After all the excitement of 'Bearded Tit and Red Deer Rutting Season' one would think think that it would quieten down here at Leighton Moss. As if! The wonderful thing about a reserve like this is that there is always something to witness.
Regular features such as Otters, Bitterns and Marsh Harriers (the latter back in force with up to seven individuals on site at the time of writing) are supplemented by the mass arrival of wildfowl. Duck numbers increase daily at this time of year and the meres are filled with the sounds and sights of dabbling, diving, splashing and whistling birds. As the majority of the ducks are just coming out of their autumn moult, they look absolutely spectacular. Among the many Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Shovelers and Tufted Ducks, look out for smart Pintails, Pochards and more.
In fact one duck certainly worth looking for is the female Ring-necked Duck that turned up last week. Likely the same bird that spent the winter here last year, this scarce wanderer originates from North America, where it is quite common. Superficially similar to our own Tufted Duck in habits and appearance, this attractive vagrant species is well worth seeking out. Hopefully it will stay on the reserve for the next few months and give lots of people the opportunity to familiarise themselves with this rather nifty trans-Atlantic visitor.
(Photo of Ring-necked Duck from archive by Jarrod Sneyd)
Looking out on the saltmarsh from the Eric Morecambe and Allen hides you may will see yet more ducks including Wigeon, Shelduck and occasional Goosanders and Red-breasted Mergansers. But the stars of the show are often the birds of prey hunting out there; in recent weeks visitors have been treated to marauding Peregrine, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Merlin, along with Barn Owl and a one-day Short-eared Owl.
Three species of egret may be seen too - Little, Great and Cattle Egrets all making appearances. Our highest ever count of the latter species peaked at fourteen birds on 7 Nov, a sure sign that like the other egret species, these diminutive colonisers from the continent are benefiting from changes in the climate.
Otters continue to impress and animals have been seen right across the reserve, though we generally expect more sightings from the ever-favoured Causeway and Lower pools.
You never quite know what you might see when visiting Leighton Moss but there'll always be something to enjoy! And as autumn comes to an end and we start to feel the real onset of winter, we will hope to welcome back the impressive Starling murmurations. Keep and eye on our Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) accounts for updates!
Jon