Latest sightings
Latest Sightings
Two Drake Garganey on the Mere then on Woodend Marsh. A Wood Sandpiper dropped in on the Mere then flew off south, possibly a new bird. Five Ringed Plover on Woodend Marsh are new in, also 2 Dunlin there and a Common Sandpiper. Two Whimbrel on the Mere l
30 April 2019
Pectoral Sandpiper
A good start to the day with a Pectoral Sandpiper found on Woodend Marsh. Martin Mere has had quite a few spring 'Pecs' over the years although generally they are pretty much annual autumn birds. (Below Pectoral Sandpiper with Redshank) Two new wader spec
29 April 2019
Migrant arrivals
The first Whinchat and Lesser Whitethroat of the year, both found in the afternoon. The Whinchat, a male, was out on Plover Field and the Lesser Whitethroat was in the hedge between the two Reed Bed Platforms. The Martin Mere reserve year list is now 130
28 April 2019
Wood Sandpiper still present
Fine to start with followed by a rain front until mid afternoon. First Swift of the year. Always good to get a April Swift. Wood Sandpiper (below) still present on Woodend Marsh. Also on Woodend, 7 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 60+ Avo
26 April 2019
Three drake Garganey
Two drake Garganey this morning on Sunley's Marsh were joined by the third bird in the afternoon. Wood Sandpiper on Woodend and briefly on the Mere. Also 6 Dunlin, 10 Ruff, 70 Avocet, 2 Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Ringed Plover and Ringed Plo
25 April 2019
Wood Sandpiper new for the year
A great time to catch up with Whimbrel in Lancashire. Our featured photograph shows a handful of Whimbrel that dropped in on the Mere briefly early afternoon. Approximately 30 birds came in from the South, bathed before moving off North. A little later, w
24 April 2019
Common Tern and other arrivals
Slightly overcast early on with the sun coming through late morning. We still have the easterly airflow which will continue to drift migrant birds into the region. The rain in the forecast could prove interesting in the next couple of days, grounding bird
23 April 2019
A reserve full of waders and warblers
A beautiful sunny day on the reserve with a great selection of waders and warblers to see and hear.
21 April 2019
Cuckoo
A good couple of days with our first Cuckoo being heard and seen yesterday and still present today, heard and seen near the Ron Barker Hide today and from the UU Hide yesterday. Other new sightings for the year included a male Ring Ouzel this morning, tho
20 April 2019
Greenshank new for the year.
A Greenshank flew in calling early on heading towards Vinsons/Sunleys Marsh. Waders today; Lapwing, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit and Curlew. Six Wheatear in the fields adjacent to the
18 April 2019
Wheatear influx
An obvious influx of Wheatear overnight with at least 5 birds on the reserve. Check out the fields next to the railway crossing beyond Long Hedge. Also there 10+ Corn Bunting, Linnet, Skylark and Pied Wagtail. A Green Sandpiper on Woodend Marsh is new i
17 April 2019
First Whimbrel
Overcast for most of the day with light winds so feeling milder, a little rain in the afternoon. Belated news from Sunday, a note left by visiting birders late on reported a Ring Ouzel on the reserve. This would have been the 4th record for Martin Mere. T
16 April 2019
Whitethroat new for the year.
Another chilly start. Looking forward to the week progressing into some proper spring weather. A Whitethroat singing towards the end of Long Hedge was new for the year, joining Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Cetti's Warbler all vocal today throu
15 April 2019
Eight species of Raptor!
Sunday updates on the go. A flock of 66 Curlew dropped in along the back of the Mere for an hour mid morning.Two Common Sandpiper on the Mere. At least 2 Little Ringed Plover, 17 Ruff, 70+ Avocet, 40+ Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 50+ Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Oyster
14 April 2019
Grasshopper Warbler
Another frosty start and plenty of sunshine. A Grasshopper Warbler was heard reeling on the Reed Bed between the second platform and the Sewage Works, an early record here. At least two Bearded Tit on the Reed Bed again this morning. Common Sandpiper on t
13 April 2019