Trip reports

Birdwatching Trip to WWT Martin Mere

Sunday, 25 November 2007

Thirty-three members of the Group visited the WWT Martin Mere Nature Reserve in Lancashire. Forecasts promised a dry day and we were lucky in that, not only was it dry, but it was also fairly mild with little wind. The Group were fortunate in that most of us saw at least 4 of the 7 raptors in the area. Most saw the merlin, marsh harrier, kestrel and buzzard. A few also saw peregrine and sparrowhawk but we dipped on the hen harrier, which had been seen in the area. At this time of year the expected whooper swans were there in abundance as were pink-footed geese. The predominant wader was ruff with redshank, a few greenshank, dunlin and snipe also present and giving good views. Those who saw the kingfisher and little owl perhaps saw the stars of the day. At Martin Mere one also has the opportunity to see and appreciate ducks usually seen at some distance and this was enjoyed by many members of the Group.