Latest sightings
Winter birding
A lovely start to the day in sunshine and a single early shower. The wind picked up early afternoon making it feel cooler before some rain at dusk. Over 70 species can be seen on and around the reserve at present. The Firecrest was seen again twice near
20 December 2015
Firecrest still present
The Firecrest was seen again inside the collection area this afternoon, also 3-4 Goldcrest, Coal Tit and Long-tailed Tit. A pair of Bullfinch were also seen here today. A pair of Goldeneye were on the Mere and a Barn Owl was out hunting in the windmill fa
19 December 2015
Bird News.
A good variety of small passerines seen today, with some of the less well birded areas of the reserve being put under greater scrutiny by people searching for the Firecrest which has been present on and off for several days. At least 4 Siskins and 5 Red
18 December 2015
Bird News
The Firecrest was seen again today in the same general area as for the last couple of days. Peregrine, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Marsh Harrier all still present. 40+ Ruff around the Mere 50+ Fieldfare in the car park.
17 December 2015
Firecrest still present
A great days birding to be had on the reserve at the moment with spectacular numbers of wildfowl and Lapwing. It should be possible to see over 60 species in a full days birding around the reserve. That bright light to the
16 December 2015
Firecrest
Bird of the day and new for the year was a Firecrest with two Goldcrest between the Janet Kear and Gladstone Hides. Martin Mere has a good track record of Firecrest and usually once they arrive they do stick around. Listen out for the Goldcrest which are
15 December 2015
Over 13,000 birds!
Counts on the reserve over the weekend included 480 Greylag, 620 Shelduck, 1030 Wigeon, 19 Gadwall, 3030 Teal, 2150 Mallard, 430 Pintail, 33 Shoveler, 25 Pochard, 11 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 18 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 34 Moorhen, 290 Coot and 1000+
14 December 2015
Weekend Reports
Another wet and wild weekend with the best viewing occurring on the chiller Sunday. On both days the potentially elusive Green-winged Teal was found with Eurasian Teal from the Ron Barker Hide before being flushed by hunting Marsh Harrier(s). The return o
13 December 2015
Green-winged Teal
The Green-winged Teal was again on the far side of the Mere this afternoon, although the strong winds made it difficult to find at times, as it was facing head to the wind and therefore with it's back to observers fom the In Focus / Discovery hide side. T
11 December 2015
Bird News
Another raptor day today. similar to yesterday (see map with yesterday's post - it's still relevant), with 3 species of Owls ( Short-eard, Barn, and Tawny) as the stars of the show. A Swan carcass in a field at the back of the Mere provided food for at le
10 December 2015
Three Species of Owl
A three species of owl day today (and yesterday) with Short-eared Owl out hunting beyond Plover Field, 2 Barn Owl early and late on and 2 Tawny Owl roosting along the Nature Trail. Raptor action in the form of 4 different Marsh Harrier over the past coupl
9 December 2015
It's not raining!
It's not raining! The Mere looking special just before the 3pm feed. Best day weather wise for a few weeks. Unseasonably warm in the sun and a reasonably light southerly wind. The Green-winged Teal was seen out on Vin
7 December 2015
Green-winged Teal again
The drake Green-winged Teal was on the Mere from 11:30 onward til the end of the day showing from the in focus shop and the new Discovery Hide next door. Spot the Green-winged Teal.. At least 2 Barn Owl hunting early
6 December 2015
Greenland White-fronted Geese
It barely stopped raining today and the strong winds didn't help anyone birding on the reserve or elsewhere. Star birds of the day were four Greenland White-fronted Geese which flew in onto Sunley's Marsh around 11.30am. G
5 December 2015
Green-winged Teal
Given we have at least 2500 Eurasian Teal on the reserve perhaps it's not so surprising the drake Green-winged Teal has remained so elusive over the past month with only a handful of sightings. Today it was showing well on Sunley's Marsh in the afternoon.
4 December 2015