Blackcap in Blackthorn – Photo Credit Sue Westwood
Spring is in full swing here at RSPB Leighton Moss. With the recent beautiful warm and sunny weather, the Reserve is alive with birdsong, emerging insects, butterflies, and plant life. Frogspawn can be found along the woodland path edges on the way to Grisedale and Tim Jackson hides, Blackcaps can be seen and heard in the beautiful Blackthorn which is in flower along the path to Lower hide. Wild Strawberry are flowering on the path by the meadow on the way to the boardwalk, Cetti’s Warblers and Chiffchaff song is filling the air along with the booming Bitterns. Willow Warblers and Reed Warblers have been heard singing along the Causeway and the Red Deer have been enjoying the warm weather and can often be seen sunbathing at Tim Jackson pool. New life is everywhere you look and it’s the time of year migrants are passing through and you never know what might turn up next. Why not head over to join us whether you are hoping to see something specific or just want a relaxing wander through our wild and wonderful reedbed to recharge your batteries.
Cetti’s Warbler – Photo Credit Chris Pickering
If all this talk of bird song is making you think about the dawn chorus and how to identify all those different birds by their song, then take the opportunity to join us on our Dawn Chorus – Guided Experience – Sunday 4 May, 5.00am - 8am – 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. This is a popular event, so we strongly advise you book your ticket asap, click on this link to book.
Around the Reserve, Ospreys are now visiting to fish regularly and Bitterns have also been showing very well, delighting visitors at Lower hide on the edge of the reedbed staying visible at times for an hour or more! Sand Martin and Swallow numbers are increasing, Lapwings are showing very well displaying, calling, and swooping across the pools at Lower, Tim Jackson and Grisedale pools. The Garganey pairs are still showing well at Tim Jackson and Lilians pool. The Marsh Harriers continue to put on some impressive aerial acrobatics and one of our regular volunteers Chris Pickering saw a Heron with a large Pike for dinner at Grisedale earlier this week (see photo below).
Grey Heron with Pike – Photo Credit Chris Pickering
The Great Crested Grebe’s on Causeway have been performing their weed dance and are just delightful to watch. This is part of their elaborate mating display which sees them rise out of the water and shake their heads, sometimes with their bills full of weeds. Let us know if you see them displaying on your next visit.
Great Crested Grebe’s - Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Over on the Eric Morecambe and Allen pools wader numbers are increasing, one Spotted Redshank, 960 Redshank, 84 Avocets, approx. 3,500 Black-tailed Godwit and 680 Knot. Every now and again a Merlin or Marsh Harrier drop in and create mayhem and some spectacular mini murmuration's. Our Reserve volunteer photographer Steve Ripley took the amazing photograph below of a group of Redshank suspended in mid-air above the water as if they were ballet dancers, a fabulous capture.
Redshank – Photo Credit Steve Ripley
Why not book on our next Dusk Discoveries- Wildlife Walk Thursday 17 April 19.15pm - 21.15pm - Experience the magic of Leighton Moss at dusk on this relaxed evening guided walk. Dusk is an incredible time for wildlife, as birds congregate to roost together and nocturnal creatures such as bats start to wake up. We will also be listening for the “dusk chorus” as many birds (including Bittern) tend to be more vocal just before dark. Pre-booking is essential.
We are excited to see which species we get nesting in our Visitor Centre nest box which can be seen on the webcam in the corner of the shop. It’s amazing to watch them prepare the nest, sit on the eggs, and raise the young to fledge. We feel like proud parents if the nest is successful! In 2023 Blue Tits nested and five fledged, in 2024 Nuthatch nested and two fledged. What will 2025 bring? We currently have a Great Tit filling the box with nesting material! Watch this space! Check out the webcam on your way through the shop on your next visit and see who is home?
Great Tit – Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
We are excited to be supporting local artists and makers, showcasing their lovingly made products to Leighton Moss visitors. Events will be hosted throughout the Spring and Summer so drop in to show your support and shop local. The next Local Makers Market is Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April 10.00am - 16.00pm. Free to attend, although normal reserve admission applies.
For other Events coming up in April click on the links below; -
Nature Tots – Wednesday 16 April 10.30am - 11.30am
Nature up close – Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 April – free drop in event 10am-4pm
Check out our main Events page here for future events.
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. This month has an Easter theme. 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.