Wildlife place to shoot next week?

[wippers]

As I'm now looking forward to a week off next week, the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are looking to be days out with the camera, but am looking for a few ideas where to go.
I'm taking one day down to the Mach Loop in Wales with the aircraft, but undecided what to do for the other 2 days. Although Gigrin Farm is in that neck of the woods, I always just want to do the Loop stuff when down there.
I enjoy shooting wildlife and wondered if anyone can suggest somewhere to go. I live in Cheshire but don't mind a bit of a drive. Martin Mere may be a possibility. :shrug:

Thanks for looking

Gareth

 

[mickledore]

Martin Mere is good at this time of year - lots of breeding plumage. Flamingo chicks have just arrived.
There's also a canoe safari you can go on for £5 where you hire a canoe to go through the reed beds. That's quite good and should be lots of chicks to see.

http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/martin-mere

There's a small reserve next door - Meresands - which is completely natural and less set up for the trippers. Good for an hour or two. There were bittern(s) a month or so ago, but apparently they've not been seen for a while.

http://www.rspbliverpool.org.uk/Meresands.htm

If you're going Wednesday do you fancy meeting up? Both are on my doorstep. Just Dave is up the road too, so he might come along.

Other than that there is the falconry centre near Settle. A bit further to go, and it's only really worth going at the times of displays which are on their website http://www.hawkexperience.com/

Plenty other places, but they tend to be a bit hit and miss as they are "natural".

If you're traveling I'd suggest get to Martin Mere for soon after opening - 10AM. Depending how fast you move you could spend all day there, and maybe call of at Meresands on the way out for the final hour or so.

Drop me a PM if you want to meet.

 

[wippers]

Cheers for the info Mickledore. I've got Wednesday down as my Loop day due to a friend who only has that day off unfortunately.

Last time I went to Martin Mere I ended up in the hides most of the time as for some reason I don't have much interest in ducks and the likes, but rather the finches and tits etc. No idea why.:shrug:

You've also reminded me of a falconry centre we have nearby in Knutsford, so will have a look at what they do during the week, although I believe the kids are on holiday next week too so may be busy.:thumbsdown: