Marton Mere- Blackpool

[Neil UK]

Anyone a regular here, I am and have just started going most evenings after work or early mornings during the weekends.

More info here: Blackpool Council - Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve - Service Information

Just wondered if we do have regulars visitng the Mere what are your sightings. I am one of the unlucky ones who still has not seen the Long Eared Owls or Bitterns. Usual sightings for me are Starling roosts, Blackcap, Whitethroat, numerous Warblers, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebes... hundreds of Coots, Ruddy Duck, Mallards, Pochard.

Also one day when I was chatting to a fellow birder we were buzzed by a Peregrine, to which the warden insisted wasnt, well I tell you something mate IT WAS!!!

What do you see or have you seen over there? Infact am over there tonight from 4pm!! Hopefully add some pics later

[ChrisJB]

I've been a couple of times and not seen a great deal, save for black terns in spring and the usual reed and sedge warblers. In winter there is a reliable long-eared owl roost and good birds do turn up most years. Bittern are seen from time to time and so is the odd osprey passing through. Its claim to fame was an American bittern in 1991 I think it was. If you had it as your local patch and went regular you would be certain to come across some decent stuff.

Regards, Chris

[KeenTeen17]

The Long Eared Owls are best seen in Winter. I'll try and find a thread that had the directions to their roost

[Neil UK]

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

The Long Eared Owls are best seen in Winter. I'll try and find a thread that had the directions to their roost

Thanks fella, I think I know where abouts they are but just never seem to come across them.