Trip report: Martin Mere WWT, Sunday 19th November 2006 · David Phillips · Added 14 April 2007
Our second bird club trip of this winter season saw us travel to the North West of England to visit the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) reserve at Martin Mere. This reserve is famous for its huge numbers of Whooper Swans, and large skeins of Pink-footed Geese. On board the coach the many usual faces were joined by some new members. All were looking forward to seeing a wide variety of wintering wildfowl and the possibility of a few raptors attracted by the concentration of birds and the potential rich source of food.
Our journey southwards over the hills and through the beautiful Lune Gorge in Cumbria gave members the opportunity to see Common Buzzard in one of its strongholds. Several birds duly obliged by soaring over the road and hillsides.
At Martin Mere large numbers of Whooper Swans (circa 14,000), Pink-footed Geese and Ruff (50+) greeted our arrival. The Ruffs fed around the edge of the water and intermingled with the huge numbers and variety of wildfowl that included winter specialities such as Goldeneye and Pintail. A Red-breasted Goose was seen briefly but flew off northwards and was not relocated.
Our arrival coincided with some agitation amongst the wildfowl. By scanning the fence posts the cause of this panic was found. A Peregrine Falcon sat eyeing up its dinner. Duck appeared to be on the menu. The hunters were further represented with Kestrel and Merlin, with Sparrowhawks and Common Buzzards drifting over. One Buzzard spent some time mirroring the Peregrine by perching on another fence post nearby.
Tree Sparrows, Stonechats and Reed Buntings showed well and a Kingfisher frequented the nearby ditch just outside the hide giving many members an opportunity to see this azure beauty at very close quarters.
Later in the day two Bewick's Swans were located amongst the noisy squabbling mass of Whooper Swans but generally numbers of Pinkies and Ruff seemed low compared to previous visits. Perhaps this was as a result of the exceptionally mild weather.
A total of 84 species were recorded and from the conversations on the return journey, everyone appeared to have enjoyed the trip and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
David Phillips
Assistant Field Trip Secretary