Marton Mere Blackpool - sightings

[alanjns]

About Marton Mere:

Blackpool Council - Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve - Service Information

[alanjns]

Within the last few days up to 3 Long-eared Owls have been seen around the mere, possibly returning to roost for the winter.

[JONNY74]

Hi Alan i've heard about the Long Eared Owls at Marton Mere in the winter. Have you ever seen them and are they easy to find?

[alanjns]

Yes and No!!

They are often disturbed by people trying to get too close for that all important photo shot, so rather than put the info here - I'll send you a PM.

[Neil UK]

Ive been told the area and still have never seen them, very elusive birds... camo is unbelievable

[alanjns]

Here's a pic I took on the 9th March this year - they are really difficult to see, they are so well camoflauged.

I'm on a mission this year to get one with it's eye's open.

[alanjns]

Reported on Fylde Bird Club

1st-winter Mediterranean Gull, 2+ Common Gulls, 2 Water Rails, female Kestrel, c12 Gadwall, 2 Shovelers (male, female), 2 Pochards, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Pied Wagtails flew over, 120+ Teal, c40 Barnacle Geese

[Neil UK]

Marton Mere is my local place to visit, seeing that I live 2 minutes over the road from Lawsons Marsh. Hope this winter is a good year as sightings have gone down on recent years for me.

Any idea if the Bittern is still around Alan?

[alanjns]

Originally Posted by Neil UK

Marton Mere is my local place to visit, seeing that I live 2 minutes over the road from Lawsons Marsh. Hope this winter is a good year as sightings have gone down on recent years for me.

Any idea if the Bittern is still around Alan?

Hi Neil,

Small world - I'm 2 streets further down!

Haven't heard of a Bittern being sighted recently and have just checked back on Fylde Bird Club sightings for the last month - they don't have one recorded either.

I'm off for a wander in the next half hour, so who knows!!

[alanjns]

Reported on Fylde Bird Club

Water Rail, Kestrel, Cormorant, 2 Grey Herons, 15 Mute Swans (5 juveniles), Great Crested Grebe, 10 Long-tailed tits, 2 Wrens, 2 Chaffinch, 12 Woodpigeons, 20+ Tufted Ducks, 50+ Coots, 2 Shoveler, 8,000+ Starlings roosted