Sunday, January 3, 2016

New Year at Martin Mere

New Year's day 2016 dawned grey and cold but at least it wasn't raining! I ran an easy 6 miles along the Wirral coast and ticked off a pair of Stonechat at Leasowe Bay. After a quick lunch I headed for Martin Mere in Lancashire. The light hadn't improved much but I still rattled off a few photos. Highlights of a fabulous afternoon's birding were Tawny and Barn Owl, though neither were photographable, and four species of raptor; Peregrine, 2 Marsh Harrier, numerous Buzzards and a Kestrel. It was lovely to see good numbers of Tree Sparrow as well.

Wigeon

Whooper Swan

Whooper Swan family

Marsh Harrier

Marsh Harrier

Tree Sparrows

Pintail