Back again but this time with more water...
A lovely day with pretty much dawn til dusk sunshine. The last 36 hour previous was characterised by non-stop rain which has meant limited access to the Wildfowl Gardens and that the UU, Harrier, Janet Kear and Gladstone Hides have been closed until the water covering the path subsides.
Boat House Sluice which runs between the UU and Ron Barker Hides over flowed onto the reserve filling Top Mere, Plover Field, Owl Marsh and Outer Vinson's. As many of the fields on the reserve are flooded there is now vast feeding area for all the waterfowl.
When this area flooded in 2012 the invertebrates flushed out by the water caused a two week feeding frenzy. This year with 3000+ Lapwing already on the reserve they are well placed for this potential bounty. A count of 71 Ruff is the highest this winter.
Already it is obvious that Grey Herons, 4 Common Buzzard, 3 Kestrel were taking advantage of any rodents flooded from there hideaways. Four Marsh Harrier hunting today, Peregrine and this morning Merlin from the Ron Barker Hide. Kingfisher from the Ron Barker Hide.
Barn Owls and Tawny Owl seen today. Grey Wagtail in front of the in focus shop. Goldcrest and assorted tits between the Discovery and Ron Barker Hides. Two Stonechat out towards Plover Field. Ross's Goose in front of the Discovery Hide at feeding time!
The main page of the Martin Mere Website has information regarding the current access. We would expect the route down to the Harrier Hide to be open fairly quickly assuming no more rain...
