warbler in song early on, 2 Sedge Warbler at least 3 Cetti's Warbler, plenty of Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap in the vicinity. Whitethroat singing on Long Hedge. Water Rail squealing, numerous Reed Bunting active and at least one pair of Bullfinch.
Great-crested Grebes showing well on the outer perimeter path around the Reed Bed.
A Raven spent sometime around the reserve late morning much to the consternation of the local Lapwing.
Two Merlin, male and female seen today. As previously mention a cracking
winter/spring for this smart falcon. Not impossible for the first Hobby
to make an appearance in the next week or so.
At least 2 Med Gull present. (pic by Charlie Lowe)
See previous days for a fuller picture of what can be seen on and around the reserve.
