Cetti's Warbler, a first for the reserve.
A brilliant day's birding at Martin Mere with no less than 4 new birds added to the year list; Kingfisher, Golden Plover, Corn Bunting and last but by no means least, Cetti's Warbler. The bird [...]
A brilliant day's birding at Martin Mere with no less than 4 new birds added to the year list; Kingfisher, Golden Plover, Corn Bunting and last but by no means least, Cetti's Warbler. The bird was actually heard to call briefly very late on the 23rd. It steadfastly kept quiet in the rain yesterday morning but thankfully fully confirmed itself today. Lancashire's first Cetti's Warbler occurred in 1990 and there have been a steady increase in records in the North West, so much so, that the first confirmed breeding birds occurred in 2010 at Marton Mere LNR.
To attempt to see the Cetti's Warbler (they are alot easier to hear!) head down to the Reed Bed Walk, and view/listen approximately 50m before the first viewing platform on the right hand side.
If you click below you can hear what it sounds like. This recording was done in the Netherlands in spring time.
http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/uploaded/PKWMZIRVUO/12200.100403.cettiszangerHuizerpierfiltered.mp3
Corn Bunting singing in Poplar trees along the back of the Reed Bed Walk, also a couple Song Thrush in song there too and 5 Fieldfare.
At least 2 Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier and Merlin hunting and Short-eared Owl from the United Utilities Hide. Other raptors included 2 Peregrine, 2 Common Buzzard, Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk. A male Sparrowhawk took a Greenfinch from the Janet Kear Hide feeding station and a female grabbed a Stock Dove in front of the Raines Hide but it managed a very luck escape.
More Pink-footed Geese on the reserve during the day with around 500 birds. Twenty plus Barnacle Geese feeding on Plover Field with the Pinks.
Golden Plover over with Lapwing and 40+ Ruff on the Mere.
Kingfisher from the Ron Barker Hide and Bewick's Swan from there also.
Willow Tit and Treecreeper from the Janet Kear Hide. Also Stoat there.
First butterfly of the year, a Peacock in front of the in focus shop.
If that wasn't enough, the moth trap was put out last night and a new moth for the reserve was recorded, Acleris hastiana, one of the early flying Tortricidae micro moths, picture to follow.
AB
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