Latest sightings
Latest Sightings
A chilly start to the week with a brisk wind that dropped during the day and plenty of sunshine. Sunset from the other day (Andy Bunting) An increase in Oystercatcher with 41 birds, 1000+ Lapwing, 10 Black-tailed Godw
12 February 2018
Waders
The early spring build up of waders has begun, with increasing numbers of Oystercatchers currently up to 20 birds, also a good count of 128 Ruff, 1-2 Redshank, 1 Curlew, a few groups of Golden Plover in recent days including 30 yesterday. Also still rea
8 February 2018
Let it Snow
Rare for snow to settle at Martin Mere A light dusting of snow is always a delight (if you like that sort of thing). Some brief reports. A mixed flock of 200+ Fieldfare and a few Redwing were seen just off the reserve
6 February 2018
Scaup new for the year
Lovely weather on Sunday, light winds and plenty of sunshine. Late winter birding at it's best Just a brief selection of sightings. Please run through the previous weeks reports for the full picture! A 1st winter drak
4 February 2018
Raptor Fest
A murky start on Saturday clearing later on. Another good raptor day with at least 7 Marsh Harrier on the reserve. A couple of sightings of Merlin in the morning at least, 5+ Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, Peregrine and Sparrowhawk. Roosting Tawny Owl near the Kingf
3 February 2018
Bittern and other birds
Mild on Tuesday followed by some squally wintry showers on Wednesday. Starting off with a Bittern seen from the Outer Reedbed Walk on Tuesday afternoon. It is likely that it is the same bird that was seen earlier in the month. Never an easy bird to catch
31 January 2018
Green Sandpiper and other birds
Early rain followed by blue skies and a chilly wind. No clouds! A brief update. See previous days for a fuller picture. Green Sandpiper from the Harrier Hide is the first for the year, an unusual winter visitor here.
29 January 2018
Weekend Sightings
A calm start to the weekend followed by very mild but windy conditions. Plenty of raptor action as usual with 6+ Buzzard, 4+ Marsh Harrier, 2 Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrel. Tawny Owl roosting near the Kingfisher Hide. Minimum of 300 Whooper Swan
28 January 2018
Redpoll
Lovely day with a frosty start and sunshine until late on. The early morning count of roosting birds produced 5000 Pink-footed Geese and 1400 Whooper Swan. Merlin was the pick of the raptors, at least 5 Marsh Harrier including the green wing-tagged bird,
26 January 2018
Green-winged Teal is back
Early squally showers followed by a brisk South-westerly and sunshine. A few early signs that spring isn't too far around the corner, with a bit of a dawn chorus yesterday in mild conditions, Teal whistling out on the marsh and the arrival of a few more O
24 January 2018
Latest Sightings
After the sleet swept weekend Monday wasn't too bad and the lack of rain meant the raptors were performing. Two Peregrine were causing panic among the Lapwing and clashing themselves (imm + ad), at least 4 Marsh Harrier, 4+ Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and 2 Sparro
22 January 2018
Brambling 'flock'
More winter weather in the past two days with the occasional hail shower strafing the reserve. Saturday looks good weather wise, milder and wetter on Sunday. No real obvious change on the wildfowl front, see previous sightings for approximate counts. Per
19 January 2018
Quite Windy
The wind got up today making viewing more of a challenge and the Martin Mere weather station recorded a gust of over 80 miles per hour yesterday evening. Less wintry showers but still cold. Strong winds and high tides over night tonight may push more wild
17 January 2018
Latest Sightings
After a wet early start it was reasonably mild with good visibility, turning colder throughout the day. Plenty of raptor entertainment with at least 6 Marsh Harrier over wintering and probably roosting within the reserve boundary. Merlin and Peregrine see
15 January 2018
Latest Sightings
Over cast with South-easterlies which as mentioned before is a comfortable wind direction for a lot of the hides. It did feel chilly elsewhere. Similar numbers of wildfowl as of late, see previous sightings for a fuller picture of numbers and species pres
13 January 2018