Red-necked Phalarope
A cracking female Red-necked Phalarope found on Vinson's Marsh by Gordon Taylor (who now has all the world's phalaropes on his 'self-found list!). Present 16:00 pm at least.
The phalarope family, which contains three species, is unusual for it's role reversal of males and females. The females arrive latter on the breeding grounds and are bigger and more brightly coloured than the males who stay and incubate the eggs after the female has left.
Martin Mere is arguably the best spot in Lancashire to stumble upon phalaropes during the migration season. The reserve has recorded all three species, with 3 records of the rarer Wilson's Phalarope and even a nearly complete breeding plumage female Grey (Red) Phalarope on one occasion. In fact in the autumn of 1991 the reserve recorded all three species on site on the same day which is probably unique in the western palearctic.
Drake Garganey on Langley's Brook.
Ad Med Gull on the Mere best viewed on the close island from the Raines Hide. Breeding plumage male Ruff seen again today, 2+ Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin as well as the usual breeding birds.
