Another meet-up with old mates from school. 49 Species seen. Song Thrush and Cetti's Warbler heard only
Red-breasted Goose Whooper Swan 8 species of duck inc Pochard, Pintail, Wigeon.
Cattle Egret minimum 2 seen on the reserve - and actually on the backs of the cattle, but there were groups of 4 and approx. 12 egret type birds glimpsed through the hedges just before reaching the reserve as we drove in from Burscough Great White Egret 1 in flight from the Discovery hide. It or another was working its' way along the channel running from the Mere to Ron Barker Hide later in the afternoon
Barn Owl 2 hunting the outer fields and marshes. One was quite close to the UU Hide at one point, sharing the area with immature Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard and male Kestrel. The other, well right, had a strikingly white set of primaries to both wings. Red Kite 1 flew through from the direction of Scarisbrick passing to the right of the Ron Barker Hide mid-afternoon. Sparrowhawk 2 - female through the area between the entrance area and the Discovery Hide as we arrived, then a male through over the pool at the Janet Kear Hide as we were getting ready to leave. Male and possibly female Great Spotted Woodpecker on the feeders here, but no sign of any Bramblings for us.
Avocet 3 in with the Lapwing, Oystercatchers and Black-tailed Godwits on the Mere.
Kingfisher 1(male) on the pool to the left of the Ron Barker Hide.
Andrew Jeffery said
Mon Jan 15 8:19 AM, 2024
Decided to come here for our annual trip on Sunday, highlights included:
Whooper Swan
Pink Footed Geese
Red Breasted Goose
Pintail
Teal
Wigeon
Shelduck
Black Tailed Godwit
Lapwing
Little Egret
Great White Egret
14 Cattle Egret
4 Marsh Harrier
4 Buzzard
Cetti's Warbler
steven burke said
Sat Dec 16 10:41 PM, 2023
The red breasted goose was on show on one of the islands viewed from the screens to the left of the discovery hide on my arrival. Later just after the 3pm feed it was then showing ridiculously close in front of the discovery hide. All the usual stuff around...
The Red-breasted Goose was far less active during our visit today, spending most of its' time asleep on one of the larger islands in the Mere. The liveliest it got was when a Lapwing seemed to peck it in the rump! The two in the enclosure with the Flamingos were far more active. Only two snipe in front of the screens but nice and close for the photographers. Apart from a single Godwit they were the only waders we could find on the Mere other than the Lapwings. Problems with the trains cut into our time so a short visit to the Janet Kear Hide and a lunch stop in the Harrier Hide (with one Cattle Egret visible among the distant herd) were all we had time for before heading off to Marshside for the afternoon. A couple of Grey Partidge in the field opposite the car park entrance were nice to see.
Andy Slee said
Thu Dec 14 5:38 PM, 2023
A visit for longer than intended today after dawn at Hesketh Out Marsh. Intended to spot the Red-breasted Goose to get it on my list as a firm tick upgrading a potential plastic at Redesmere eons ago.
No Red-breasted Goose showing as I arrived at Discovery Hide or the spots seen the last few days. Started out at the furthest new hides via Rees Hide and saw Barn Owl, Marsh Harrier, Raven and Sparrowhawks flushing the Lapwing numbers of times. Four Cattle Egret with the cattle to the west end of the reserve.
Back to the screens on the Mere RBGoose had been seen at Discovery Hide, hike back there. Now reported as being visible from United Utilities Hide so hike back there picking up plenty of birds on the feeders. Now RBGoose reported as being with Greylags near Ron Barker hide ("report" being word of mouth rather than bird services). On the march again, nice group of 10 Snipe 10 feet from the Mere screen on the way past and the beauty of Pintails never fails to amaze.
Popped in Discovery hide "oh was here feeding on the scrape, moved off 10 minutes ago though". At this point I'm starting to think my visit will only get the plastic RBGoose in the Pens just between the visitor centre and the Discovery Hide.
Off to Ron Barker. Cracking pair of Ruff in front of Raines on the way. Get to Ron Barker Hie to see the Greylags flying back to the Mere (carrier group of later for the RBGoose).
Return on the off chance I go back into Raines hide. Finally get put onto the RBGoose "asleep on a spit in the reeds behind the Shelduck"........wait an hour, get one very brief view of the goose raising its head, then back to roost.
Times up time to go home, pop into the Discovery hide for a last five minutes to see if there are better sightlines on the Goose.........only for it to take off, fly round the Mere twice and land five foot in front of the hide!
69 species for the day at Martin Mere so a very productive day and upgrading the RBG from plastic to authentic is my 300 lifer!!!!
-- Edited by Andy Slee on Thursday 14th of December 2023 05:39:31 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 14th of December 2023 05:42:02 PM
A visit for a few hours last week and the highlight of the day was the ringtail Hen Harrier which showed last week on a number of days. It was my 4th Hen Harrier here since 2011 and I have only visited a few times a year whilst for a site regular it was his first. He spotted it first. Only managed 3 more birds of prey - Kestrel Buzzard and Marsh Harriers including 2 winged tagged ones from Norfolk and Suffolk. Someone needs to tell them East Anglia is warmer than Lancashire. I usually get 5 birds of prey quite easily here. Other highlights were at least 16 Cattle Egret although 22 have been reported which must be one of the highest counts this far North. 4 Great White Egrets was a high Lancashire count for me away from Marshside and Leighton Moss. Bittern was reported a few days before my visit and a Purple Heron on the day of my visit and before. One was present last year. Brenda from Bristol might say "oh not not another one!"
Lots of Snipe and Lapwing and a Green Sandpiper but no other waders. Lots of waterfowl and the Whooper Swans are returning.
John Watson said
Fri Aug 18 9:51 AM, 2023
We probably met, Phil !
For me, somewhat different sightings - just shows how stuff moves about at this huge site
1 Hobby (v distant, looking W), someone else had seen 2
1 Little Egret
2-3 Marsh Harriers, looked like a female training a juvenile
22 Ruff (the area in front of the new Gordon Taylor hide has good wader potential)
6 Snipe
2 Common Sandpipers
2 Buzzard
NO Cattle Egrets - everyone kept telling me they'd just seen them, so off I trotted, then someone else said they were somewhere else ...
NO sign of Pectoral Sandpiper despite hard search
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Thu Aug 17 7:54 PM, 2023
Not been for ages. Good to see old In focus building being used for logging sightings and good views of the mere.
A few highlights.
Greenshank 3 Green Sandpiper 1 Ruff 6+ Black-tailed Godwit 6+ Snipe 8 Little Egret 2 Cattle Egret 2 Hobby 1 Buzzard 2 Marsh Harrier 1 Kestrel 1 Shelduck 1 Pochard 1 male. Yellow Wagtail 1 Tree Sparrow 2...Just 1 heard, along left from the gate on the Ron Barker Hide path. A lot of tweeting, so probably at least 2 but area not accessible. etc.etc.etc.
50 species.
steven burke said
Sun Aug 13 8:52 PM, 2023
1-4.30pm
Much the same as Richards recent Post..
Pectoral sandpiper, distant at the back of the mere. 5 cattle egrets 1 little egret 1 grey heron 3 ruff 1 dunlin 1 redshank 2 greenshank 3 green sandpipers 1 common sandpiper Plenty of lapwings 1 marsh harrier 1 kestrel 1 peregrine 1 kingfisher Teal, shoveler, gadwall Swallows, house Martins & few sand Martins
Several Black tailed godwits
And for me also just like Richard, this is my 2nd visit this year & not found a single tree sparrow
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 13th of August 2023 08:59:12 PM
Richard Thew said
Fri Aug 11 7:29 PM, 2023
Had a trip out and was itching to especially see the Pectoral sandpiper, only ever seen once before in 2014.... but at a distance. 43 species seen and nice to explore the new extended trails and hides, long overdue.
So, my first task was to see the Pectoral sandpiper, and after 20 minutes, i found it..... but, at a distance, further than the first view at Leighton Moss. Oh well, nice to add it to the year list anyway.
Other highlights include 4x Cattle egrets (the reported fifth must have been behind the island) Snipe x2 Greenshank x2 Green sandpiper Common sandpiper Ruff Dunlin (with the Pectoral and a good comparison too) Black tailed godwit Stock dove Little grebe
This is the 2nd visit in a row where I could'nt find any Tree sparrows (the other in January), totally unheard of in my textbook (records going back to 2001). I used to go anytime of year and guarunteed to see them and they were in abundance too. But, over the last 10 years, ive noted a steady decline. I went to the Near-by Mere Sands Wood at 3pm and even on their sightings board; no Tree sparrow. Thanks to Mike's post, at least they are still about somewhere.
Ta!
Andy Slee said
Thu Jul 6 7:15 PM, 2023
A lunchtime visit whilst passing to go to the [new to me] hides; Tomlinson and Rees (turned out to be a bit of an ambitious lunch stop....!).
Both had great view of the scrapes and waders were the theme of the day with Ruff (1), Green Sandpiper (3), Common Sandpiper (1), Greenshank (1), Avocets + chicks, Snipe (2), Redshank (2), Black-tailed Godwits, Curlew, Lapwing all present. Autumn is definitely here.
And from the Ron Barker Hide a taste of Winter with 4 Whooper Swans and a Pink-footed Goose (residents one presumes).
5 Common Tern inc Juv on the main Mere.
Great views of Marsh Harriers of all ages and plumages
-- Edited by Andy Slee on Thursday 6th of July 2023 07:15:55 PM
Mike Chorley said
Wed May 31 3:19 PM, 2023
30/05/2023 10.30 - 16.30 Mainly a meet up with mates from school on part of our old patch. Comparatively quiet but a good walk and variety of wildlife
53 species (of birds) between us. Not many raptors with only 1 Marsh Harrier seen, 1 Kestrel and a maximum of 5 Common Buzzards. Just missed the male Hobby. Lots of Lapwing (but not many chicks!) although the Avocets certainly had plenty. Otherwise just 1 distant Ringed Plover from the Ron Barker Hide. Shelduck seem to have done well, there were some Greylag goslings and a super-creche of around 30 Canada goslings crossing one of the muddy areas like a line of school children, with just two adults supervising while the rest of the parents got on with feeding. Common Terns were bringing in food to the small nesting group - despite the recent BTO report listing them as being a loss for my childhood postcode. Reed Warblers singing everywhere, around 6 Cetti's calling, a couple of Chiffchaffs, one Blackcap and just one, quite showy Sedge Warbler. Another birder had heard a warbler song he didn't recognise while he was in the United Utilities hide. According to an app on his phone, the best match was an Icterine Warbler! He didn't believe it either Best of the day were 2 Common Quail heard from the field behind Thompson hide, Tree Sparrows on the feeders at Kingfisher hide and a Cattle Egret among the Long-horn Cattle from Ron Barker hide.
Butterflies, moths, dragon- and damsel-flies, the odd interesting plant and a Brown Rat were among the 'Other Wildlife' sightings.
John Williams said
Mon Feb 6 7:09 PM, 2023
The Yellow Browed Warbler was still showing near the sewage farm around 14.00 today.
Also within the same area were 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, together with another likely "Tristis".
4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Stonechat were also recorded near there too, with an obvious abundance
of midges and gnats in the area to tempt insect eaters.
Wrens, Robins together Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits were clearly also attracted to the banquet of flies.
On the main reserve the only raptors I could find were 4 Buzzards and a couple of Kestrels.
2 Ruffs and 5 Curlews were amongst the usual waders, and surprisingly numerous Pintails amongst the ducks.
Chris Harper said
Mon Jan 23 2:53 PM, 2023
Park on main entrance. It is free and no obligation to use the reserve. Plus there are toilets.
Well signposted.
Phil Barnett said
Mon Jan 23 1:47 PM, 2023
Chris Harper wrote:
09:30-12
Stuck to the reedbed trail around the outside of the reserve...it's free.
Yellow Browed Warbler showed well by sewage works with at least 1 Siberian Chiffchaff.
Also 3 Marsh Harrier, Corn Bunting, 6 Stonechat, 3 Common Snipe, 30 Meadow Pipit, 40 Whooper Swan, Fieldfare, 6 Redwing beyond sewage works towards Burscough Bridge.
Where did you park Chris?
Chris Harper said
Sat Jan 21 4:54 PM, 2023
09:30-12
Stuck to the reedbed trail around the outside of the reserve...it's free.
Yellow Browed Warbler showed well by sewage works with at least 1 Siberian Chiffchaff.
Also 3 Marsh Harrier, Corn Bunting, 6 Stonechat, 3 Common Snipe, 30 Meadow Pipit, 40 Whooper Swan, Fieldfare, 6 Redwing beyond sewage works towards Burscough Bridge.
Nick Hilton said
Fri Oct 7 9:23 PM, 2022
Juvenile Purple Heron showed well between 1330-1400hrs today.
2 Cattle Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Egret, >6 Cettis Warbler, 1 Raven, 3 Swallow, 11 Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Geese, plus usual supporting cast.
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Thu Oct 6 8:23 PM, 2022
No Purple Heron but:
Cattle Egret 2, even sat on cattle. Little Egret 1 Marsh Harrier 5 Buzzard 3 Kestrel 4 Sparrowhawk 1 Green Sandpiper 3 Ruff 1 Snipe 15+ Whooper Swan 5 so far. Wigeon 30+ Pintail 3 Pochard 6 Pinkfeet Geese Common Gull 3 Cetti's Warbler 3 heard. Stonechat 1 male. Grey Wagtail 3 etc.etc.etc.
53 species.
Tony Coatsworth said
Wed Sep 21 5:43 PM, 2022
I was unlucky today with the Purple Heron that was seen approx 3 times from the Ron Barker Hide - every time I was in a different hide and missed it!
There was a Water Rail running around that was misidentified as a Spotted Crake.
Also 4 Cattle Egret with the Longhorn cows by the main lake.
1 each of Sedge + Reed Warbler, lots more singing but not seen
2 Mediterranean Gull
Heard only
Grasshopper Warbler + Water Rail Reedbed walk
1 Cuckoo distantly from Ron Barker Hide
Richard Thew said
Fri Apr 29 8:28 PM, 2022
I wanted somewhere to relax for my day off. (Original plans changed due to slow start of season)
56 species seen, Highlights include:
Corn bunting Tree sparrow Mediterranean gull Common tern Marsh harrier Buzzard Pochard Wigeon Little grebe Reed warbler Sedge warbler Skylark Avocet Ruff
Ta!
I cut my visit short as my head wasn't feeling great.
Rob Creek said
Fri Apr 15 8:00 PM, 2022
Good Friday.
- 1 Corn Bunting singing on wires along Red Cat Lane just south of the reserve
Stephen Wende said
Tue Apr 5 5:56 PM, 2022
Visit on 05/04/22 56 species seen including
1 male Garganey
2 Marsh Harrier
30+ Avocet
20+ Black Tailed Godwit
1 Ruff
2 Great Crested Grebe
David Hughes said
Fri Mar 18 5:12 PM, 2022
Willow warbler 3 at least by sewage works
Richard Thew said
Tue Feb 15 10:39 PM, 2022
This was to be the only day this free week that I can get out for the day - largely due to the weather forcast! Hence, Martin mere was the best option, and proved to be the correct one too.
With 56 species seen- Highlights include:
Brambling showed very well, with at least x4 individuals confirmed, likely more. Black tailed godwits proved to be showing off too, wonderful to watch the squabbling dramas between them with 2 in summer plumage already! Great spotted woodpecker x2 in a brief argument at the main feeders. Avocet x12 were a surprise, though these were distant at the back of the mere.
I stumbled across a Chiffchaff, and while to me, a Chiffchaff is a Chiffchaff wherever it's from, but the Collins book app in saying how different the Siberian Chiffchaff is especially by it's song, so I thought I'd at least make some effort to find it again to see if it was the Siberian bird and confirmed it I did. There are also several Common Chiffchaff present too.
Other Highlights include:
Tree sparrow Great white egret Marsh harrier x3 Buzzard Little grebe Pochard Pintail Wigeon Great black backed gull x2 Lesser black backed gull x1 Oystercatcher Ruff Stock dove
A good day after almost 700 pictures to sort through too, and the first batch I've had this year too besides the Water pipit last month.
Ta!
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Wednesday 16th of February 2022 08:20:11 AM
Tony Coatsworth said
Wed Feb 2 4:35 PM, 2022
Good numbers of Brambling on the feeders this morning - at least six. Also a few Greenfinch which are getting scarce now.
I saw 4 Siberian Chiffchaff by the sewage works though five were reported. They ranged from a very pale grey bird to darker brownish birds.
Plus the usual ducks, geese, Whooper Swans and Marsh Harriers.
A last minute decision to go this morning based on the weather turned into an enjoyable few hours. It was notable the dearth of birders on site, whether that is due to Coronavirus or something else I don't know, but to be sat alone in the Ron Barker hide for 2/3 hours is not something I expected. Anyway, the highlights of todays sightings were:
Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Common Buzzard, Ruff - including a stunning white headed bird, Great White Egret, usual excellent numbers of wildfowl but sadly no sign of the Green-winged teal from earlier in the week despite lots of scrutiny of the teal flocks.
David Hughes said
Tue Nov 2 4:04 PM, 2021
Swan goose 1 from UU hide,also 5 marsh harriers in a close group
Andrew Jeffery said
Sat Oct 23 8:31 PM, 2021
First time visit today - very nice. 59 species highlights being Marsh Harrier, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Cettis Warbler & Marsh Tit as well as the expected Whooper Swan and other waterfowl.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 23rd of October 2021 10:17:25 PM
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Sat Oct 16 3:52 PM, 2021
A few highlights from Friday, October 15th.
Great White Egret 1 Little Egret 1 Little Stint 1 Ruff 10+ Snipe 5+ Water Rail 2 heard. Cetti's Warbler 6 heard. Buzzard 5 Marsh Harrier 2 Kestrel 1 Whooper Swan 90+ Pink-footed Geese 200+ Stonechat 5 plus all the expected Duck and regular species.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 16th of October 2021 04:55:40 PM
Sarfraz Hayat said
Wed Aug 11 10:44 PM, 2021
I visited just over a month ago and managed to see a Cuckoo, potentially breeding Marsh Harriers which may have been confirmed by now I think and Mediterranean Gulls. A Pochard with quite large young of course must be a major success as they are in quite serious decline. Banded Demoiselle in the brook was a first in Lancashire for me. I have only ever seen this species in Kent. I could not help but think that large pockets of the reedbed seem to have considerable willow scrub in. I wonder if this is the reason why Bitterns aren't breeding yet in which is said to be Lancashire's second biggest reedbed now.
Richard Thew said
Mon May 31 9:10 PM, 2021
I had arranged a day out with and for my household, of which, 2 members haven't been out for a trip for 2 years at least! So under current circumstances, Martin Mere seemed like the best option and it worked out very well, with many hides remaining quiet.
I didn't get chance to see everything that was around (at least 6 extras were heard only) but 51 species were seen.
Top highlight was a Cuckoo calling outside the Ron barker hide, and I watched as it flew overhead out towards the Marsh.
Other Highlights include:
Avocet close for a few moments. Redshank x1 Oystercatcher x3 Marsh harrier x2 Wigeon x2m Teal x2+ Pintail x2 Little grebe Common tern x8+ Jay Whitethroat Reed warbler Chiffchaff Blackcap x3 close breifly Stock dove x3 Skylark House martin Swift
Ta!
John Watson said
Wed May 19 9:30 AM, 2021
Hi David The Eider you saw on the Wyre were wild. There are a few in the region in winter, don't know if they breed this far South (Walney perhaps?)
The ones at Martin Mere are captive, even if they move around a little. They've likely got clipped wing feathers to prevent them from flying, but even if they haven't then they won't be inclined to move away from where they get fed
Eider are a sea duck, rarely naturally seen inland, and breed further North. They naturally eat crustaceans and molluscs, not sure what they give them at MM
David Hughes said
Tue May 18 6:57 PM, 2021
Hi Rob,eider there again today on the pool not the mere,ill just ignore the pools as i do already, the eider is free to roam, i have seen them on the wyre before now.thanks all for your input.
Rob Creek said
Tue May 18 12:06 PM, 2021
Hi David, there are a few important factors to consider here so that your question isn?t misinterpreted or that what you stated alongside the original question isn?t overlooked.
There are many rare and ornamental species at M.M. that are obviously part of the reserve?s collection and wouldn?t count on any list, and you did say you wouldn?t count caged birds or birds on the visitor centre ponds. The Eiders are always there and part of the collection Im sure.
But it must be taken into account that one of these could potentially fence hop onto the main reserve, and vice versa whereby a wild bird lands in the enclosures. So based on what you said there is a risk of confusing a tickable with a non-tickable bird depending on where it was.
I remember a few years back at Slimbridge, I went to see the Black-winged Stilts, one of them apparently had landed in one of the enclosures, but as people rushed round to see it - it flew back onto the main reserve. Food for thought!
David Hughes said
Tue May 18 7:06 AM, 2021
Hi Sarfraz, the bird in question was eider,often in the pool by the visitor centre and sometimes on the mere.
Sarfraz Hayat said
Mon May 17 9:45 PM, 2021
Hi David,
Which species are you talking about? Some of those that have "fence-hopped" or not even on the British List. If a Flamingo managed to fly out onto the mere, would it become a wild bird? It needed direct human intervention to end up at Martin Mere so not really a wild bird at all. I doubt anyone would tick it. What you put on your list is your personal choice but if you manage 700 species because of birds that have hopped over fences or escaped from captivity then that would be higher than the official British list which is about 600-620?
I was working in the Ormskirk area last week and stopped off for a few hours on the way back. The highlights were a Great White Egret, a Cuckoo calling and an Avocet right in front of the viewing screens. 2 laps around the reedbed produced lots of Warblers but no one giving itself up for a decent photo. The Cuckoo was calling from the trees in the wildlife pens and visitor centre. A few Common Terns were also present and a minimum of 3 Corn Buntings at the nearby Curlew Lane. Sadly no Yellow Wagtails here.
-- Edited by Sarfraz Hayat on Monday 17th of May 2021 09:47:02 PM
John Watson said
Thu May 13 11:02 AM, 2021
Should probably be in the Discussion threads
Everyone does what they want for their own list
I don't think you'll find many who will tick a cage bird, whether it's in or near its cage. What's the point? You could go to Lakeland Wildlife Oasis and tick Von der Decken's Hornbill, but why would you? (just picking an extreme example)
Go to Kenya instead to see it (when allowed) - far more fun!
David Hughes said
Thu May 13 10:26 AM, 2021
Question,...is it right to count birds at martin mere for a year list if they are captive or semi captive?if they are out on the mere and environment i count them,if they are in cages or even on the ponds by visitor centre then i dont. Your opinions please
-- Edited by David Hughes on Thursday 13th of May 2021 10:28:21 AM
Richard Thew said
Fri Apr 30 8:17 PM, 2021
..... continued from Marshside (total species = 76, Martin mere (short visit) = 54
The hides are closed (as I already knew) due to the restrictions, so viewing is limited but the reedbed walk was very productive.
Highlights include:
Red legged partridge x2 Reed warbler showing well through the reeds. Common sandpiper x2 Common tern x2 Marsh harrier Stock dove Wheatear x1f Corn bunting (breifly) A couple of tree sparrows
Ta!
Sarfraz Hayat said
Sat Jan 9 11:35 PM, 2021
I managed to visit on the 24th of December after visiting Mere Sands Wood and the main highlights were a Great Egret - there may have been 2 present, Cetti's Warbler and at least 4 Little Egret. Oystercatcher and Curlew present too. It was a nice visit with all the expected species. Strange to think in Lancashire I have seen Great Egret, Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler and Mediterranean Gull (seen at Mere Sands Wood) on a cold winters day!
Great Egrets are becoming more regular here and almost resident it seems.
On the WWT blog it says Martin Mere had 2 Common Cranes and 2 Snow Geese to this year. Also 16 pairs of Cetti's Warblers too. Mediterranean Gull and Marsh Harrier bred at Martin Mere too in 2020 - first time ever. I remember Marsh Harriers tried to nest in 2012 but that really wet summer put a stop to that. It must have been a successful nest then!
gary lilley said
Thu Nov 26 5:20 PM, 2020
Ive seen all three species of Phalarope at martin mere including finding my own Red necked from the ron barker hide .
Sarfraz Hayat said
Sat Nov 21 6:07 PM, 2020
Hi Colin,
That is a good collection. I wonder how many people have seen all 4 at Martin Mere?
Sarfraz
colin davies said
Tue Oct 6 10:02 PM, 2020
Sarfraz Hayat wrote:
The last record of Wilsons Phalarope in Lancashire was at Alston Wetland near Longridge 3 years ago. This is the 4th record at Martin Mere of this species and 2 have been almost exactly the same date! I won't be surprised if this bird moved around a little at visited Lunt Meadows for a bit.
I also heard Bearded Tits ping and some Migrant Hawker dragonflies.
Yes the 4th record for Martin mere and I've been fortunate enough to have seen all four. It's such a rare species that its amazing that there have been four at Martin mere. I also saw the Alston bird.
Sarfraz Hayat said
Thu Oct 1 11:00 PM, 2020
I was not far from the area so I booked for today. To visit Martin Mere you do have book via the website. I had very poor reception so I could not access my ticket and I had not brought my card. The staff had a record of both and went straight through. No issues at all. The Wilsons Phalarope was showing at the Ron Barker hide 10 minutes after arrival. It was seen there just after 9am by staff but had disappeared out of view probably behind an island. Another birder present spotted it and pointed it out. It looked obviously bigger than Red-necked and Grey Phalaropes I had seen. It seemed to swim around and spin like Red-necked Phalaropes do. I have only ever seen 1 Grey Phalarope and it was not much of a spinner. This was a lifer for me.
The last record of Wilsons Phalarope in Lancashire was at Alston Wetland near Longridge 3 years ago. This is the 4th record at Martin Mere of this species and 2 have been almost exactly the same date! I won't be surprised if this bird moved around a little at visited Lunt Meadows for a bit.
I also heard Bearded Tits ping and some Migrant Hawker dragonflies.
First Winter Wilsons Phalarope still present this afternoon, viewed from Ron Barker Hide. It has been switching from the pools in front of this hide to Woodend Marsh, where it has been best viewed from the Gordon Taylor Hide. Only got around thirty seconds before it disappeared from view and went to ground. My quick view was also very distant but I have seen photos on social media where the bird was showing very close on the nearest pool to the RB Hide.
Richard Thew said
Mon Aug 24 8:48 PM, 2020
My first proper day out since February.
I heard good things about the way they have organised the reserve to keep everyone as safe as possible. Everything ran like clockwork.... and seen some 63 species. However, I think the alien's came the night before and abducted all the blackbirds as I never found a single one!
Highlights include:
2x Greenshanks were located after I could hear them calling, but distant. A Cettis warbler was breifly seen. Another i found amusing as he was giving the occasional call right next to the path but well hidden in the dense grasses/short reeds. A Hobby was seen distantly flying around at speed and caught something and are it in the air. 2x Kingfishers together. One (female) was displaying what could be an aggressive posture (pictured). It was interesting to watch them. She soon shooed him off.
Other highlights were......
Buzzard Rook Corn bunting Red legged partridge (breifly) Stock dove Common sandpiper Green sandpiper Black tailed godwit Snipe Ruff Great black backed gull Willow tit Chiffchaffs (a few on the fence) Reed warbler Meadow pipit Little grebe Pink footed goose x6 Shoveler Teal Pintail Gadwall Shelduck x4 juveniles
And to top it all, a small pot of custard to go with my cherry cake....
Ta!
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Monday 24th of August 2020 08:53:03 PM
Did you have to book before visiting? There is a baby Cuckoo being fed by Reed Warbler host parent at the Gordon Taylor hide too. I really would have liked to have seen that.
Sarfraz
Sorry - just noticed your post.
Yes, I did book - online only and is required for members and non-members.
As it happens, I heard a Cuckoo whilst there but never tracked one down.
Good luck if you do/did go.
Sarfraz Hayat said
Sun Jun 21 10:28 PM, 2020
Hi Robert,
Did you have to book before visiting? There is a baby Cuckoo being fed by Reed Warbler host parent at the Gordon Taylor hide too. I really would have liked to have seen that.
Red-breasted Goose
Whooper Swan
8 species of duck inc Pochard, Pintail, Wigeon.
Cattle Egret minimum 2 seen on the reserve - and actually on the backs of the cattle, but there were groups of 4 and approx. 12 egret type birds glimpsed through the hedges just before reaching the reserve as we drove in from Burscough
Great White Egret 1 in flight from the Discovery hide. It or another was working its' way along the channel running from the Mere to Ron Barker Hide later in the afternoon
Barn Owl 2 hunting the outer fields and marshes. One was quite close to the UU Hide at one point, sharing the area with immature Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard and male Kestrel. The other, well right, had a strikingly white set of primaries to both wings.
Red Kite 1 flew through from the direction of Scarisbrick passing to the right of the Ron Barker Hide mid-afternoon.
Sparrowhawk 2 - female through the area between the entrance area and the Discovery Hide as we arrived, then a male through over the pool at the Janet Kear Hide as we were getting ready to leave. Male and possibly female Great Spotted Woodpecker on the feeders here, but no sign of any Bramblings for us.
Avocet 3 in with the Lapwing, Oystercatchers and Black-tailed Godwits on the Mere.
Kingfisher 1(male) on the pool to the left of the Ron Barker Hide.
Decided to come here for our annual trip on Sunday, highlights included:
Whooper Swan
Pink Footed Geese
Red Breasted Goose
Pintail
Teal
Wigeon
Shelduck
Black Tailed Godwit
Lapwing
Little Egret
Great White Egret
14 Cattle Egret
4 Marsh Harrier
4 Buzzard
Cetti's Warbler
The red breasted goose was on show on one of the islands viewed from the screens to the left of the discovery hide on my arrival.
Later just after the 3pm feed it was then showing ridiculously close in front of the discovery hide.
All the usual stuff around...
Whooper swans
Pink-footed geese
Pintails
Wigeons
Teal
Shovelers
Shelducks
Tufted ducks
Pochards
1 goldeneye
3 goosander
6 snipe
1 black tailed godwit
Lapwings
1 great black backed gull
2-3 marsh harriers
1 sparrowhawk
3 cattle egrets
On my way from the train station...
3 corn buntings
1 tree sparrow, not seen for a long time so nice to see.
Lots of fieldfare in the fields
On my way back to the train station, 4 red legged partridge.
A visit for longer than intended today after dawn at Hesketh Out Marsh. Intended to spot the Red-breasted Goose to get it on my list as a firm tick upgrading a potential plastic at Redesmere eons ago.
No Red-breasted Goose showing as I arrived at Discovery Hide or the spots seen the last few days. Started out at the furthest new hides via Rees Hide and saw Barn Owl, Marsh Harrier, Raven and Sparrowhawks flushing the Lapwing numbers of times. Four Cattle Egret with the cattle to the west end of the reserve.
Back to the screens on the Mere RBGoose had been seen at Discovery Hide, hike back there. Now reported as being visible from United Utilities Hide so hike back there picking up plenty of birds on the feeders. Now RBGoose reported as being with Greylags near Ron Barker hide ("report" being word of mouth rather than bird services). On the march again, nice group of 10 Snipe 10 feet from the Mere screen on the way past and the beauty of Pintails never fails to amaze.
Popped in Discovery hide "oh was here feeding on the scrape, moved off 10 minutes ago though". At this point I'm starting to think my visit will only get the plastic RBGoose in the Pens just between the visitor centre and the Discovery Hide.
Off to Ron Barker. Cracking pair of Ruff in front of Raines on the way. Get to Ron Barker Hie to see the Greylags flying back to the Mere (carrier group of later for the RBGoose).
Return on the off chance I go back into Raines hide. Finally get put onto the RBGoose "asleep on a spit in the reeds behind the Shelduck"........wait an hour, get one very brief view of the goose raising its head, then back to roost.
Times up time to go home, pop into the Discovery hide for a last five minutes to see if there are better sightlines on the Goose.........only for it to take off, fly round the Mere twice and land five foot in front of the hide!
69 species for the day at Martin Mere so a very productive day and upgrading the RBG from plastic to authentic is my 300 lifer!!!!
-- Edited by Andy Slee on Thursday 14th of December 2023 05:39:31 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 14th of December 2023 05:42:02 PM
A visit for a few hours last week and the highlight of the day was the ringtail Hen Harrier which showed last week on a number of days. It was my 4th Hen Harrier here since 2011 and I have only visited a few times a year whilst for a site regular it was his first. He spotted it first. Only managed 3 more birds of prey - Kestrel Buzzard and Marsh Harriers including 2 winged tagged ones from Norfolk and Suffolk. Someone needs to tell them East Anglia is warmer than Lancashire. I usually get 5 birds of prey quite easily here. Other highlights were at least 16 Cattle Egret although 22 have been reported which must be one of the highest counts this far North. 4 Great White Egrets was a high Lancashire count for me away from Marshside and Leighton Moss. Bittern was reported a few days before my visit and a Purple Heron on the day of my visit and before. One was present last year. Brenda from Bristol might say "oh not not another one!"
Lots of Snipe and Lapwing and a Green Sandpiper but no other waders. Lots of waterfowl and the Whooper Swans are returning.
We probably met, Phil !
For me, somewhat different sightings - just shows how stuff moves about at this huge site
1 Hobby (v distant, looking W), someone else had seen 2
1 Little Egret
2-3 Marsh Harriers, looked like a female training a juvenile
22 Ruff (the area in front of the new Gordon Taylor hide has good wader potential)
6 Snipe
2 Common Sandpipers
2 Buzzard
NO Cattle Egrets - everyone kept telling me they'd just seen them, so off I trotted, then someone else said they were somewhere else ...
NO sign of Pectoral Sandpiper despite hard search
A few highlights.
Greenshank 3
Green Sandpiper 1
Ruff 6+
Black-tailed Godwit 6+
Snipe 8
Little Egret 2
Cattle Egret 2
Hobby 1
Buzzard 2
Marsh Harrier 1
Kestrel 1
Shelduck 1
Pochard 1 male.
Yellow Wagtail 1
Tree Sparrow 2...Just 1 heard, along left from the gate on the Ron Barker Hide path. A lot of tweeting, so probably at least 2 but area not accessible.
etc.etc.etc.
50 species.
Much the same as Richards recent Post..
Pectoral sandpiper, distant at the back of the mere.
5 cattle egrets
1 little egret
1 grey heron
3 ruff
1 dunlin
1 redshank
2 greenshank
3 green sandpipers
1 common sandpiper
Plenty of lapwings
1 marsh harrier
1 kestrel
1 peregrine
1 kingfisher
Teal, shoveler, gadwall
Swallows, house Martins & few sand Martins
Several Black tailed godwits And for me also just like Richard, this is my 2nd visit this year & not found a single tree sparrow
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 13th of August 2023 08:59:12 PM
43 species seen and nice to explore the new extended trails and hides, long overdue.
So, my first task was to see the Pectoral sandpiper, and after 20 minutes, i found it..... but, at a distance, further than the first view at Leighton Moss. Oh well, nice to add it to the year list anyway.
Other highlights include 4x Cattle egrets (the reported fifth must have been behind the island)
Snipe x2
Greenshank x2
Green sandpiper
Common sandpiper
Ruff
Dunlin (with the Pectoral and a good comparison too)
Black tailed godwit
Stock dove
Little grebe
This is the 2nd visit in a row where I could'nt find any Tree sparrows (the other in January), totally unheard of in my textbook (records going back to 2001). I used to go anytime of year and guarunteed to see them and they were in abundance too. But, over the last 10 years, ive noted a steady decline. I went to the Near-by Mere Sands Wood at 3pm and even on their sightings board; no Tree sparrow. Thanks to Mike's post, at least they are still about somewhere.
Ta!
A lunchtime visit whilst passing to go to the [new to me] hides; Tomlinson and Rees (turned out to be a bit of an ambitious lunch stop....!).
Both had great view of the scrapes and waders were the theme of the day with Ruff (1), Green Sandpiper (3), Common Sandpiper (1), Greenshank (1), Avocets + chicks, Snipe (2), Redshank (2), Black-tailed Godwits, Curlew, Lapwing all present. Autumn is definitely here.
And from the Ron Barker Hide a taste of Winter with 4 Whooper Swans and a Pink-footed Goose (residents one presumes).
5 Common Tern inc Juv on the main Mere.
Great views of Marsh Harriers of all ages and plumages
-- Edited by Andy Slee on Thursday 6th of July 2023 07:15:55 PM
53 species (of birds) between us. Not many raptors with only 1 Marsh Harrier seen, 1 Kestrel and a maximum of 5 Common Buzzards. Just missed the male Hobby. Lots of Lapwing (but not many chicks!) although the Avocets certainly had plenty. Otherwise just 1 distant Ringed Plover from the Ron Barker Hide. Shelduck seem to have done well, there were some Greylag goslings and a super-creche of around 30 Canada goslings crossing one of the muddy areas like a line of school children, with just two adults supervising while the rest of the parents got on with feeding. Common Terns were bringing in food to the small nesting group - despite the recent BTO report listing them as being a loss for my childhood postcode. Reed Warblers singing everywhere, around 6 Cetti's calling, a couple of Chiffchaffs, one Blackcap and just one, quite showy Sedge Warbler. Another birder had heard a warbler song he didn't recognise while he was in the United Utilities hide. According to an app on his phone, the best match was an Icterine Warbler!
Butterflies, moths, dragon- and damsel-flies, the odd interesting plant and a Brown Rat were among the 'Other Wildlife' sightings.
Also within the same area were 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, together with another likely "Tristis".
4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Stonechat were also recorded near there too, with an obvious abundance
of midges and gnats in the area to tempt insect eaters.
Wrens, Robins together Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits were clearly also attracted to the banquet of flies.
On the main reserve the only raptors I could find were 4 Buzzards and a couple of Kestrels.
2 Ruffs and 5 Curlews were amongst the usual waders, and surprisingly numerous Pintails amongst the ducks.
Park on main entrance. It is free and no obligation to use the reserve. Plus there are toilets.
Well signposted.
Where did you park Chris?
09:30-12
Stuck to the reedbed trail around the outside of the reserve...it's free.
Yellow Browed Warbler showed well by sewage works with at least 1 Siberian Chiffchaff.
Also 3 Marsh Harrier, Corn Bunting, 6 Stonechat, 3 Common Snipe, 30 Meadow Pipit, 40 Whooper Swan, Fieldfare, 6 Redwing beyond sewage works towards Burscough Bridge.
Cattle Egret 2, even sat on cattle.
Little Egret 1
Marsh Harrier 5
Buzzard 3
Kestrel 4
Sparrowhawk 1
Green Sandpiper 3
Ruff 1
Snipe 15+
Whooper Swan 5 so far.
Wigeon 30+
Pintail 3
Pochard 6
Pinkfeet Geese
Common Gull 3
Cetti's Warbler 3 heard.
Stonechat 1 male.
Grey Wagtail 3
etc.etc.etc.
53 species.
I was unlucky today with the Purple Heron that was seen approx 3 times from the Ron Barker Hide - every time I was in a different hide and missed it!
There was a Water Rail running around that was misidentified as a Spotted Crake.
Also 4 Cattle Egret with the Longhorn cows by the main lake.
Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)
Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)
Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti)
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Coot (Fulica atra)
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Dunnock (Prunella modularis)
Feral Pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica)
Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
Great Tit (Parus major)
Greenfinch (Chloris chloris)
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
Greylag Goose (Anser anser)
House Martin (Delichon urbicum)
Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula)
Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)
Linnet (Linaria cannabina)
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
Magpie (Pica pica)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)
Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Pied Wagtail (yarrellii) (Motacilla alba yarrellii)
Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)
Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Rook (Corvus frugilegus)
Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)
Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
Skylark (Alauda arvensis)
Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Swift (Apus apus)
Teal (Anas crecca)
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus)
Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
06/05/22 53 species seen including:-
1 Ruff
20+ Avocet
1 Marsh Harrier
10+ Swallow
10+ Sand Martin
2 Swift
1 each of Sedge + Reed Warbler, lots more singing but not seen
2 Mediterranean Gull
Heard only
Grasshopper Warbler + Water Rail Reedbed walk
1 Cuckoo distantly from Ron Barker Hide
56 species seen, Highlights include:
Corn bunting
Tree sparrow
Mediterranean gull
Common tern
Marsh harrier
Buzzard
Pochard
Wigeon
Little grebe
Reed warbler
Sedge warbler
Skylark
Avocet
Ruff
Ta!
I cut my visit short as my head wasn't feeling great.
- 1 Corn Bunting singing on wires along Red Cat Lane just south of the reserve
Visit on 05/04/22 56 species seen including
1 male Garganey
2 Marsh Harrier
30+ Avocet
20+ Black Tailed Godwit
1 Ruff
2 Great Crested Grebe
Willow warbler 3 at least by sewage works
With 56 species seen- Highlights include:
Brambling showed very well, with at least x4 individuals confirmed, likely more.
Black tailed godwits proved to be showing off too, wonderful to watch the squabbling dramas between them with 2 in summer plumage already!
Great spotted woodpecker x2 in a brief argument at the main feeders.
Avocet x12 were a surprise, though these were distant at the back of the mere.
I stumbled across a Chiffchaff, and while to me, a Chiffchaff is a Chiffchaff wherever it's from, but the Collins book app in saying how different the Siberian Chiffchaff is especially by it's song, so I thought I'd at least make some effort to find it again to see if it was the Siberian bird and confirmed it I did. There are also several Common Chiffchaff present too.
Other Highlights include:
Tree sparrow
Great white egret
Marsh harrier x3
Buzzard
Little grebe
Pochard
Pintail
Wigeon
Great black backed gull x2
Lesser black backed gull x1
Oystercatcher
Ruff
Stock dove
A good day after almost 700 pictures to sort through too, and the first batch I've had this year too besides the Water pipit last month.
Ta!
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Wednesday 16th of February 2022 08:20:11 AM
Good numbers of Brambling on the feeders this morning - at least six. Also a few Greenfinch which are getting scarce now.
I saw 4 Siberian Chiffchaff by the sewage works though five were reported. They ranged from a very pale grey bird to darker brownish birds.
Plus the usual ducks, geese, Whooper Swans and Marsh Harriers.
A last minute decision to go this morning based on the weather turned into an enjoyable few hours. It was notable the dearth of birders on site, whether that is due to Coronavirus or something else I don't know, but to be sat alone in the Ron Barker hide for 2/3 hours is not something I expected. Anyway, the highlights of todays sightings were:
Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Common Buzzard, Ruff - including a stunning white headed bird, Great White Egret, usual excellent numbers of wildfowl but sadly no sign of the Green-winged teal from earlier in the week despite lots of scrutiny of the teal flocks.
Swan goose 1 from UU hide,also 5 marsh harriers in a close group
First time visit today - very nice. 59 species highlights being Marsh Harrier, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Cettis Warbler & Marsh Tit as well as the expected Whooper Swan and other waterfowl.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 23rd of October 2021 10:17:25 PM
A few highlights from Friday, October 15th.
Great White Egret 1
Little Egret 1
Little Stint 1
Ruff 10+
Snipe 5+
Water Rail 2 heard.
Cetti's Warbler 6 heard.
Buzzard 5
Marsh Harrier 2
Kestrel 1
Whooper Swan 90+
Pink-footed Geese 200+
Stonechat 5
plus all the expected Duck and regular species.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Saturday 16th of October 2021 04:55:40 PM
I visited just over a month ago and managed to see a Cuckoo, potentially breeding Marsh Harriers which may have been confirmed by now I think and Mediterranean Gulls. A Pochard with quite large young of course must be a major success as they are in quite serious decline. Banded Demoiselle in the brook was a first in Lancashire for me. I have only ever seen this species in Kent. I could not help but think that large pockets of the reedbed seem to have considerable willow scrub in. I wonder if this is the reason why Bitterns aren't breeding yet in which is said to be Lancashire's second biggest reedbed now.
I didn't get chance to see everything that was around (at least 6 extras were heard only) but 51 species were seen.
Top highlight was a Cuckoo calling outside the Ron barker hide, and I watched as it flew overhead out towards the Marsh.
Other Highlights include:
Avocet close for a few moments.
Redshank x1
Oystercatcher x3
Marsh harrier x2
Wigeon x2m
Teal x2+
Pintail x2
Little grebe
Common tern x8+
Jay
Whitethroat
Reed warbler
Chiffchaff
Blackcap x3 close breifly
Stock dove x3
Skylark
House martin
Swift
Ta!
The Eider you saw on the Wyre were wild. There are a few in the region in winter, don't know if they breed this far South (Walney perhaps?)
The ones at Martin Mere are captive, even if they move around a little. They've likely got clipped wing feathers to prevent them from flying, but even if they haven't then they won't be inclined to move away from where they get fed
Eider are a sea duck, rarely naturally seen inland, and breed further North. They naturally eat crustaceans and molluscs, not sure what they give them at MM
there are a few important factors to consider here so that your question isn?t misinterpreted or that what you stated alongside the original question isn?t overlooked.
There are many rare and ornamental species at M.M. that are obviously part of the reserve?s collection and wouldn?t count on any list, and you did say you wouldn?t count caged birds or birds on the visitor centre ponds.
The Eiders are always there and part of the collection Im sure.
But it must be taken into account that one of these could potentially fence hop onto the main reserve, and vice versa whereby a wild bird lands in the enclosures.
So based on what you said there is a risk of confusing a tickable with a non-tickable bird depending on where it was.
I remember a few years back at Slimbridge, I went to see the Black-winged Stilts, one of them apparently had landed in one of the enclosures, but as people rushed round to see it - it flew back onto the main reserve.
Food for thought!
Hi David,
Which species are you talking about? Some of those that have "fence-hopped" or not even on the British List. If a Flamingo managed to fly out onto the mere, would it become a wild bird? It needed direct human intervention to end up at Martin Mere so not really a wild bird at all. I doubt anyone would tick it. What you put on your list is your personal choice but if you manage 700 species because of birds that have hopped over fences or escaped from captivity then that would be higher than the official British list which is about 600-620?
I was working in the Ormskirk area last week and stopped off for a few hours on the way back. The highlights were a Great White Egret, a Cuckoo calling and an Avocet right in front of the viewing screens. 2 laps around the reedbed produced lots of Warblers but no one giving itself up for a decent photo. The Cuckoo was calling from the trees in the wildlife pens and visitor centre. A few Common Terns were also present and a minimum of 3 Corn Buntings at the nearby Curlew Lane. Sadly no Yellow Wagtails here.
-- Edited by Sarfraz Hayat on Monday 17th of May 2021 09:47:02 PM
Everyone does what they want for their own list
I don't think you'll find many who will tick a cage bird, whether it's in or near its cage. What's the point? You could go to Lakeland Wildlife Oasis and tick Von der Decken's Hornbill, but why would you? (just picking an extreme example)
Go to Kenya instead to see it (when allowed) - far more fun!
Question,...is it right to count birds at martin mere for a year list if they are captive or semi captive?if they are out on the mere and environment i count them,if they are in cages or even on the ponds by visitor centre then i dont. Your opinions please
-- Edited by David Hughes on Thursday 13th of May 2021 10:28:21 AM
The hides are closed (as I already knew) due to the restrictions, so viewing is limited but the reedbed walk was very productive.
Highlights include:
Red legged partridge x2
Reed warbler showing well through the reeds.
Common sandpiper x2
Common tern x2
Marsh harrier
Stock dove
Wheatear x1f
Corn bunting (breifly)
A couple of tree sparrows
Ta!
I managed to visit on the 24th of December after visiting Mere Sands Wood and the main highlights were a Great Egret - there may have been 2 present, Cetti's Warbler and at least 4 Little Egret. Oystercatcher and Curlew present too. It was a nice visit with all the expected species. Strange to think in Lancashire I have seen Great Egret, Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler and Mediterranean Gull (seen at Mere Sands Wood) on a cold winters day!
Great Egrets are becoming more regular here and almost resident it seems.
On the WWT blog it says Martin Mere had 2 Common Cranes and 2 Snow Geese to this year. Also 16 pairs of Cetti's Warblers too. Mediterranean Gull and Marsh Harrier bred at Martin Mere too in 2020 - first time ever. I remember Marsh Harriers tried to nest in 2012 but that really wet summer put a stop to that. It must have been a successful nest then!
Ive seen all three species of Phalarope at martin mere including finding my own Red necked from the ron barker hide .
Hi Colin,
That is a good collection. I wonder how many people have seen all 4 at Martin Mere?
Sarfraz
Yes the 4th record for Martin mere and I've been fortunate enough to have seen all four. It's such a rare species that its amazing that there have been four at Martin mere. I also saw the Alston bird.
I was not far from the area so I booked for today. To visit Martin Mere you do have book via the website. I had very poor reception so I could not access my ticket and I had not brought my card. The staff had a record of both and went straight through. No issues at all. The Wilsons Phalarope was showing at the Ron Barker hide 10 minutes after arrival. It was seen there just after 9am by staff but had disappeared out of view probably behind an island. Another birder present spotted it and pointed it out. It looked obviously bigger than Red-necked and Grey Phalaropes I had seen. It seemed to swim around and spin like Red-necked Phalaropes do. I have only ever seen 1 Grey Phalarope and it was not much of a spinner. This was a lifer for me.
The last record of Wilsons Phalarope in Lancashire was at Alston Wetland near Longridge 3 years ago. This is the 4th record at Martin Mere of this species and 2 have been almost exactly the same date! I won't be surprised if this bird moved around a little at visited Lunt Meadows for a bit.
I also heard Bearded Tits ping and some Migrant Hawker dragonflies.
I heard good things about the way they have organised the reserve to keep everyone as safe as possible. Everything ran like clockwork.... and seen some 63 species. However, I think the alien's came the night before and abducted all the blackbirds as I never found a single one!
Highlights include:
2x Greenshanks were located after I could hear them calling, but distant.
A Cettis warbler was breifly seen. Another i found amusing as he was giving the occasional call right next to the path but well hidden in the dense grasses/short reeds.
A Hobby was seen distantly flying around at speed and caught something and are it in the air.
2x Kingfishers together. One (female) was displaying what could be an aggressive posture (pictured). It was interesting to watch them. She soon shooed him off.
Other highlights were......
Buzzard
Rook
Corn bunting
Red legged partridge (breifly)
Stock dove
Common sandpiper
Green sandpiper
Black tailed godwit
Snipe
Ruff
Great black backed gull
Willow tit
Chiffchaffs (a few on the fence)
Reed warbler
Meadow pipit
Little grebe
Pink footed goose x6
Shoveler
Teal
Pintail
Gadwall
Shelduck x4 juveniles
And to top it all, a small pot of custard to go with my cherry cake....
Ta!
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Monday 24th of August 2020 08:53:03 PM
Sorry - just noticed your post.
Yes, I did book - online only and is required for members and non-members.
As it happens, I heard a Cuckoo whilst there but never tracked one down.
Good luck if you do/did go.
Hi Robert,
Did you have to book before visiting? There is a baby Cuckoo being fed by Reed Warbler host parent at the Gordon Taylor hide too. I really would have liked to have seen that.
Sarfraz