Hen Harrier again
Regular readers of the sightings page will know the best time to go birding at Martin Mere is before, during and after a rain front passes over the reserve. This piece of advice is true of most birding sites but really pays dividends during spring and autumn migration.
I say that as very few birders were present today to witness some excellent views of a ring-tailed Hen Harrier hunting in front of the Ron Barker Hide mid afternoon. The bird was present mid morning. Marsh Harrier morning and afternoon, Peregrine, 6+ Common Buzzard, 4 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk. Tawny Owl again before the Kingfisher Hide, Barn Owl late on.
Now 6 Avocet, 1000+ Lapwing, 60+ Ruff, 50+ Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit and 10+ Common Snipe. A few Golden Plover roosting with Lapwing yesterday.
Small groups of Pink-footed Geese floating around the edge of the reserve. Some waste potatoes delivered this afternoon on Top Mere should bring a few of these birds closer.
Skylarks and Stonechats out on the reserve fields. Little Egret again around the Kingfisher Hide pools.
Should be a good morning out for those booked onto the early morning birding group. We will be unlucky not to see over 50 species. There are a few places left on the March and April morning. More info here Birdwatching Mornings
Ring-tailed Hen Harrier this morning.
