Latest sightings
Hen Harrier
An overcast, cool and moody looking day although no rain until late on. The first Hen Harrier of the autumn/winter, a rintail bird flew North around midday. Other raptors included Marsh Harrier, 2 adult Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrel. With the rec
3 November 2016
Cattle Egret
Beautiful weather, along with a good variety (and number!) of birds has made the past couple of days a joy to experience! Lots of Whooper Swans here, with numbers slowly increasing to the point where there are currently about 600 birds on the Mere. Lots o
2 November 2016
European White-fronts
A brief update. Six European White-fronted Geese (2 adult + 4 juv) with Pink-footed Geese from the Ron Barker Hide early afternoon. C.20000 Pink-footed Geese on the reserve by late afternoon. Possibly more Whooper Swan today although many birds are off th
30 October 2016
Latest Highlights
Compilation of sighting from the past few days. A minimum of 20000 Pink-footed Geese currently roosting. As we go into November the numbers will drop back as birds move on to Norfolk. A White-fronted Goose was present with the flock on friday. No obvious
29 October 2016
Geese and Raptors
Very active across the reserve today with 10-15000 Pink-footed Geese back on the reserve by early afternoon and more roosting. In with the Pink-footed Geese singles of Greenland and European White-fronted Geese and two Barnacle Geese. Three Marsh Harrier
26 October 2016
30050 Pink-footed Geese
Yesterday's roost count of 30050 Pink-footed Geese was the highest of the Autumn so far. The count was part of the coordinated occuring in Lancashire (and elsewhere). The complete figures for Lancashire haven't been complied just yet but the final count w
24 October 2016
Latest Highlights
More light easterlies and ideal viewing as more winter vistors arrive. First Woodcock of the autumn was flush along the Nature Trail path near the Kingfisher Hide. Keep an eye out for this species from the Janet Kear Hide. A definite influx of Goldcrest w
22 October 2016
Latest Highlights
A lovely day with light winds, still warm in the sun and not too cool in the hides. Plenty of Whooper Swan in with at least 300 birds this morning. A few family parties of 3 and 4 young. Always a sight watching Whooper Swa
21 October 2016
Bird News
More swans arrived today, with around 400 on the Mere at dusk. Amongst them was a single Black Swan, an Australian species which is popular in wildfowl collections, and which has been recorded every year recently with returning Whoopers. The have also bee
20 October 2016
Whoopers Return !!
The change of wind direction yesterday was exactly what the Whooper Swans have been waiting for, with around 170 arriving on the Mere overnight, and over 300 present by late afternoon. Numbers of Pink-footed Geese also seem to have increased, but no accu
19 October 2016
25,500
Highest count of the autumn so far if Pink-footed Geese with 25500 in the roost this morning. Great time of year to pick out rarer geese among these flocks. No Whooper Swan influx as yet although this coming week should bring birds in.
17 October 2016
White-fronts and Yellow-brow
Another classic autumn day with plenty of bird action throughout. Two European White-fronted Geese dropped in around 1pm with Pink-footed Geese. Record day counts of this species have been recorded along the East Coast in recent days so it's possible more
16 October 2016
Barnacle Goose and other birds
Early start with mistly rain followed by clearing conditions into a very pleasant afternoon. Good numbers of Pink-footed Geese started to arrive onto the reserve late morming onward. A single Barnacle Goose was picked out among the pinks. No roost count i
15 October 2016
Bird News
First Brambling of the autumn which was seen on and around the feeders at the Janet Kear hide several times throughout the day. Will it be a big year for this species? Only time will tell. At least one Redwing was in the collection area this morning, and
13 October 2016
Latest Highlights
The classic autumn viewing at Martin Mere continues with new arrivals of Pink-footed Geese and wildfowl to scan through. The roost count from Monday morning produced just under 16000 Pink-footed Geese. The previous days European White-fronts indiciting ne
11 October 2016