Latest sightings
Farmland Birds
An early morning walk around the edge of the reserve produced the first Grey Partridge (2) of the year, also Red-legged Partridge too. A mixed flock of Corn Bunting (10+), Yellowhammer (2), Reed Bunting (4), Linnet (6+), Skylark and Meadow Pipit were fee
23 March 2019
Brambling
A male Brambling from the Janet Kear hide has been showing well on and off all day along with, amongst others, Goldfinch Greenfinch, Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting.On the Mere, up to about 60 Black-tailed Godwits, several of which are in near full breeding
22 March 2019
Bunting-fest
Overcast to start the day with a little misty rain feeling milder and spring like in the afternoon. Top news, the water levels on the Mere are slowly being dropped to the spring/summer levels! A great selection of species seen and heard today. Both Ye
19 March 2019
Sighting Map Sunday
Seven species of raptor; Merlin, Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard. ab
17 March 2019
Woodcock
A few more sightings of Woodcock in the past couple of days. Big thanks to Jim Bevan for this photograph. Other recent wader species recorded; Avocet,Oystercatcher (108), Curlew, Dunlin, Snipe, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Ruff (48) and Black-tailed
13 March 2019
Record Avocet Count
A late afternoon count of Avocet broke the Martin Mere record and possibly Lancashire/North West with 141 birds. Martin Mere played host to the first birds that bred in the North West in 2003 and since that time the birds have been back every year. In the
12 March 2019
Latest Sighting
An adult European White-fronted Goose came in with Pink-footed Geese mid afternoon.Bittern booming again this morning on the Reed Bed.Peregrine was the pick of the raptors today. Tawny Owl and Barn Owl again today.Woodcock showing again along the Nature T
11 March 2019
Hen Harrier again
A new ringtail Hen Harrier has been seen over the last few days, this bird seems to be a juvenile bird while the late Feb bird appeared to be an adult/near adult female type, but no reports of either bird today so far but an immature Marsh Harrier has bee
5 March 2019
Raptor Fest!
A brief update. Check out a few previous days for a fuller picture. If you are visiting the reserve and would like to know what's around or have any sightings to report, pop in to the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide.A great couple of days for rap
27 February 2019
Latest Sightings
Call in at the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide to report any sightings or to get up to date info on what's around and the best spots to see things.Butterflies seen in the past couple of days; Brimestone, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock.
26 February 2019
Latest Sightings
A brief report of today's sightings.A count of 110 Avocet is very close to a record high at Martin Mere. Still early days as more birds continue to arrive. Also today 23 Black-tailed Godwit, 40+ Ruff (including a male developing early breeding plumage), 6
23 February 2019
Bearded Reedlings
A group of 8 Bearded Tit have been seen once again on site, these are almost certainly the birds from October last year which have only been reported a few times since the original sightings last year. The birds were seen independently by two observers to
21 February 2019
Some Counts
Some recent counts. Whooper Swan 720 Pink-footed Geese 1200Wigeon 833 Gadwall 14 Teal 428 Mallard 524 Pintail 242 Shoveler 10 Pochard 60 Tufted Duck 40 Goldeneye 2 Shelduck 555 Greylag Goose 213 Canada Goose 88 Little Grebe 3 Cormorant 36 Gr
20 February 2019
60 Avocet
Colder than the weekend with a strong breezy and a brief shower early morning. Reports from today and the weekend.As expected a further increase of Avocet now 60 birds, mostly loafing around from the Ron Barker Hide. One colour ringed bird present was rin
18 February 2019
Avocet Influx continues
Another cracking day. Probably being spoilt with this weather but lets not complain! Out on the Reed Bed Walk and near the Janet Kear Hide the first Brimestone Butterflies of the year. Folklore has it that butterflies are named 'butter'-'flies' because of
15 February 2019