Some Wildfowl Counts and other birds
Sunny and clear with a fresh cool wind today. Mostly increasing numbers of wildfowl visiting the reserve bar the Pink-footed Geese which have dropped to 5300.
An increase in Whooper Swan roosting with 802 birds. Further counts; Mallard 2900, Teal 2660, 400+ Shelduck, 180+ Wigeon, 50+ Pintail, 36 Shoveler, 22 Pochard, 22 Tufted Duck, 6+ Gadwall and still one female Goldeneye.
Feral geese included ~450 Greylag and 10 Canada. Further water bird counts produced 178 Moorhen, 104 Coot, 17 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron and 3 Little Egret.
The usual waders with 500+ Lapwing, 53 Ruff, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 10+ Snipe and a Green Sandpiper, the later from the Harrier Hide.
Good for raptor with 5+ Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 4+ Buzzard, 3 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
Other sightings included 4+ Stonechat, moulting adult Med Gull, Kingfisher and just off the reserve Corn Bunting and Grey Partridge.
Check out a few days of the previous sighting to get a fuller picture as to what can be seen on the reserve.
It should be possible to see over 60 species in a full days bird watching at Martin Mere. If you would like to know the best spots, up to date info or to report any sightings then please call in at the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide.
Don’t forget the North West Birdwatching Festival is coming on the 24-25th November. Lots going on and entrance is free to members. (Link below)
https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/experience/north-west-bird-watching-festival/
