What an exciting week on the reserve! Autumn migration is in full swing; redwings have arrived en masse in the past few days, feasting on berries to refuel after their long flight from Scandinavia. Their ‘seep seep’ calls can be heard overhead, and large groups have been seen roosting in the willows on the reserve. Starlings have also been seen flocking together in the evenings, as the wintering populations join our residents - perhaps they are warming up for the murmurations which we can expect later this season. Other seasonal highlights include the first sightings of siskins and redpoll on the path to Lower Hide. From Lower Hide, visitors and staff have has superb views of otters, with five individuals being seen at once near the reed edges. (Pictured by Steve Brown)
Over the past few days, a long tailed duck has also been visible from Lower Hide. These sea ducks are scarcely seen on the reserve, it’s been a treat for visitors to get such great views. October often brings in rarities, as birds either drop in to take breaks on their mammoth migrations or get blown off course. Another highlight this past week was a brief visit from a lesser yellowlegs, an American vagrant, which could be seen probing the Eric Morecambe and Allen pools. This small wader was seen amongst the redshank – and as its name suggests, its yellow legs made it stand out from the crowd! (Photo of long tailed duck and goldeneye, by Jarrod Sneyd)
Red deer stags are still bellowing and can be seen clashing antlers in the morning – a popular spot to witness the rut is from Grisdale Hide, but some visitors have been treated to stags appearing out of the reeds and trotting along in front of them. And of course, bearded tits on the grit trays most mornings. There’s something for everyone!
Speaking of which, why not bring your little monsters to Leighton Moss this Halloween? We have our free (normal admission fees apply) Big Wild Halloween trail, available from our Welcome desk. Learn about all of nature’s spookiest species on our trail around the reserve throughout the rest of October.
We also have a range of drop in events in the Holt. These activities are free to take part in (normal admission fees to access the reserve will apply).
On Monday 24 and Thursday 27, Nature Up Close will be back for the October half term. Pop in and use our microscopes to help you to discover some weird and wonderful sights up close, looking at bones, skin, feathers, mini-beasts and a host of other amazing things!
You may have seen the #peoplesplanfornature hashtag on social media recently. But what is it? We all rely on nature, and it’s never been more important for the UK public to have their say. That’s why the National Trust, the RSPB, and WWF are joining forces to make sure the public’s voices are heard, and together create a plan to protect and restore nature that no one can ignore. Leighton Moss will be hosting a drop-in session on Tuesday 25 October. Come and share your thoughts on the future of nature, chat with the RSPB and National Trust team, and learn a little bit more about the #PeoplesPlanForNature.
The Lost Sounds is a new addition to our calendar, and will be in the Holt on Saturday and Sunday. It is a project developed by the Ensemble team at Lancaster University. The aim is to encourage people to pay attention to their natural environment using digital technology and sound. Join us in the Holt to make a print of one of Leighton Moss’ wonderful birds using conductive ink. The Lost Sounds team will then help you programme your print and wire it up to their circuit, where your print will become part of a soundscape!
(Photo from Nature Up-Close by Beth Fox)
We hope to see you soon!
Beth