Trip reports
Field trip to Marshside and Martin Mere
Saturday, 26 January 2008
On route to the Sandgrounders' hide we observed a flock of Pochard sheltering on the reserve. From the hide we spotted a variety of water birds such as Wigeon, Mallard, Tufted, Teal, Pintail, Moorhen and Coot. On the grassed areas a number of waders were gathered especially Lapwing, Golden Plover and Redshank together with some Greylag and Canada Geese.
On a visit to the site of the old Sandwashing Plant, a lone Skylark and small flocks of Linnets were seen making darting flights into the undergrowth and a Little Egret was spotted flying across the road.
Having been sandblasted by the onshore wind we retreated to the shelter of the viewing screens and Nel's Hide from where we saw Black-tailed Godwits along with some more duck.
We then travelled to the Wetland and Wildlife Trust reserve of Martin Mere, where after lunch we visited the many hides. From the Swanlink Hide we saw thousands of Whooper Swans on the Mere and were deafened by their calls at feeding time. As the birds came very close to the hide excellent views were also obtained from this hide. Unfortunately the reported Bewick Swan was not seen despite continuous efforts by the Leader. A Great-spotted Woodpecker was the highlight for those in the Janet Kear Hide.
As we were watched from the United Utilities' Hide a large flock of Lapwing was sent skywards by the presence of at least 2 Peregrines. Other predators such as Marsh Harrier and Buzzard were also seen quartering the Carum Field and the distant farmland.
A pair of Stonechats was observed from the Ron Barker Hide and Tree Sparrows were seen at the feeding station close to the Hale Hide. A small flock of Pink-footed Geese was also seen feeding on the stubble.
Some of the party stayed on the reserve to watch the evening Starling roost and maybe catch a glimpse of the Beavers but most of us left to return home while there was still some light.