Despite the imminent cold weather which is due over the next few days, spring feels like it has arrived at RSPB Leighton Moss - marked by the first avocet arrivals. The first bird was spotted down on the saltmarsh on Wednesday 22 February, and since then, it’s been joined by at least seven other individuals. The Allen and Eric Morecambe Pools are currently holding a lot of water, so keep your eyes out on the muddy edges for these elegant individuals. Black-tailed godwit numbers have reached c750 over the past week – at this time of year, we see a build up of birds before they disperse to their breeding territories. On the saltmarsh, we are also hearing frequent reports of merlin. (Photo by David Mower)
On the main reserve, signs of the impending breeding season are becoming more frequent. Great crested grebes, now decked out in their finest plumes, are warming up ahead of their famous dance-like display. Bitterns can be heard booming throughout the day, and while we are still waiting for our first co-ordinated count, it’s thought that up to seven individuals could be booming across the area!
Over recent days, there have been semi-regular sightings of red kite in Silverdale. While red kites are restabilising with great success in other areas of the country, they are still a scarce bird in Lancashire – could these passing individuals be scouting out potential nesting locations? We sure hope so.
While wildfowl numbers appear to be dwindling on the pools, the ring-necked duck has been spotted on occasion throughout the week. Last reported on Wednesday on Lilian’s Pool, this duck is a scarce North American vagrant, so do let the Welcome team know if you see it on your visit!
The wardens have been hard at work on the south side of the reserve, cutting and excavating in the reedbed near the Tim Jackson hide. Reed cutting is an essential part of our habitat management work – the different stages of reed growth mimic the different stages of that would occur in a natural, successional habitat. The wardens hope that, by creating more open space in front of the Tim Jackson Hide, wildfowl and waders might spend more time on the pool as the better visibility makes them less vulnerable to predation. While completing this work, the team have had great views of water pipit, woodcock and jack snipe. (Photo by Richard Miller)
Tomorrow is the last day of our Binocular and Telescope Week - our team will be on hand to talk all things optics...
If you’re pondering over potential new binoculars, or you're stumped on which scope to start with, then it's the perfect opportunity to get some advice from our experts!
We have a wide selection, including RSPB’s own products alongside other brands such as Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss and Kowa. Why not try out your options on our feeding stations and in the hides? There’s no better way to get a real feel for optical features than out in the field.
We hope to see you there!