Martin Mere

Last Monday I visited Martin Mere, my mission was to get some flight pictures of the Whooper swans, but the sub zero weather meant most of the Mere was frozen and most of the birds were walking on the ice. I had gone mid day hoping there would be more activity as the birds were fed in the afternoon, but the majority of the swans were happy walking across the ice, although I did get some nice flight shots of the many Shelducks that were coming in for the feed. the bonus spot of the day was a Water Rail, that was skating on the ice on the pool in front of the Janet Kear hide.

Very noisy as the Whoopers display and bond with each other.





Look at the size of my wings





Not the warmest place to have a nap!!









At 3pm each day the birds are fed outside the hides.







The evening meal of potatoes being delivered



this can't be comfortable standing like that!



Todays objective was to get some flight photos of the Whoopers, but taking off and landing is difficult on ice so they were walking everywhere except this intrepid one







The swans may have stayed grounded but the Shelducks were all over the place.











Whilst walking came across this very tame Robin







I had a walk down to the Janet Kear hide which overlooks a small pool and feeders put up by the reserve, I noticed something come out of the reeds onto the ice, a Water Rail, but in my hurry to get a photo I didnt engage the auto focus properly and missed a clear shot before it disappeared back into the reeds, well miffed off!!



Lots of other birds about, a few below, starting with Reed Buntings







Pintail



Teal



Wigeon



Lots of Greylags







And to round off the afternoon, the starling roost, before the sun set over the Mere.