Greylag Gosling – Photo Credit Steve Ripley
We have had some amazing weather over the last fortnight here at RSPB Leighton Moss and along with the sunshine and blue skies the summer visitors are starting to arrive. Sedge Warblers have been seen and heard singing in the reedbed on the path to the Eric Morecambe hide as well as a Whitethroat. The first Swifts have been seen, and the first Damselflies have arrived. The first ducklings and goslings have been spotted as the breeding season gets underway and a Grasshopper Warbler has been heard along the woodland path to Lower hide. The Cowslips are in full flower out in the garden area and Bluebells along with other woodland plants are starting to bring some lovely colours to the reserve.
Sedge Warbler – Photo Credit Steve Ripley
We generally suggest if it is your first visit to the Reserve that you start your visit at our 9-meter-high Sky Tower, this is a fabulous place for regular visitors too. The Sky Tower overlooks the entire Reserve from above the reedbeds with the closest pool directly below being Lilian’s. One of our team spotted a family of Mallards with a whopping total of 14 ducklings this week. Bearded Tits have been seen flitting about in the reeds below the sky tower too. The Ring-necked Duck still appears to be around, where will she turn up next, Lilians pool, Causeway or Lower, let us know if you spot her on your next visit.
Mallard Ducklings – Photo Credit David Mower
As you wander around the Reserve there is a symphony of birdsong, why not come and join us, immerse yourself in the sights, and sounds of our wild and wonderful wetland reedbeds or why not book onto the Dawn Chorus – Guided Experience Sunday 4 May 05.00am - 08.00am Join us for this early morning on National Dawn Chorus Day. Come and listen to the incredible cacophony with our guide and expert in bird song. Both beginners and experienced birders are more than welcome, just as long as you can deal with the early start. After the walk hot drinks will be provided along with a selection of pastries. Booking is essential so book your place early to avoid disappointment.
Swifts are starting to arrive after their incredible journeys! Swifts eat, sleep, bathe and even mate on the wing (while flying) and rarely touch the ground. They are also the fastest birds in level flight with an impressive speed of 69mph. Swifts spend the winter in Africa migrating 3,400 miles twice a year stopping off to refuel in places like France and Portugal before spending the summer in the UK.
Swift – Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
The Garganey pair are still showing well on Tim Jackson pool and the Bitterns and Marsh Harriers continue to delight visitors across the Reserve. We are starting to record Bittern flights so if you are lucky enough to see a flight, please let our Welcome Team know and they will record the time and location of the flight on our maps for the Wardens. We are still getting daily fishing visits from our local Ospreys, and we have an occasional visit from a Sparrowhawk often seen at Grisedale or Lower.
As the seasons change why not join us on our Spring into Summer – Guided Walk - 8th May 9.30am - 11.30am - Join us at Leighton Moss for this incredible time of year as spring blooms into summer. Our guide will lead us on a gentle summer walk as they point out summer migrants to the UK, listen for bird mating calls such as booming Bitterns and see nature bursting into life. Pre-booking is essential.
The Great Tit is now sitting on six eggs in the Visitor Centre Nestbox, so we are excited to follow the nest progress. Have a look at the nestcam as you pass through the shop on the way onto the Reserve.
Are you thinking of buying some new binoculars or a spotting scope. Why not pop along to our Optics Open weekend event Binocular and Telescope Open Weekend is Saturday 03 May and Sunday 04 May 11.00am - 16.00pm - and try out our wide range of binoculars, telescopes and accessories and find something that suits your needs and budget. Ask questions and get impartial advice from our friendly team with no obligation to buy. Try brands such as RSPB, Viking, Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss, Kowa, and Nikon. No need to book.
Over at the Eric Morecambe and Allen pools the Avocet numbers are increasing daily, and we have approximately 90 Avocets so far. We already have a few nests and are hoping for a successful breeding season. The Spotted Redshank is still over on the Eric Morecambe pool, and we also have a pair of Eider Ducks on the flood behind the main pool. We have had visits from a pair of Mediterranean Gulls on the Allen pool over the last fortnight, let us know if you see them on your next visit.
Avocet – Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Check out our main Events page here for future events.
A reminder for Nature Tots – Wednesday 07 May 10.30am - 11.30am - This is a lovely event for pre-school children to experience some fun nature-based activities.
Do stop and have a chat with our friendly Welcome Team on arrival for any important reserve information for your visit. Get the latest sightings updates or request the monthly Family Trail Quiz sheet, a fun and informative quiz for the family to do together. Our new pond dipping area is now open so you can hire your pond dipping kits from the Welcome Team or pick up a Nature Quest Pack.
We look forward to seeing you soon.