Latest Sightings
It's been an incredibly beautiful few days at Martin Mere, with the sun showing its face and it finally beginning to feel like spring! During the sunny weather we've been able to get out and have a little look for the Siberian Chiffchaff, and to our delight they are still with us! It has also been reported by visitors that there has been a possible sighting of up to 5 individuals. The Siberian Chiffchaff is a subspecies of the Common Chiffchaff, and can be distinguished from the latter by its longer buff-white supercilium (eyebrow marking) as well as the upper body being a grey-brown hue, and lower body having a white colour with some yellow in. In addition, the Siberian's song is of a higher pitch and its cheet call is short and high pitched. The little leaf warbler can be seen up near the United Utilities plant and is often seen foraging for insects or on protruding branches on the edge of the tree line. Luckily, Nick Brooks has managed to take a wonderful photo of the bird and it features as our image this week!
Also sighted on the reserve over the weekend were two Little-ringed Plovers which were seen over at the United Utilities Hide in the reed area near to the Canada Geese. This sighting is the earliest county record for the species and were last seen on Sunday 27th February. A male Hen Harrier has also been spotted in the same area, flying over on a few days last week so keep your eyes out for him!
