Whooper Swan influx
A trebling of Whooper Swan in the last week with 290 counted this morning. Great to see 16 pairs with juvenile this early including a couple with 5 cygnets.
Pink-footed Geese numbers have dropped back with only ~9000 roosting this morning. We should get a feel for the numbers in the UK as this weekend was a co-ordinated country wide goose count.
Top raptor day with ringtail Hen Harrier ( at one point very close by the Ron Barker Hide), minimum of 4 Marsh Harrier (seen together in one binocular view), juvenile Peregrine (attacking the aforementioned Marsh Harrier), 4+ Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk.
On the wader front 700+ Lapwing, Golden Plover, 22 Ruff, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit and 20+ Snipe.
Nice to see a few Pochard turning up with 25 birds on the Mere (20 male /5 female). Plenty of Teal, Wigeon, Mallard and smaller numbers of Pintail, Gadwall, Shoveler, Shelduck and Tufted Duck.
The Reedbed Starling roost/murmuration is under way with around 5000 coming in last night. Last year the figures topped 50000, a spectacular sight.
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.
