Tawny Owl
We have a couple of pairs of Tawny Owl on site, one pair at opposite ends of the reserve. The pair near the Kingfisher Hide have been elusive, but today one bird has returned to the regular roosting site allowing visitors to get a look (through ivy) at this impressive owl.
Damp on Saturday until mid afternoon but the forecast looks good after that into next week.
Fifteen species of wildfowl with over 10,000 individual visiting the reserve, including 3000+ Teal, 200+ Pintail, 500+ Shelduck and 600+ Wigeon.
Regular sightings of 6 species of raptor with Merlin seen again today, Peregrine, 4+ Marsh Harrier, 3+ Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
The usual waders with 700+ Lapwing, 70+ Ruff, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit and double figure Snipe.
Assorted gulls visiting the reserve; 800+ Black-headed Gull, 10+ Common Gull, a few Herring Gull, one or two Lesser Black-backed Gull and a regular Great Black-backed Gull worrying wildfowl and waders alike.
A few Grey Heron and Little Egret around the reserve. Stonechat (4+) most on fence posts out in the open areas of the reserve but also on the Reed Bed Walk. Cetti's Warbler (3) calling out on the Reed Bed Walk. Water Rail can occasionally be seen from the Janet Kear Hide, Kingfisher Hide and out on the Reed Bed Walk.
Small flocks of Long-tailed Tit along the Nature Trail, Great, Blue and Coal Tit all present. A few Goldcrest are also about, particularly in areas with Pine trees but not exclusively.
Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting and assorted finches are all visiting the feeding stations along the Nature Trail. Keep an eye out for Siskin and Brambling which have been seen relatively recently.
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.
