Latest sightings
Eclipse!
A close up of todays partial eclipse (T. Disley) Eclipse (T. Disley)
20 March 2015
Spotted Redshank
Spotted Redshank in non-breeding plumage, new for the year on the left hand side of Vinson's Marsh early afternoon, viewed from the Ron Barker Hide. Other waders include 50+ Curlew, 40+ Avocet, 100+ Lapwing, 30+ Oystercatcher, 40+ Ruff, 20+ Black-tailed G
18 March 2015
First Chiffchaff
A Chiffchaff on the Nature Trail in song today and present yesterday is probably the first of the spring migrant birds. Chiffchaff have been present since 5th February at least. Adult breeding plumage Med Gull on the Mere 3.45pm at least. Some disturbance
16 March 2015
Bird Sightings
A few sightings from Friday included 2 Dunlin on the Mere as well as a pair of Peregrine hunting around the edge of the reserve and 2 Barn Owl from Ron Barker Hide. Today's sightings: the re-appearance of the male Goldeneye on the Mere, still impressive n
14 March 2015
Sand Martin
Sand Martin new for the year and really the first 'classic' spring migrant. This is one of the earliest records of Sand Martin at Martin Mere. Once all the WWT Martin Mere data has been finally computerised I'll be able to tell you exactly how it fits in!
12 March 2015
Spring!
Very pleasant today indeed even if the wind did feel a little cold inside the hides. Locally the first Sand Martin are turning up although the best we could do today is Chiffchaff opposite the sewage works which has probably been present since January. If
10 March 2015
More Mediterranean Gulls
At least 6 different Mediterranean Gulls (2 pairs plus 2 single birds) this afternoon/evening around the Mere all varying in extent of black and white on the head. Also 2-3000 Black headed Gulls. A pair of adult Mediterra
7 March 2015
Waders & Gulls and Glossy Ibis!
A great time of year on site to enjoy the numbers of spring waders building up and the gathering of the gull colony, the latter going from strength to strength each year. At least 4 Mediterranean Gulls (Adults) today among 1000+ Black headed Gulls on the
6 March 2015
Goldeneye
A drake Goldeneye flew onto the Mere mid morning. Most years a few birds are present throughout the winter, however this is the first record this year, a further indicator of climate change. A morning count produced 1640 Whooper Swan, very high for this
4 March 2015
Mystery Bird Shot
A blustery couple of days keeping many birds tucked in. Waders to the fore with 66 Avocet, 59 Ruff, 60+ Oystercatcher, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, 400+ Lapwing (some now display flying), Redshank, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, Common Snipe and Curlew. Water leve
3 March 2015
73 Avocet
A brief round up of the weekends sightings. As expected the Avocet numbers continue to increase with 73 birds this morning. They were joined by a couple of Curlew along the back of the Mere. Oystercatcher numbers increased 112, also 400+ Lapwing, 60+ Ruff
1 March 2015
Bittern
First sighting of Bittern this year when a bird flew over the path to the Harrier Hide and dropped into the reeds. Last year a bird was heard to 'boom' although as usual it is assumed any Bittern seen at this time of year is just passing through. Avocet n
27 February 2015
Curlew
A brief update. The first Curlew of the year flew over the Mere calling this morning. No surprises to note the Avocet numbers have increased to 20. A flock of 23 Common Snipe was noteworthy. Raptors included Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, 6+ Common Buzzard, 2
25 February 2015
Swan Catch
Last of the winters swan catch occurred this morning in less than ideal condition. The whole event was filmed and will feature on BBC North West as part of Martin Mere's 40th anniversary celebrations. As it happened 40 Whooper Swans were caught, measured
24 February 2015
Latest Sightings
A brief round up of recent activity. Avocet numbers have crept up to 11. At least 2 Ringed Plover, 50+ Ruff, 50+ Oystercatcher, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit, 600+ Lapwing, 2 Redshank and some Common Snipe. We can expect the first Curlew to arrive in the near f
23 February 2015