The Red-footed Falcon put on a really good show this afternoon catching dragonflies over the reed beds on the south side of the mere then perching up in the trees for short periods between hunting sorties.. A lifer for me.
Simon Gough said
Wed Sep 7 9:59 AM, 2022
Went for a look at the Red-footed Falcon yesterday evening (06/09/22)
It showed pretty well hunting over the fields at the NE corner of the reserve and then flew right past and across the Mere. The initial views were alongside a Kestrel and it looked small and similar in shape, with stubbier wings, but when it covered ground in level flight the wings suddenly looked pointed and confusion with Hobby became much more understandable. I read that this age is actually unusual in the UK, most birds are 2CY in the earlier summer, so a great plumage to get a look at on a great bird
Sarfraz Hayat said
Mon May 17 9:56 PM, 2021
10 species of Warbler present 2 weeks ago. There were 1 each of Grasshopper Warbler and Garden Warbler. Maybe 2 Lesser Whitethroat. Maybe between 3-5 Blackcap, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff. Maybe about 6-7 of Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Cetti's Warbler. Cetti's Warbler seemed to be second most numerous of the Warbler species I had heard today. The most numerous was Whitethroat. A minimum of 10 were present and singing.
Chris Harper said
Sun Sep 23 4:39 PM, 2018
Sunlit views of the White Winged Black Tern at 11am this morning. Seemed to be favouring the 'caravan' side of the mere (South).
Also female Blackcap and Chiffchaff
Rob Creek said
Mon Jan 15 12:43 PM, 2018
Sunday 14th Jan (1pm - 3pm).
The Fylde's favourite Iceland Gull is back for its 7th winter so I couldn't resist trying for it and eventually found it. I spent nearly an hour on Tesco's car park where it was reported earlier but although there was plenty of large Gulls, it wasn't there. Eventually I decided to try SITA waste round the corner and just as I was going to leave for home, it appeared approx 3pm on a furniture warehouse roof next to the SITA site. It didn't stay though and flew off behind the warehouse and doubled back round to the rear of SITA, I lost it and it didn't show for me again. Twice I've seen this Gull and twice it's given me the slip with not the best of views, but as I reported in my last post from here in Jan 2015, it's an active site and a lot of the Gulls actually go right into the refuse building so you've got no chance of seeing it if it's in there.
Vicky Harper said
Sun Nov 19 7:36 PM, 2017
19th November 1.00-2.30 pm
The highlight was spotting a drake Green-winged Teal to the East of the mere. It was best viewed from Heron hide.
No luck with the reported bittern but other birds of note were:
Cetti's warbler 1+ 2 Snipe 4 Fieldfare 2 Skeins of Pink-footed Geese over Good number of Shoveler
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 19th of November 2017 08:14:51 PM
Jeff Gorse said
Wed Sep 27 7:24 AM, 2017
First time visit in overcast but dry conditions mid-afternoon Tuesday 26th Sep. Pleasant walk around the mere. Sightings included :-
Kestrel flying over adjoining farmland. Small flock of 8 pink-footed geese flying south west over.
On the mere plenty mallard, coot, moorhen and lesser black-backed gulls, also good numbers of shoveller.
Cetti's warblers singing from either side of the mere.
Wren, blue tit, great tit, 3 x young pheasant, magpie and long-tailed tit on the bird feeding station.
Roger Baker 3 said
Sat Feb 4 9:45 PM, 2017
4th Feb 2017.
With Ian Lyth & Paul Greenall.
Plenty of waterfowl.
Wigeon. Teal. Shoveler. Gadwall. Coot. Moorhen. Cormorant including one cracking bird with white head plumes. Good views of a Water Rail as it walked out on the mud in front of the hide. Very fleeting views of a Cetti's Warbler as it flitted through the reeds .... singing intermittently.
Roger
steven burke said
Sat Nov 12 9:05 PM, 2016
11.30-4.30pm
1 long-eared owl 2 sparrowhawk 1 kestrel 1 great crested grebe 1 little grebe 18 tufted duck 7 pochard 19 wigeon 118 teal 32 shoveler 6 pink-footed goose 3 snipe 2 grey heron 49 fieldfare 18 redwing 4 song thrush lots of blackbirds all around 4 goldcrest 1 great spotted woodpecker 7 chaffinch 7 reed bunting 3 meadow pipit several cettis warbler & water rails heard all around big starling murmuration at dusk, 15,000+ easily. a female sparrowhawk was hunting the starlings as they dropped into the reeds.
whilst on my walk around I got word of a single waxwing near the north west entrance, I had a look around but no joy.
Barry Corless said
Sun Mar 13 6:14 PM, 2016
My first visit and scored
2 long eared owls (from the Bridle path - no more than 30ft away but devilishly difficult to spot) Black-necked grebe that thought it was a tufted duck at the N.end of the mere
steven burke said
Sun Feb 7 8:12 PM, 2016
3 long eared owls on show this morn/aft seen from the north bridle path. no signs of the Iceland gull on the walk around. plenty of other gulls coming & going, herring, lesser black backed, black headed & common gulls, Mediterranean gull seen in the morning by another birder. lots of coot goldeneye tufted duck pochard shoveler wigeon cormorant great crested grebe 2 little grebe 1 buzzard 1 sparrowhawk cettis warbler & water rail heard only.
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 7th of February 2016 08:13:26 PM
Rob Ellis said
Sun Jan 10 8:43 PM, 2016
Went here today and had great viewing of a long eared owl. It was sat in a tree, 10 metres away. There were lots of others about too, apparently, but unfortunately didn't see anymore.
Chris Harper said
Sun Jul 19 11:22 AM, 2015
Wander around yesterday evening from 8.45-9.30: 100's of House Martin and Swift Many Swallow 3 Reed Bunting 5 Reed Warbler Kestrel family Common Buzzard Sparrowhawk 3 Grey Heron Chiffchaff Whitethroat 2 Great Crested Grebe Tufted Duck 1000+ Starling in mini murmurations
Keith Williams said
Mon May 4 10:14 PM, 2015
Mooch round Here today, the highlights being 10 Whimbrel and a Cetti's Warbler showing well.
Jon Bowen said
Sat Feb 21 7:16 PM, 2015
Out with the Birding and Beyond crew today and dropped into Marton Mere.
The Long Eared Owl has moved from where I'd seen it earlier in the year but has relocated near by and today was giving stunning full bird views with no obscuring foliage. Also Cettis Warbler and a good sized flock of Fieldfare with 2-3 Redwing. On the mere there were plenty of the usual water birds and despite giving the hulks a good grilling there was no sign of Mediterranean or Iceland Gulls
Jon Bowen said
Tue Jan 20 9:02 PM, 2015
Rob Creek wrote:
Another trip up on Sunday with Simon Gough.
2 x Long-eared Owls in same spot as Saturday but were positioned ever so slightly different and as a result was just that bit easier to see a few more features.
Thanks to Jon Bowen on Saturday for the Long-eared Owl heads up, and thanks to the few Fylde birders for their valuable info too.
Glad you got on them Rob and good to catch up with you.
Rob Creek said
Sun Jan 18 7:10 PM, 2015
Last minute decision to go out at midday.
Good to bump into the Rochdale Birders and some other familiar faces.
No sign of the Long-eared Owls Nothing in the recent choice of Hawthorn Tree, checked all over that area too. Checked the old location but couldn't see any, but I was astounded as yet more scrub and vegetation has been cleared and it is very open now all round the path network that runs round the back of the scrub, infact I'm surprised the Owls would want to come back at all they've cleared that much as they will be running out of roosting trees! One birder said they'd been spotted this morning and he knew where they were, but it was all in vain as there was no sign.
Other birds of note... Plenty of Waterfowl including Teal Wigeon Tufted Duck Gadwall Mallard Moorhen Coot and approx 40 Pink-footed Geese over
-Plenty of Black-headed, Common and Herring Gulls on the Mere -Some Fieldfare feeding with Starling in ploughed field opposite the mere -Lots of Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird and Wren about -usual Corvids and some Woodpigeon around
Whilst there I thought I may aswell try and locate the Firecrest that was reported, apparently seen with the Long-tailed Tits. I soon caught up with a flock of interest containing... 8 Goldfinch 6 Long-tailed Tits 1 Great Tit 2 Blue Tits 1 Treecreeper and a Goldcrest Unfortunately I didn't see any sign of the Firecrest.
Rob Creek said
Mon Jan 5 11:45 AM, 2015
Another trip up on Sunday with Simon Gough.
2 x Long-eared Owls in same spot as Saturday but were positioned ever so slightly different and as a result was just that bit easier to see a few more features. Cracking birds!
Lots of Waterfowl most in good numbers including... Mute Swan Wigeon Teal Mallard A few Pochard and Gadwall
Other birds of note... 25-30 Fieldfare (with Starling) 2 Grey Heron 1 female Stonechat 1 female Reed Bunting Plus lots of usuals around ...a few Cetti's Warbler heard and possibly 1 briefly seen in vicinity of the call. ...a Water Rail heard and a Chiffchaff heard too!
Quick visit to the Sita Refuse building over the road produced another Lifer! ...a sensational adult Iceland Gull well found by Simon. Once we were on it though it was hard to miss it. It was mesmerising in flight almost angel-like.
Other Gulls... Lots of Black-headed Gulls Herring Gulls of various aged A few young Lesser-black Backed Gulls 2 Common Gulls
What made us laugh was the fact there was already 40-50 Gulls on top of the building, but as soon as one of the yard refuse buggies came zooming round and into one of the open bays, a mass of Gulls (maybe 250+) came flying out that hadn't realised were even there. Incidentally the Iceland Gull made a couple of trips inside the building.
A quick drive round the fields behind Marton Mere and into Singleton, and we found a field of particular interest. ...large flock of Pink-footed Geese - approx 400-500 4 - Whooper Swans 3 - Mute Swans 2 - Red-legged Partridge We couldn't pick any other Geese out. 1 - Kestrel 1 - Common Buzzard Usual Corvids and plenty of Woodpigeon around.
Thanks to Jon Bowen on Saturday for the Long-eared Owl heads up, and thanks to the few Fylde birders for their valuable info too.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 5th of January 2015 11:53:22 AM
Chris Harper said
Sun Jan 4 2:50 PM, 2015
10.30-11.45: 2 Long Eared Owls roosting in hawthorn. On North path from West to East between the two hides overlooking the mere. On the left as you walk between the hides. Also Merlin, Cettis Warbler(hide in NW corner), 20 Pink Footed Geese over. Many Wigeon and Gadwall No sign of Iceland Gull, either here or by Volkswagon dealership in Great Marton.
Rob Creek said
Sat Jan 3 10:56 PM, 2015
Quick visit round corner from Marton Mere to Singleton had us checking local fields and finally finding one crammed full with Geese. I parked the car a few hundred yds away so as not to spook them then we walked back. No sooner had we got out, every single bird was in the air. A micro-lite copter had flown over and shifted them further back into the field when they finally landed. Great!
We scanned as best we could for reported White-fronted and Bean Goose.
The birds present that we saw were... Approx 2000-2500 Pink-footed Geese Approx 75-100 Greylag Geese 1 x female Sparrowhawk gliding low right near them, not a one flinched!
Of note...1 of the Greylag's had a red collar and some of the Pink-footed's were double checked after seeing bill irregularities but none of the ones noted had orange feet. Also it was noted that some of them had whitish patches around the base of the bill and face areas which we thought is to be expected.
Rob Creek said
Sat Jan 3 10:15 PM, 2015
Marton Mere with Steve Burke and Simon Gough.
Very active reserve yet again.
1 x Mistle Thrush faffing about in hedge nr entrance. Lots of ... Common Gulls Black-headed Gulls Herring Gulls Lesser Black-backed Gulls
Waterfowl in good numbers... Mute Swans Canada Goose Wigeon Teal Pochard Tufted Duck Mallard Gadwall ...a few Shoveler around 1x Pintail
Usual water birds... Great-crested Grebe, Cormorant, Coot, Moorhen and Grey Heron around.
Eventually got my Lifer, and well spotted by Steve after we were put into them by fellow Manc Birders, cheers!!! LONG-EARED OWL x 3 Roosting spot moved again, 2 quite well hidden, the other was more visible, every so often it moved a smidgen and was face on to us but by no means particularly good views. Well made up though!
Other birds of note... Kestrel Sparrowhawk 1 x Cetti's Warbler seen Blackbirds + Robins a plenty! Fieldfare approx 50-75 with Starlings (On telegraph wires and most on floor) 1 x male Greenfinch 1 x female Bullfinch 1 x Goldcrest 1 x male Reed Bunting Plenty of Woodpigeon and lots of Corvids about Long-tailed Tit and Blue Tit 1 x Little Grebe in the stream to right of path Pair of Stonechat reported to us, we missed them.
At least 4 more Cetti's Warbler and lots of Water Rail heard squealing and grunting.
Rob Creek said
Mon Nov 17 12:17 AM, 2014
steven burke wrote:
a shame about the owls, but still a good day out, thanks again rob for this & hope to do this again soon.
Certainly will Steve, it was a most productive day! Forgot to mention we had a few skeins of Pink-footed Geese over here too!
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 17th of November 2014 12:19:11 AM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 17th of November 2014 12:19:50 AM
steven burke said
Sun Nov 16 10:59 PM, 2014
Rob Creek wrote:
Came from Starr Gate (under The Fylde) to try for the Long-eared Owls.
We searched the 2 usual locations, and after learning a couple of weeks ago that 1 was disturbed by apple thieves, we were actively looking in most places for a possible new preferred roosting site, but none found. Some of the vegetation has been chopped down below one of the old locations so providing less cover for possible returning birds to that area, something Steve was not best pleased about!
Plenty of Woodpigeon around Few Fieldfare Few Redwing 1 Mistle Thrush Lots of Blackbird, Robin, Wren, and a few Tit / Finch flocks around 2 Kestrel Few Reed Bunting
On the mere... Mute Swan Teal Tufted Duck Pochard Coot Moorhen 2 Grey Heron Approx 400-500 Starlings over and at least approaching 1000 Black-headed Gulls in groups with 1 Lesser Black-backed. A single Common Gull seen too!
Also of note A Jay heard Water Rail and Cetti's Warbler heard all over the reserve with a single Cetti's seen briefly among the Reeds and a Falconer with what I think was a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk, it seems like the closest match to what we saw, Buzzard sized, it had a ringed fan shaped tail although we were a bit confused as this one lacked the white ends to its tail feathers, He didn't release it, he seemed to be trying to flush something out.
A good day all round but a bit disappointed we missed out on the Long-eared Owls, and the Barn Owl for that matter.
a shame about the owls, but still a good day out, thanks again rob for this & hope to do this again soon.
Rob Creek said
Sun Nov 16 9:36 PM, 2014
Came from Starr Gate (under The Fylde) to try for the Long-eared Owls.
We searched the 2 usual locations, and after learning a couple of weeks ago that 1 was disturbed by apple thieves, we were actively looking in most places for a possible new preferred roosting site, but none found. Some of the vegetation has been chopped down below one of the old locations so providing less cover for possible returning birds to that area, something Steve was not best pleased about!
Plenty of Woodpigeon around Few Fieldfare Few Redwing 1 Mistle Thrush Lots of Blackbird, Robin, Wren, and a few Tit / Finch flocks around 2 Kestrel Few Reed Bunting
On the mere... Mute Swan Teal Tufted Duck Pochard Coot Moorhen 2 Grey Heron Approx 400-500 Starlings over and at least approaching 1000 Black-headed Gulls in groups with 1 Lesser Black-backed. A single Common Gull seen too!
Also of note A Jay heard Water Rail and Cetti's Warbler heard all over the reserve with a single Cetti's seen briefly among the Reeds and a Falconer with what I think was a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk, it seems like the closest match to what we saw, Buzzard sized, it had a ringed fan shaped tail although we were a bit confused as this one lacked the white ends to its tail feathers, He didn't release it, he seemed to be trying to flush something out.
A good day all round but a bit disappointed we missed out on the Long-eared Owls, and the Barn Owl for that matter.
Rob Creek said
Mon Oct 20 5:37 PM, 2014
Chanced a visit on my day off. Searched thoroughly around the 2 supposed locations for Long-eared Owls but sadly none present. Thanks to the 2 dog walkers who said I was at the correct locations, if they were present I couldn't see any. Maybe a little early? There were plenty of Woodpigeon however in these locations and roosting all over the reserve.
Other birds present... 2 Whooper Swans came flying low over the mere 3 Mute Swan flying low over the mere, (Another 3 on the mere) 1m 1f Shoveler Few Tufted Duck Few Teal 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker flying over the marsh 4 Long-tailed Tits moving through 1 single Redwing 2 Buzzard 1 Kestrel Flock of 8 Goldfinch over 1 Greenfinch 1 Grey Squirrel at feeding station NO BIRDS!!! 1 large fem Blackbird appeared with a pale area around the neck and I thought could it be Ring Ouzel at first but it called as it flew off - definitely Blackbird At least 2 pairs of Cetti's Warbler heard ie. 2 calling to each other in the 2 different locations that I heard them in Water Rail heard in a few locations around the marsh - various grunts, squeals, etc
Usuals...Coot, Mallard, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Robin, Blue / Great Tit, Starling, Wren, Magpie and the likely Gulls around.
One thing of note...the hides seemed useless as I couldn't see very much at all from hardly any of them, overgrown vegetation put paid to that! Otherwise a good reserve that could be better with a little care. Cheers Rob
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 20th of October 2014 06:59:13 PM
Keith Mills said
Sun Oct 19 9:38 PM, 2014
Nik Grounds wrote:
The site secured over £330k of funding through Heritage Lottery Fund last year. Blackpool Borough Council are managing the project.
A scheme to renovate and enhance Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve is due to start winter 2014.
Further details can be found here: http://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Residents/Parks-and-community-facilities/Parks,-playgrounds-and-community-facilities/Marton-Mere-Local-Nature-Reserve.aspx#ad-image-0
That is very good news. I should have qualified my post by saying that a ''local birder'' told us that ''the planned funding had been stopped''. He also said that there were no Wardens anymore. I enjoyed my visit here but, relative to a previous visit, things did look a bit neglected. Views from one hide were poor due to vegetation. There was also a problem with dog fouling in numerous places.
-- Edited by keith mills on Sunday 19th of October 2014 09:43:04 PM
Rob Creek said
Sun Oct 19 9:13 AM, 2014
Does anyone know if the Long-Eared Owls have returned to this winter roosting spot yet, or would it be a pointless journey? Cheers Rob
Nik Grounds said
Fri Oct 17 4:07 PM, 2014
The site secured over £330k of funding through Heritage Lottery Fund last year. Blackpool Borough Council are managing the project.
A scheme to renovate and enhance Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve is due to start winter 2014.
Further details can be found here: http://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Residents/Parks-and-community-facilities/Parks,-playgrounds-and-community-facilities/Marton-Mere-Local-Nature-Reserve.aspx#ad-image-0
Keith Mills said
Wed Oct 15 8:07 PM, 2014
A pleasant morning here with a few of us from Wigan RSPB, but no luck with the Long-eared Owls. This despite checking all the places we had seen them before. Sightings included: Song Thrush Great Spotted Woodpecker. Stonechat (male) observed for sometime. Reed Buntings Goldfinch Common Tits Dunnock Sparrowhawk Mute Swans Grey Heron Cormorant Gadwall Wigeon Tufted Duck Shoveler Moorhen Coot...lots Herring Gull..lots Lesser Black-backed Gull Black-headed Gull Common Gull Pink-footed Geese... 2 skeins, c100 and c35 lowish. There is no warden here now and money ear marked for improvements has been taken away. The unidentified fungi may have been Burgundy-drop Bonnet.
Jon Bowen said
Sat Jan 11 6:42 PM, 2014
Dropped in to Marton Mere as part od a wider tour of Lancs today.
Managed to get onto the Long Eared Owl after a little effort and thanks to a local birder in fairly deep scrub nr the Container Hide
Also Barn Owl emerging from it's roost as we were leaving. Plenty of Waterfowl about and Water Rail heard.
Iceland Gull reported earlier but looks like I missed it by 15 minutes
steven burke said
Sat Jan 4 9:20 PM, 2014
from 2pm til dark.
3 long eared owls
2 barn owls, awesome views of 1 hunting about 40 yds away from me
1 buzzard
3-4 cettis warblers heard only, although I did see a couple of glimpses of something moving in the reeds
lots of water rails heard only
plenty of teal, wigeon & coots, several tufted ducks & shovelers on the mere
hundreds of pink footed geese (distant) several of them over head.
several snipe flying out of the reeds at dusk.
plus the usuals around, but no signs of any redwings or fieldfares !
steven burke said
Sun Aug 18 10:43 PM, 2013
2-6pm
very quiet, highlights being 2 tit flocks, the first one consisting...
long tailed, blue & great tits at least 2 stunning looking willow warblers at least 3 chiffchaffs
second flock...
long tailed & blue tits 2 whitethroats 1 lesser whitethroat
other birds of note..
3 blackcaps 1 kestrel 1 swift swallows & house martins over the feilds 30+ tufted ducks lots of coots
at the feeding station, no feeders, no feeding tables, no birds, no good
no sight or sounds of any cettis warblers or water rails.
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 18th of August 2013 10:45:45 PM
Jon Bowen said
Sun Feb 24 5:55 AM, 2013
Out for the day with Birding & Beyond crew
Managed a single Long Eared Owl, showing well in this year's spot Cetti's Warbler heard only Water Rail heard only plenty of waterfowl including Shoveler, Goldeneye, Teal, Wigeon,Gadwall, Pochard Good numbers of gulls mainly Black Headed with some Common Gulls and Herring Gulls single Fieldfare
Simon Johnson said
Sun Jan 20 3:32 AM, 2013
A rare trip out of county
Found the 2 Long-eared Owls roosting in scrub in the NE of the reserve
Water mainly ice free 12 Gadwall 2 Wigeon 20 Shoveler 10 Pochard 2 Water Rail calling from reeds kestrel several Fieldfare eating rotting apples
Chris Greene said
Fri Oct 26 11:36 PM, 2012
Lovely crisp,bright morning, Good numbers of fieldfare and redwings over,( over 2000 fieldfare reported earlier this morning.) Approx. 120 swans present at noon-roughly 60 mute,and 50 whoopers!,apparently, a lot of these birds have been spending time on a flooded field near Staining recently. Usual selection of gulls and wildfowl present. 2 water rails heard deep in the reeds. No sign of the long eared owls yet,however the vegetation is still quite dense! Also kestrel,lapwings and a few pink footed geese on surrounding fields,plus usual passerines.
Cheers Chris
steven burke said
Sun Feb 26 3:30 AM, 2012
11.30-2.30pm with roy ridings.
no signs off any long eared owls (sorry roy) 1 buzzard 2 kestrels 1 great spotted woodpecker 1 shelduck (over) 1 skylark 2 g b b gulls plus lots off herring & b h gulls,no sign off iceland gull that was seen earlier. water rails & cettis warblers (heard only) goldeneyes, teals, gadwalls, pochards, tufted ducks, shovelers, lapwings & cormorants on the mere,plus all usual birds around.
a pleasant day despite a few misses
Jon Bowen said
Mon Feb 6 4:14 AM, 2012
visited around lunchtime today to try and catch up with the Iceland Gull and Long Eared Owls, as I arrived the gulls all took flight but fortunately landed back on the water / ice so could get a good view of the Iceland (thanks to the birder who kept it in view as it took off in the crowd of gulls). Walked around the Mere in sunshine and managed to find a single owl nestled down in this year's roosting area. Lots of wildfowl and mixed gulls on the ice and water
Chris Greene said
Wed Jan 18 8:11 PM, 2012
Very late post for Monday,16th.Jan..11am-3pm... Highlights: 2 long-eared owls,eventually found in new favoured roost tree. 3 Cettis warbler heard,only one seen. Several water rail heard,again ,one seen. Iceland Gull. Plenty of teal,tufties,pochard,wigeon and shovellers. Excellent views of kestrels and buzzards. Also great views of a bold dog fox,unsuccessfully stalking teal in the margins! Just over the road,the Heronry,at the bottom end of the lake in StanleyPark,appears to be filling up nicely
Cheers Chris.
steven burke said
Sun Jan 1 10:27 PM, 2012
12.30 til dark. 51 species seen. 1 long eared owl,not in usual spot took a while to find but glad i did 2 little owls 2-4 kestrels 2 buzzards 1 snipe,but several more seen at dusk coming from reed beds. 1 water rail (actually seen ) lots more heard around. 2 great spotted woodpeckers 3 reed buntings at feeders,plus all usuals. all usual gulls,iceland gull reported early on. wigeons, shovelers, gadwalls, tufted ducks, pochards & teals. plus all the usual birds around. no starling roost,all went to north pier & no cettis heard. still a great afternoon/evening
Nik Grounds said
Tue Dec 27 7:59 PM, 2011
Free guided walks by the Ranger Service will take place every Sunday until 19th February 2012, more details can be found here.
Louise Aspden said
Tue Dec 27 6:48 PM, 2011
Thanks, I see where I went wrong, I drove up Mythop road then turned towards Staining, when I reached there I decided I had come too far and so returned the way I came. Back in Salford now so will have to wait for another day.
Nik Grounds said
Tue Dec 27 6:47 PM, 2011
Nick Isherwood wrote:
Hi Louise. There are several access points to Marton Mere and I'm sure other people on here will tell you where they are. The ones I use though are as follows:
You can sometimes park up in Marton mere Holiday park (caravan site) which is on Mythop Road to the east of the mere. If you speak to the security guard on the gate then he'll tell you where to park. This access point will bring you nearest to the mere but it's not always available as access is sometimes not possible from here due to the park being closed.
Another access point I've used in the past is from Lawson Road to the west of the mere. Park up near the allotments and you'll see a path that runs off down the side of them. Follow this along and then turn right and it will take you to the mere. It's a bit of a walk but an enjoyable one.
If you can, try and look on google earth/maps and my directions will make more sense.
Following on from Nick's directions to Lawson Road, here is a map.
Nick Isherwood said
Tue Dec 27 6:24 PM, 2011
Hi Louise. There are several access points to Marton Mere and I'm sure other people on here will tell you where they are. The ones I use though are as follows:
You can sometimes park up in Marton mere Holiday park (caravan site) which is on Mythop Road to the east of the mere. If you speak to the security guard on the gate then he'll tell you where to park. This access point will bring you nearest to the mere but it's not always available as access is sometimes not possible from here due to the park being closed.
Another access point I've used in the past is from Lawson Road to the west of the mere. Park up near the allotments and you'll see a path that runs off down the side of them. Follow this along and then turn right and it will take you to the mere. It's a bit of a walk but an enjoyable one.
If you can, try and look on google earth/maps and my directions will make more sense.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Dec 27 6:19 PM, 2011
Louise, there are a few posts on this page of this thread which should give you all the information you require, you just need to read further down
Louise Aspden said
Tue Dec 27 6:02 PM, 2011
I had a drive around Marton Mere yesterday, where do you park and where is access? I couldn't find it anywhere.
-- Edited by Louise Aspden on Tuesday 27th of December 2011 06:03:06 PM
steven burke said
Sun Oct 30 11:06 PM, 2011
good day here today,47 species seen... 1 little owl 1 peregrine falcon (chasing sarlings) 3 sparrowhawks ( 2 off them chasing & catching starlings,right in front off me as well) 2 kestrels 1000+ pink footed geese at least 4 whooper swans 1 oystercatcher 1 little grebe 3 great spotted woodpeckers 1 redwing 3 linnets 1 treecreeper 1 pied wagtail teals/shovelers/gadwalls/tufted ducks/pochards + usual gulls & other birds around the mere. plenty off water rails around but heard only,as with the cettis warblers,at least 4 around but also heard only. and finally 80,000+ starlings in roost this evening,sight & sound absolutely amazing and the best thing about it was they eventually dropped into the reeds right in front off me,thats when the peregrine and 2 sparrowhawks came in did miss out on the barn owl and no signs of long eared owls, yet.
Raymond Ashcroft said
Sun Mar 6 4:07 PM, 2011
Only a single Long Eared Owl showing today. 5 Goldeneye on the Mere 12 Redpoll in the trees on the opposite side of the Mere to the Caravan park. Plenty of activity at the feeding station including siskin
Then quick visit to Lytham Crem for 4 Ring Necked Parakeets
Chris Greene said
Wed Mar 2 9:26 AM, 2011
Late post for yesterday 01/03/11 , 13:00-15:00hrs... Only two long-eared owls visible in original roost ,told of another two in tree nearby ...Apparently the owls have been disturbed on several occasions recently ,by an idiot who sends his dog in to flush the birds.....by another #&*@^¿%¥ !!! who threw handfulls of golf balls at them, and by some so-called "photographers" ,after a good shot ...Calm down, calm down !! Anyway, on a brighter note , still a decent selection of birds on the mere ,including: teal, tufties,shovellers ,pochard ,coots ,moorhens ,mallard ,bh ,lbb ,gbb and common gulls , 20+ cormorant ,lapwings and three grey herons . Two cettis warblers seen near reebed to the left of the first hide ,going clockwise around the lake ,from the main entrance . Plenty of birds at the feeding station hide ,including: Chaffinch,greenfinch , at least 2m and 1f brambling ,blue, great and lt tits , robins , blackbirds , dunnocks ,gs woodpecker , 4 female pheasants, reed buntings , tree sparrows , and two very frisky bunny wabbits !! Cheers Chris
forgot the two male goldeneye
-- Edited by Chris Greene on Wednesday 2nd of March 2011 09:35:54 AM
Neil Collier said
Mon Jan 31 9:59 AM, 2011
Wife and I had a visit to Marton Mere yesterday and thanks to a couple of guys taking photos had excellent views of the Long Eared Owls. No other particular birds of note but plenty of fieldfares, shovellors, tufties, teal. The mere itself was 75% frozen
alan patterson said
Sat Jan 29 12:45 PM, 2011
sid ashton wrote:
Had a quick visit to Marton Mere today particularly looking for the Cettis Warblers that I have been assured were present by several folk - nowt
On the way called in at Preston Dock for the Iceland Gull - (not now as colourful as it was early December), Lytham crematory for 5 Ring necked Parakeets, Fairhaven Lake for the Red-necked Grebe - (in much nicer light than last week) also a pair of Red -breasted Merganzer present and finally to Marton Mere.
Although a good search for the Cettis drew a blank found 4 Long-eared Owls (quite well hidden and couldn't see the others anywhere close by), Fieldfare eating mature apples in the next tree and at the feeding station male and female Brambling and several Tree Sparrows.
Hi Sid, One of the wardens was saying the Owls have had a lot of disturbance from dogs and a few photographers going over the fence. The worst disturbance was caused by some one throwing a piece of pipe into the bushes. This may explain why the Owls are more difficult to find if they have moved into denser bushes.
It showed pretty well hunting over the fields at the NE corner of the reserve and then flew right past and across the Mere. The initial views were alongside a Kestrel and it looked small and similar in shape, with stubbier wings, but when it covered ground in level flight the wings suddenly looked pointed and confusion with Hobby became much more understandable. I read that this age is actually unusual in the UK, most birds are 2CY in the earlier summer, so a great plumage to get a look at on a great bird
10 species of Warbler present 2 weeks ago. There were 1 each of Grasshopper Warbler and Garden Warbler. Maybe 2 Lesser Whitethroat. Maybe between 3-5 Blackcap, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff. Maybe about 6-7 of Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Cetti's Warbler. Cetti's Warbler seemed to be second most numerous of the Warbler species I had heard today. The most numerous was Whitethroat. A minimum of 10 were present and singing.
Sunlit views of the White Winged Black Tern at 11am this morning. Seemed to be favouring the 'caravan' side of the mere (South).
Also female Blackcap and Chiffchaff
The Fylde's favourite Iceland Gull is back for its 7th winter so I couldn't resist trying for it and eventually found it.
I spent nearly an hour on Tesco's car park where it was reported earlier but although there was plenty of large Gulls, it wasn't there. Eventually I decided to try SITA waste round the corner and just as I was going to leave for home, it appeared approx 3pm on a furniture warehouse roof next to the SITA site.
It didn't stay though and flew off behind the warehouse and doubled back round to the rear of SITA, I lost it and it didn't show for me again.
Twice I've seen this Gull and twice it's given me the slip with not the best of views, but as I reported in my last post from here in Jan 2015, it's an active site and a lot of the Gulls actually go right into the refuse building so you've got no chance of seeing it if it's in there.
19th November 1.00-2.30 pm
The highlight was spotting a drake Green-winged Teal to the East of the mere. It was best viewed from Heron hide.
No luck with the reported bittern but other birds of note were:
Cetti's warbler 1+
2 Snipe
4 Fieldfare
2 Skeins of Pink-footed Geese over
Good number of Shoveler
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 19th of November 2017 08:14:51 PM
First time visit in overcast but dry conditions mid-afternoon Tuesday 26th Sep. Pleasant walk around the mere. Sightings included :-
Kestrel flying over adjoining farmland. Small flock of 8 pink-footed geese flying south west over.
On the mere plenty mallard, coot, moorhen and lesser black-backed gulls, also good numbers of shoveller.
Cetti's warblers singing from either side of the mere.
Wren, blue tit, great tit, 3 x young pheasant, magpie and long-tailed tit on the bird feeding station.
With Ian Lyth & Paul Greenall.
Plenty of waterfowl.
Wigeon.
Teal.
Shoveler.
Gadwall.
Coot.
Moorhen.
Cormorant including one cracking bird with white head plumes.
Good views of a Water Rail as it walked out on the mud in front of the hide.
Very fleeting views of a Cetti's Warbler as it flitted through the reeds .... singing intermittently.
Roger
1 long-eared owl
2 sparrowhawk
1 kestrel
1 great crested grebe
1 little grebe
18 tufted duck
7 pochard
19 wigeon
118 teal
32 shoveler
6 pink-footed goose
3 snipe
2 grey heron
49 fieldfare
18 redwing
4 song thrush
lots of blackbirds all around
4 goldcrest
1 great spotted woodpecker
7 chaffinch
7 reed bunting
3 meadow pipit
several cettis warbler & water rails heard all around
big starling murmuration at dusk, 15,000+ easily. a female sparrowhawk was hunting the starlings as they dropped into the reeds.
whilst on my walk around I got word of a single waxwing near the north west entrance, I had a look around but no joy.
2 long eared owls (from the Bridle path - no more than 30ft away but devilishly difficult to spot)
Black-necked grebe that thought it was a tufted duck at the N.end of the mere
no signs of the Iceland gull on the walk around. plenty of other gulls coming & going, herring, lesser black backed, black headed & common gulls, Mediterranean gull seen in the morning by another birder.
lots of coot
goldeneye
tufted duck
pochard
shoveler
wigeon
cormorant
great crested grebe
2 little grebe
1 buzzard
1 sparrowhawk
cettis warbler & water rail heard only.
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 7th of February 2016 08:13:26 PM
100's of House Martin and Swift
Many Swallow
3 Reed Bunting
5 Reed Warbler
Kestrel family
Common Buzzard
Sparrowhawk
3 Grey Heron
Chiffchaff
Whitethroat
2 Great Crested Grebe
Tufted Duck
1000+ Starling in mini murmurations
The Long Eared Owl has moved from where I'd seen it earlier in the year but has relocated near by and today was giving stunning full bird views with no obscuring foliage.
Also Cettis Warbler and a good sized flock of Fieldfare with 2-3 Redwing.
On the mere there were plenty of the usual water birds and despite giving the hulks a good grilling there was no sign of Mediterranean or Iceland Gulls
Good to bump into the Rochdale Birders and some other familiar faces.
No sign of the Long-eared Owls
Nothing in the recent choice of Hawthorn Tree, checked all over that area too. Checked the old location but couldn't see any, but I was astounded as yet more scrub and vegetation has been cleared and it is very open now all round the path network that runs round the back of the scrub, infact I'm surprised the Owls would want to come back at all they've cleared that much as they will be running out of roosting trees!
One birder said they'd been spotted this morning and he knew where they were, but it was all in vain as there was no sign.
Other birds of note...
Plenty of Waterfowl including
Teal
Wigeon
Tufted Duck
Gadwall
Mallard
Moorhen
Coot
and approx 40 Pink-footed Geese over
-Plenty of Black-headed, Common and Herring Gulls on the Mere
-Some Fieldfare feeding with Starling in ploughed field opposite the mere
-Lots of Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird and Wren about
-usual Corvids and some Woodpigeon around
Whilst there I thought I may aswell try and locate the Firecrest that was reported, apparently seen with the Long-tailed Tits.
I soon caught up with a flock of interest containing...
8 Goldfinch
6 Long-tailed Tits
1 Great Tit
2 Blue Tits
1 Treecreeper
and a Goldcrest
Unfortunately I didn't see any sign of the Firecrest.
2 x Long-eared Owls in same spot as Saturday but were positioned ever so slightly different and as a result was just that bit easier to see a few more features. Cracking birds!
Lots of Waterfowl most in good numbers including...
Mute Swan
Wigeon
Teal
Mallard
A few Pochard and Gadwall
Other birds of note...
25-30 Fieldfare (with Starling)
2 Grey Heron
1 female Stonechat
1 female Reed Bunting
Plus lots of usuals around
...a few Cetti's Warbler heard and possibly 1 briefly seen in vicinity of the call.
...a Water Rail heard
and a Chiffchaff heard too!
Quick visit to the Sita Refuse building over the road produced another Lifer!
...a sensational adult Iceland Gull well found by Simon. Once we were on it though it was hard to miss it. It was mesmerising in flight almost angel-like.
Other Gulls...
Lots of Black-headed Gulls
Herring Gulls of various aged
A few young Lesser-black Backed Gulls
2 Common Gulls
What made us laugh was the fact there was already 40-50 Gulls on top of the building, but as soon as one of the yard refuse buggies came zooming round and into one of the open bays, a mass of Gulls (maybe 250+) came flying out that hadn't realised were even there. Incidentally the Iceland Gull made a couple of trips inside the building.
A quick drive round the fields behind Marton Mere and into Singleton, and we found a field of particular interest.
...large flock of Pink-footed Geese - approx 400-500
4 - Whooper Swans
3 - Mute Swans
2 - Red-legged Partridge
We couldn't pick any other Geese out.
1 - Kestrel
1 - Common Buzzard
Usual Corvids and plenty of Woodpigeon around.
Thanks to Jon Bowen on Saturday for the Long-eared Owl heads up, and thanks to the few Fylde birders for their valuable info too.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 5th of January 2015 11:53:22 AM
2 Long Eared Owls roosting in hawthorn.
On North path from West to East between the two hides overlooking the mere. On the left as you walk between the hides.
Also Merlin, Cettis Warbler(hide in NW corner), 20 Pink Footed Geese over.
Many Wigeon and Gadwall
No sign of Iceland Gull, either here or by Volkswagon dealership in Great Marton.
No sooner had we got out, every single bird was in the air.
A micro-lite copter had flown over and shifted them further back into the field when they finally landed. Great!
We scanned as best we could for reported White-fronted and Bean Goose.
The birds present that we saw were...
Approx 2000-2500 Pink-footed Geese
Approx 75-100 Greylag Geese
1 x female Sparrowhawk gliding low right near them, not a one flinched!
Of note...1 of the Greylag's had a red collar and some of the Pink-footed's were double checked after seeing bill irregularities but none of the ones noted had orange feet. Also it was noted that some of them had whitish patches around the base of the bill and face areas which we thought is to be expected.
Very active reserve yet again.
1 x Mistle Thrush faffing about in hedge nr entrance.
Lots of ...
Common Gulls
Black-headed Gulls
Herring Gulls
Lesser Black-backed Gulls
Waterfowl in good numbers...
Mute Swans
Canada Goose
Wigeon
Teal
Pochard
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Gadwall
...a few Shoveler around
1x Pintail
Usual water birds...
Great-crested Grebe, Cormorant, Coot, Moorhen and Grey Heron around.
Eventually got my Lifer, and well spotted by Steve after we were put into them by fellow Manc Birders, cheers!!!
LONG-EARED OWL x 3
Roosting spot moved again, 2 quite well hidden, the other was more visible, every so often it moved a smidgen and was face on to us but by no means particularly good views. Well made up though!
Other birds of note...
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
1 x Cetti's Warbler seen
Blackbirds + Robins a plenty!
Fieldfare approx 50-75 with Starlings
(On telegraph wires and most on floor)
1 x male Greenfinch
1 x female Bullfinch
1 x Goldcrest
1 x male Reed Bunting
Plenty of Woodpigeon and lots of Corvids about
Long-tailed Tit and Blue Tit
1 x Little Grebe in the stream to right of path
Pair of Stonechat reported to us, we missed them.
At least 4 more Cetti's Warbler and lots of Water Rail heard squealing and grunting.
a shame about the owls, but still a good day out, thanks again rob for this & hope to do this again soon.
Certainly will Steve, it was a most productive day!
Forgot to mention we had a few skeins of Pink-footed Geese over here too!
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 17th of November 2014 12:19:11 AM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 17th of November 2014 12:19:50 AM
a shame about the owls, but still a good day out, thanks again rob for this & hope to do this again soon.
We searched the 2 usual locations, and after learning a couple of weeks ago that 1 was disturbed by apple thieves, we were actively looking in most places for a possible new preferred roosting site, but none found.
Some of the vegetation has been chopped down below one of the old locations so providing less cover for possible returning birds to that area, something Steve was not best pleased about!
Plenty of Woodpigeon around
Few Fieldfare
Few Redwing
1 Mistle Thrush
Lots of Blackbird, Robin, Wren, and a few Tit / Finch flocks around
2 Kestrel
Few Reed Bunting
On the mere...
Mute Swan
Teal
Tufted Duck
Pochard
Coot
Moorhen
2 Grey Heron
Approx 400-500 Starlings over
and at least approaching 1000 Black-headed Gulls in groups with 1 Lesser Black-backed.
A single Common Gull seen too!
Also of note
A Jay heard
Water Rail and Cetti's Warbler heard all over the reserve with a single Cetti's seen briefly among the Reeds
and a Falconer with what I think was a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk, it seems like the closest match to what we saw, Buzzard sized, it had a ringed fan shaped tail although we were a bit confused as this one lacked the white ends to its tail feathers,
He didn't release it, he seemed to be trying to flush something out.
A good day all round but a bit disappointed we missed out on the Long-eared Owls, and the Barn Owl for that matter.
Searched thoroughly around the 2 supposed locations for Long-eared Owls but sadly none present. Thanks to the 2 dog walkers who said I was at the correct locations, if they were present I couldn't see any. Maybe a little early?
There were plenty of Woodpigeon however in these locations and roosting all over the reserve.
Other birds present...
2 Whooper Swans came flying low over the mere
3 Mute Swan flying low over the mere,
(Another 3 on the mere)
1m 1f Shoveler
Few Tufted Duck
Few Teal
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker flying over the marsh
4 Long-tailed Tits moving through
1 single Redwing
2 Buzzard
1 Kestrel
Flock of 8 Goldfinch over
1 Greenfinch
1 Grey Squirrel at feeding station NO BIRDS!!!
1 large fem Blackbird appeared with a pale area around the neck and I thought could it be Ring Ouzel at first but it called as it flew off - definitely Blackbird
At least 2 pairs of Cetti's Warbler heard ie. 2 calling to each other in the 2 different locations that I heard them in
Water Rail heard in a few locations around the marsh - various grunts, squeals, etc
Usuals...Coot, Mallard, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Robin, Blue / Great Tit, Starling, Wren, Magpie and the likely Gulls around.
One thing of note...the hides seemed useless as I couldn't see very much at all from hardly any of them, overgrown vegetation put paid to that! Otherwise a good reserve that could be better with a little care.
Cheers
Rob
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 20th of October 2014 06:59:13 PM
That is very good news.
I should have qualified my post by saying that a ''local birder'' told us that ''the planned funding had been stopped''.
He also said that there were no Wardens anymore.
I enjoyed my visit here but, relative to a previous visit, things did look a bit neglected. Views from one hide were poor due to vegetation. There was also a problem with dog fouling in numerous places.
-- Edited by keith mills on Sunday 19th of October 2014 09:43:04 PM
Cheers
Rob
A scheme to renovate and enhance Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve is due to start winter 2014.
Further details can be found here: http://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Residents/Parks-and-community-facilities/Parks,-playgrounds-and-community-facilities/Marton-Mere-Local-Nature-Reserve.aspx#ad-image-0
Sightings included:
Song Thrush
Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Stonechat (male) observed for sometime.
Reed Buntings
Goldfinch
Common Tits
Dunnock
Sparrowhawk
Mute Swans
Grey Heron
Cormorant
Gadwall
Wigeon
Tufted Duck
Shoveler
Moorhen
Coot...lots
Herring Gull..lots
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Black-headed Gull
Common Gull
Pink-footed Geese... 2 skeins, c100 and c35 lowish.
There is no warden here now and money ear marked for improvements has been taken away.
The unidentified fungi may have been Burgundy-drop Bonnet.
Dropped in to Marton Mere as part od a wider tour of Lancs today.
Managed to get onto the Long Eared Owl after a little effort and thanks to a local birder in fairly deep scrub nr the Container Hide
Also Barn Owl emerging from it's roost as we were leaving. Plenty of Waterfowl about and Water Rail heard.
Iceland Gull reported earlier but looks like I missed it by 15 minutes
from 2pm til dark.
3 long eared owls
2 barn owls, awesome views of 1 hunting about 40 yds away from me
1 buzzard
3-4 cettis warblers heard only, although I did see a couple of glimpses of something moving in the reeds
lots of water rails heard only
plenty of teal, wigeon & coots, several tufted ducks & shovelers on the mere
hundreds of pink footed geese (distant) several of them over head.
several snipe flying out of the reeds at dusk.
plus the usuals around, but no signs of any redwings or fieldfares !
very quiet, highlights being 2 tit flocks, the first one consisting...
long tailed, blue & great tits
at least 2 stunning looking willow warblers
at least 3 chiffchaffs
second flock...
long tailed & blue tits
2 whitethroats
1 lesser whitethroat
other birds of note..
3 blackcaps
1 kestrel
1 swift
swallows & house martins over the feilds
30+ tufted ducks
lots of coots
at the feeding station, no feeders, no feeding tables, no birds, no good
no sight or sounds of any cettis warblers or water rails.
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 18th of August 2013 10:45:45 PM
Managed a single Long Eared Owl, showing well in this year's spot
Cetti's Warbler heard only
Water Rail heard only
plenty of waterfowl including Shoveler, Goldeneye, Teal, Wigeon,Gadwall, Pochard
Good numbers of gulls mainly Black Headed with some Common Gulls and Herring Gulls
single Fieldfare
Found the 2 Long-eared Owls roosting in scrub in the NE of the reserve
Water mainly ice free
12 Gadwall
2 Wigeon
20 Shoveler
10 Pochard
2 Water Rail calling from reeds
kestrel
several Fieldfare eating rotting apples
Good numbers of fieldfare and redwings over,( over 2000 fieldfare reported earlier this morning.)
Approx. 120 swans present at noon-roughly 60 mute,and 50 whoopers!,apparently, a lot of these birds have been spending time on a flooded field near Staining recently.
Usual selection of gulls and wildfowl present.
2 water rails heard deep in the reeds.
No sign of the long eared owls yet,however the vegetation is still quite dense!
Also kestrel,lapwings and a few pink footed geese on surrounding fields,plus usual passerines.
Cheers Chris
no signs off any long eared owls (sorry roy)
1 buzzard
2 kestrels
1 great spotted woodpecker
1 shelduck (over)
1 skylark
2 g b b gulls plus lots off herring & b h gulls,no sign off iceland gull that was seen earlier.
water rails & cettis warblers (heard only)
goldeneyes, teals, gadwalls, pochards, tufted ducks, shovelers, lapwings & cormorants on the mere,plus all usual birds around.
a pleasant day despite a few misses
Lots of wildfowl and mixed gulls on the ice and water
Highlights:
2 long-eared owls,eventually found in new favoured roost tree.
3 Cettis warbler heard,only one seen.
Several water rail heard,again ,one seen.
Iceland Gull.
Plenty of teal,tufties,pochard,wigeon and shovellers.
Excellent views of kestrels and buzzards.
Also great views of a bold dog fox,unsuccessfully stalking teal in the margins!
Just over the road,the Heronry,at the bottom end of the lake in StanleyPark,appears to be filling up nicely
Cheers Chris.
1 long eared owl,not in usual spot took a while to find but glad i did
2 little owls
2-4 kestrels
2 buzzards
1 snipe,but several more seen at dusk coming from reed beds.
1 water rail (actually seen
2 great spotted woodpeckers
3 reed buntings at feeders,plus all usuals.
all usual gulls,iceland gull reported early on.
wigeons, shovelers, gadwalls, tufted ducks, pochards & teals.
plus all the usual birds around.
no starling roost,all went to north pier & no cettis heard.
still a great afternoon/evening
Following on from Nick's directions to Lawson Road, here is a map.
You can sometimes park up in Marton mere Holiday park (caravan site) which is on Mythop Road to the east of the mere. If you speak to the security guard on the gate then he'll tell you where to park. This access point will bring you nearest to the mere but it's not always available as access is sometimes not possible from here due to the park being closed.
Another access point I've used in the past is from Lawson Road to the west of the mere. Park up near the allotments and you'll see a path that runs off down the side of them. Follow this along and then turn right and it will take you to the mere. It's a bit of a walk but an enjoyable one.
If you can, try and look on google earth/maps and my directions will make more sense.
-- Edited by Louise Aspden on Tuesday 27th of December 2011 06:03:06 PM
1 little owl
1 peregrine falcon (chasing sarlings)
3 sparrowhawks ( 2 off them chasing & catching starlings,right in front off me as well)
2 kestrels
1000+ pink footed geese
at least 4 whooper swans
1 oystercatcher
1 little grebe
3 great spotted woodpeckers
1 redwing
3 linnets
1 treecreeper
1 pied wagtail
teals/shovelers/gadwalls/tufted ducks/pochards
+ usual gulls & other birds around the mere.
plenty off water rails around but heard only,as with the cettis warblers,at least 4 around but also heard only.
and finally 80,000+ starlings in roost this evening,sight & sound absolutely amazing and the best thing about it was they eventually dropped into the reeds right in front off me,thats when the peregrine and 2 sparrowhawks came in
did miss out on the barn owl
5 Goldeneye on the Mere
12 Redpoll in the trees on the opposite side of the Mere to the Caravan park.
Plenty of activity at the feeding station including siskin
Then quick visit to Lytham Crem for 4 Ring Necked Parakeets
Only two long-eared owls visible in original roost ,told of another two in tree nearby ...Apparently the owls have been disturbed on several occasions recently ,by an idiot who sends his dog in to flush the birds.....by another #&*@^¿%¥ !!! who threw handfulls of golf balls at them, and by some so-called "photographers" ,after a good shot ...Calm down, calm down !!
Anyway, on a brighter note , still a decent selection of birds on the mere ,including:
teal, tufties,shovellers ,pochard ,coots ,moorhens ,mallard ,bh ,lbb ,gbb and common gulls , 20+ cormorant ,lapwings and three grey herons . Two cettis warblers seen near reebed to the left of the first hide ,going clockwise around the lake ,from the main entrance .
Plenty of birds at the feeding station hide ,including:
Chaffinch,greenfinch , at least 2m and 1f brambling ,blue, great and lt tits , robins , blackbirds , dunnocks ,gs woodpecker , 4 female pheasants, reed buntings , tree sparrows , and two very frisky bunny wabbits !!
Cheers Chris
forgot the two male goldeneye
-- Edited by Chris Greene on Wednesday 2nd of March 2011 09:35:54 AM
No other particular birds of note but plenty of fieldfares, shovellors, tufties, teal. The mere itself was 75% frozen
Hi Sid, One of the wardens was saying the Owls have had a lot of disturbance from dogs and a few photographers going over the fence. The worst disturbance was caused by some one throwing a piece of pipe into the bushes. This may explain why the Owls are more difficult to find if they have moved into denser bushes.