Long-billed Dowitcher
After a very quiet wader passage in September we had thought we had seen the best until next spring barring a good rarity which indeed happened today with a Long-billed Dowitcher being found by regular watcher Philip Johnson. It's likely that this is the same bird that was found at the weekend on the Ribble but had gone missing for a few days. This is the second record of Long-billed Dowitcher at WWT Martin Mere, the previous being from 1999/2000. The bird was still present late afternoon.
Sticking with the waders 2 Little Stint were seen on Doehyles Marsh by the warden during a cattle round up. At least 800 Lapwing, 70+ Ruff, 30+ Snipe, Dunlin and yesterday a Spotted Redshank.
Plenty of Pink-footed Geese in the area although no recent counts. Whooper Swan numbers are small and current weather prediction suggest it will stay that way for a week or so.
Four Pochard and 6 Tufted Duck on the Mere. At least 1200 Teal, 60+ Gadwall, 40+ Shoveler, 30+ Pintail, 20+ Shelduck present and increasing.
Raptors include Marsh Harrier 3+, 6+ Buzzard, 4 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk and Peregrine. Barn Owl out early and late.
Skylarks and Meadow Pipits on the move into the brisk South-Westerly.
