The Mere and the Moss

 I decided to visit Martin Mere on Jan 19 with the weather being mild and dry. Walked down to Janet Kear hide and suitably masked up stayed for a good while. It was much quieter with fewer human visitors but thankfully lots of birds coming to the feeders. Several Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Tree Sparrow, the ubiquitous Robin. Long Tailed Tit then a really good view of a male Brambling. I saw some Mallards on the water and then regular visits from Blue tit, Great Tit and Moorhen. 

Returned to look over the main mere which had views of Pintail, Shelduck, Pink Footed Geese, Shoveler, Bar-tailed Godwit, Pintail, Whooper Swan, Lapwing and Wigeon. The appearance of a Marsh Harrier made them all fly around.

I checked the weather forecast and saw the next day was to be dry and sunny, so I booked a ticket to visit Leighton Moss by train. The station at Silverdale is only a short walk from the reserve and for me the price of £8 return, impossible to ignore. I couldn't spend long in Lilian's hide since there was going to be a wedding there within ten minutes. The one thing of note there was the legend that is John Wilson, the former manager of the site. 

Brisk walk from here to Lower hide. Snipe, Jack Snipe, Wigeon, Shoveler, Teal, Greylag Geese, Mallards, Cormorant and Mute Swans were visible from the main windows. A female Marsh Harrier flew casually over scattering flocks as it did so. I then decided to have a more casual stroll back to Lilians hide. I noted Bullfinch, a few cormorants, a calling Cetti's Warbler, Tufted Ducks, a Water Rail, Reed Bunting and some Wrens.

                  

The feeders back at the centre provided excellent views of Marsh Tit, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Pheasant, Mallard, I then decided to climb up the Tower which is near to Lilians hide. There was a Grey Heron, a flypast of Greylag Geese, Tutted Ducks, more Snipe which you may spot in the (poor) photo and then finally wonderful views of a male Marsh Harrier. By the end of the day my yearly total of flora/fauna was frustratingly at 169. This is still about 140 more than this time last year, but were were in Lockdown then.