Christmas at Martin Mere

This visit was just before Christmas, it was extremely cold. I popped my head out for about 10 minutes to hopefully get some photos but unfortunately I suffered from camera shake because of the shivers and then my fingers went dead, at this point I gave up and went back inside to get warm with the help of a mug of soup!

I did just get as far as the Swan link hide and this cheeky chappie is now a regular there, as you will see he perches on the shelf waiting for some grain. He doesn't move readily even if his space is required!

It was about 2pm and the whooper swans were returning from the surrounding areas for their feed. The light was not good either and the photos were very disappointing.

It is hoped that about 20 electronic tracking devices will be fitted to Whooper swans before February, I think the count is up to 9 so far. Obviously each swan has to be caught, weighed and measured before the device is attached. Not all swans are suitable to carry this device, they have to be of a certain age and weight. Mainly males are used as they tend to be heavier than the females. An average adult female weighs 8 - 9 kgs and the male 10 - 12 kgs. The heaviest recorded male was 14 kg at Caelaverock and was called Stonker!

Once the device has been fitted and the swan has preened its feathers they are quite difficult to see. This swan was quite a distance away and I don't think I would have noticed it if I hadn't known what to look for.

During the afternoon we were entertained by the Southport ensemble. They were really very good especially as some of them were only knee high to a grass hopper, (or is that my age talking?!).

I just love this one, he had to cope with the hat as well as the fiddle!

Jenny's little helper

But you're sewing, I was only trying to help!!

OK then if you really don't want me to do any more I will lie here quietly and just watch.

A foggy Martin Mere

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't do 'cold' weather!! However last Saturday I did venture to Martin Mere to help for the North West bird festival for which I believe there were over 750 visitors that day. The weather didn't seem to put off the true bird watchers who came for the work shops, lectures and displays. Some even walked to the hides with binoculars and cameras but most came back from there slightly disappointed with the view!!

In the early afternoon I went to investigate for myself - well for Anya really - I just knew she would want an update for the swan link hide. I donned my insulated coat, hat, scarf, heated gloves and went off to brave the weather. There are still only about 1200 whooper swans in the area but not many of these could be seen today. I didn't hang around for the 3pm feed but carried on for a jog around the grounds.

Even the smaller lakes were surrounded in fog and good photos were out of the question - well that's my excuse.

The beaver lodge remains as ever a construction site!

Then one bright corner - I found these just outside the beaver lodge.

Then it was back to the office block and a mug of hot vegetable soup to warm the cockles of the heart (well it almost worked as well as a brandy) !!