Ranger feeding ducks in Burscough, Lancahsire, UK 21st November, 2015. Paul feeding captive birds at WWT Martin Mere Bird Festival. The present Hooper Swan count stands at about 750 birds, it is expected that this sudden cold spell could change all this fairly quickly as up to 2000 plus birds are expected with the northerly winds.
Martin Mere, near Ormskirk, in Lancashire is where wilderness and family-friendliness combine. Its year-round attractions include an otter enclosure, pond dipping zone, an inspirational eco-garden and the opportunity to enjoy close-up encounters with around 100 species of international water-birds as they swim, feed and wander in wetlands custom-designed to mimic their natural homes. To this, nature adds many other treats. A survey in 2002 recorded well over 2,000 different species of birds, mammals, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles and mini-beasts living in and around the mere which gives the site its name. In addition, the site is a haven for many traditional Lancashire plants, such as the endangered whorled caraway, golden dock, tubular water dropwort, early marsh orchids, the large-flowered hemp nettle and purple ramping fumitory. But what makes Martin Mere truly world class are the many thousands of migrant wild ducks, geese, waders and swans which over-winter at this Ramsar-rated marshland and especially the spectacular displays of feather and flight provided by huge migrant flocks of pink-footed geese, wigeon and whooper swans.
Size: 3481px × 2508px
Location: Burscough, Lancashire UK
Photo credit: © MediaWorldImages / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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