Bittern and Owl's @ Marton Mere

[Neil UK]

I wonder if someone could point me in the correct area of Marton Mere to view the Long Eared and Short Eared Owls, plus the Bittern that is there.

I have started going to the Mere alot and dont seem to be able to find any of the above.

[pauljones]

I wonder if someone could point me in the correct area of Marton Mere to view the Long Eared and Short Eared Owls, plus the Bittern that is there.

I have started going to the Mere alot and dont seem to be able to find any of the above.

Hi, I'm wondering about trying Marton Mere on Christmas Eve to see if the Long Eared Owls are around (would be a lifer). I would really appreciate any information about the chance of LEOs being at Marton and where would be the best place to look.
Thanks,
Paul

[Stephen Dunstan]

I am not sure if there are any Short-eared Owls at the Mere at the moment.

The Long-eared Owls are in the usual area in the north east scrub. Depending on exactly where they are sat they can be viewed either from the reserve near the path to the container hide, or from the bridlepath by Herons Reach golf course. If you can't find them roosting one option is to wait until after dark and watch them leave the roost, as there is a lot of light in the area.

With regard to the Bitterns the best bets are probably either:

a) scan the reeds on the north bank from the south bank towards dusk as the birds start to climb the reeds, or:

b) look for one flying from the east end to the west end (particularly behind the island) towards dusk

Hope that helps.

Stephen.

[pauljones]

I am not sure if there are any Short-eared Owls at the Mere at the moment.

The Long-eared Owls are in the usual area in the north east scrub. Depending on exactly where they are sat they can be viewed either from the reserve near the path to the container hide, or from the bridlepath by Herons Reach golf course. If you can't find them roosting one option is to wait until after dark and watch them leave the roost, as there is a lot of light in the area.

With regard to the Bitterns the best bets are probably either:

a) scan the reeds on the north bank from the south bank towards dusk as the birds start to climb the reeds, or:

b) look for one flying from the east end to the west end (particularly behind the island) towards dusk

Hope that helps.

Stephen.

Hi Stephen, Thanks, very helpful. Paul

[Cashie]

I have also seen the owls near the (Nook) stainning entrance to herons reach.

[Neil UK]

For the long eared owls I have been informed that when you get to the main large gate heading from De Vere Hotel, there is a large green tin hide on your right. With your back to the hide looking at the trees and shrubs, look carefully as they are seen to roost in this area.

[Stephen Dunstan]

Yes, that's the container hide. It isn't the first hide after the main gate, it is the second.

If there is nobody looking at the birds when you arrive there is usually a small 'trampled' area near either side of the scrub where people have viewed from which may help.

Stephen.

[Neil UK]

Yes, that's the container hide. It isn't the first hide after the main gate, it is the second.

If there is nobody looking at the birds when you arrive there is usually a small 'trampled' area near either side of the scrub where people have viewed from which may help.

Stephen.


Thank you Stephen I may have a stroll over the xmas break. Seeing as I live just over the road from the Mere.

[mikfoz]

At the moment they seem pretty persistent in roosting over in the bushes just adjacent to the golf course path as you exit the reserve and turn back down towards Lawson's Field rather than on the reserve side, but that could all be wrong by tomorrow. I'm going to pop up there and have a good mooch around with my camera so we'll see what's going on.

Here you go!

[mikfoz]

Owls still showing well. Spotted four fairly well visible and 2 harder to spot further undercover.