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There was a feeling of spring in the air as we walked the Millers Bridge Trail lined with Daffodils, Primroses, Lesser Celandine and Common Dog Violet. The Willow’s bright green leaves were appearing above the Flamingo Pen as we proceeded to the Ron Barker Hide.

There was a feeling of spring in the air as we walked the Millers Bridge Trail lined with Daffodils, Primroses, Lesser Celandine and Common Dog Violet. The Willow’s bright green leaves were appearing above the Flamingo Pen as we proceeded to the Ron Barker Hide. Temperatures were around 11°C with clear blue skies and aircraft contrail clouds; no rain but light gusts of wind. Pheasants, Woodpigeon and Blackbirds moved about the Screen banks and trees. Brimstones and Tortoiseshells fluttered around the Hides and stoats scurried across the tracks: a different experience to a chilly winter’s day in January.

Wetland birdwatching in the company of fellow WeBS counters at Martin Mere in good weather is a satisfying spectacle.

The Ron Barker Hide overlooks the wildest part of Martin Mere and provides superb views, especially in winter. The WWT controls artificially the water levels by means of channels and sluices.

Retracing our steps, we stopped at the John Raines Hide which overlooks the Mere and here we added the following birds to our list: Mediterranean gulls Larus melanocephalus, Pintail Anas acuta and Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica.

Wetland birdwatching in the company of fellow WeBS counters at Martin Mere in good weather is a satisfying spectacle.

HH@BTO