This week is significant in three ways for us here at Leighton Moss.
The first, sees the twentieth anniversary of the first ever record of Great White Egret on the reserve. It may seem surprising to many modern birdwatchers, but not too long ago these massive white herons were a major rarity in the UK and would cause a significant twitch whenever one was sighted. Now, they're a pretty regular sight on many of our wetlands and we can expect to see several Great White Egrets stalking the pool fringes here at Leighton Moss through much of the year.
It was on August 5, 2003 that our first 'GWE' paid an all too brief visit to the Allen and Eric Morecambe Pools before flying off, depriving many local birders of a much-wanted tick! However, we didn't have to wait long as another bird dropped in for longer stay in May the following year, having first been seen on the River Lune at Lancaster. The species remained scarce and records were intermittent for a decade or so but in recent years they have become a regular and annual occurrence. And who knows, they may well breed here in the not-too-distant future? (Pic from archive by Martin Kuchczynski)
The second thing of note was the record-breaking count of TEN Spoonbills on the saltmarsh pools on Friday. Our previous high count of eight (in May 2021) was briefly beaten earlier this week when nine were seen on the Eric Morecambe Pools, prior to hitting double-figures. This exotic and appealing species will doubtless continue to become a more frequent sight here. Numbers of Spoonbill are likely to increase in the coming years, along with many other herons and wetland dependent species as climate change impacts on habitats on the continent and beyond. For more about this, see the article in the current issue of The RSPB Magazine.
Thirdly, this week marks Afternoon Tea Week! And to celebrate, our wonderful catering team will be offering a delicious afternoon tea in the cafe! You can enjoy a selection of freshly made sandwiches, homemade quiche, Ginger Bakers cakes and, of course, fruit scone with jam and clotted cream, all washed down with our exceptional bird-friendly, shade-grown coffee or refreshing Teapigs tea for just £26 for two people! It's what summer (even a somewhat drizzly one) was made for...
Other news from the reserve in recent days concerns multiple Otter sightings at Lower, Causeway and Lilian's pools, Red Deer and calves showing beautifully at Jackson and Grisedale hides, Ospreys fishing in the meres and on the sunnier days lots of Hobby action as they pursue their dragonfly prey. Bitterns are still making regular flights, though the Marsh Harriers have done their anticipated mid-summer disappearing act - when will the first returning birds appear?
Back at the Eric Morecambe and Allen pools, wader numbers are building nicely, as we'd expect at this time of year. Over 1,000 Black-tailed Godwits may be seen, with smaller numbers of Bar-tailed mixed in. Several Greenshank, a couple of remaining Avocets and the occasional Common Sandpiper and Dunlin can be picked out among the numerous Lapwings and Redshanks while Kingfishers put in appearances every now and then.
All in all - despite the fact that many birds tend to keep a lower profile during August, there's really loads to see and enjoy here at the moment! We hope to see you soon...
Jon