Waders
Another rain free day to be celebrated and the forecast looks good for the next few days for anyone who has missed the winter spectacle at WWT Martin Mere so far. In four weeks time most of the wintering birds will have departed and the water levels will be reduced to improve the habitat for breeding waders, but for the time being there are still good numbers of Pink-footed Geese, Whooper Swan and 10 species of duck on the reserve.
Today most of the entertainment was provided by waders with 69 Avocet now present, c150 Black-tailed Godwit looking particularly fine in the air flushed by an immature Peregrine. Other waders included a record count(!) for the year so far of Dunlin with 6 (six) birds on Plover Field, 50+ Oystercatcher, c200 Lapwing, 40+ Ruff, Ringed Plover and a few Common Snipe.
Apart from Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, 4+ Common Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk (reliable at the Janet Kear Hide) and 2 Kestrel. The Tawny Owl was siting tight as usual (directions from the in focus shop) and Barn Owl showed well from the UU Hide early on.
A Jay over the Reed Bed Walk was new for the year and a drake Bullfinch was seen from the Kingfisher Hide on the left. Redwing at the start of the Reed Bed Walk near the overflow car park.
