Super volunteer Sue is back with this weeks sightings blog.
If you are planning a day out in nature this weekend, why not come along to RSPB Leighton Moss and immerse yourself in the wonders of our amazing wetlands. No matter what the weather the landscape looks stunning with the vibrant summer colours and the reflections on the pools. Are you ready to welcome in the first days of summer celebrating the solstice? Why not make the most of the sunshine and seek out some summer spectacles here at Leighton Moss.
Do you enjoy listening to the birds but have trouble identifying the birdsong? Why not come along to our next Birdsong for Beginners walk:
Birdsong for Beginners Guided Walk Sunday 7 July 7.30am - 9.30am
Whether you are new to birdwatching or relatively experienced you can extend your knowledge on this entertaining guided walk aimed at helping improve your identification skills! Pre-booking essential.
https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/68132
We are so excited to report that the Great Crested Grebe chicks hatched last week on Lilian’s Pool and are so cute riding around on their parent's backs, their stripy plumage means they are often referred to as humbugs. Young Grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching, but the adults keep them close by carrying them on their backs until they’ve taught them to dive and fish.
There have been some amazing sightings of a Barn Owl over the field next to the garden and also on the meadow on the way round to the boardwalk. Tawny Owl sightings have been reported on the path to the Lower Hide. Although a very scarce visitor to the main reserve we had a rare visit from a Kingfisher recently which was seen in front of the Causeway hide on one of the posts. These lovely colourful birds are more likely to be seen over at the Eric Morecambe and Allen Hides after the breeding season later in Summer into Autumn. Despite their vibrant colours they are still challenging birds to spot!
Each season brings its own delights and wonders to the reserve, if you would like to find out more why not book onto one of our monthly guided walks:
Summer at Leighton Moss Thursday 4 July 10am- 12 noon
Let our expert guide take you on a gentle two hour walk on the reserve where you will find out all about the history and wildlife of Leighton Moss! These monthly walks will focus on the nature to be seen and heard in the current season and will give you a taste of the wonders of our wild wetlands! Pre-booking is essential.
https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/78559
The Ospreys continue to delight with their daily fishing trips with many of them returning birds identified by their leg rings. This is a good time of year for Bittern sightings with females on feeding flights and fledging young being seen at all of the hides. Be aware that watching for these illusive reed bed specialists requires patience as you may need to sit and watch for two or three hours at a time. Marsh Harriers continue to display well across the reserve carrying nesting materials and making food passes to each other which always delights our visitors.
The Red Deer have been showing very well from Tim Jackson and also Grisedale, if you are an early bird, you might catch them around the reserve with the young playing together at sunrise! If you prefer a more leisurely start to your day our Site Manager Jarrod Sneyd has reported some great sightings at dusk. Our Volunteer Dave had an encounter with a female Red Deer later on in the day when she surprised him by jumping out of the woods onto the path and stopped almost within touching distance of him before bounding off to the meadow opposite.
On Dave’s weekly walkabout around the reserve, he has also reported seeing the dramatic purple and yellow flowers of the vine Woody Nightshade (also known as Bittersweet) standing out along the woodland paths, this is a typical reed bed species and is related to potato and tomato plants and is poisonous if ingested.
Over at the Eric Morecambe and Allen pools the Knot sometimes outnumber the Bar Tailed Godwits and Black Tailed Godwits. With the large number of waders on these pools it's a spectacular sight when a Peregrine or other raptor flies over and flushes them off of the pools and out of the reed beds. It's like a mini murmuration with birds swirling around above the pools. Our lovely graceful Avocets have a number of nests and we are beginning to see the chicks out on the pools now which is amazing. Also reported from Eric Morecambe and Allen Pools have been Ruff, Spoonbill, Common Sandpiper and Turnstone. If you haven’t been over to the Eric Morecambe and Allen hides for a while just a reminder that the road to the car park has now been resurfaced.
Other events coming up you might want to get in your diary or get booked onto in advance:
Micro moths for Beginners Saturday 6 July 10am - 3pm
Want to find out more about the fascinating world of micro moths? Whether you know your stuff or are a beginner when it comes to micro moths, please join our team of experts for a fascinating look at the world of these amazing creatures! Learn how to identify a wide range of micro moths and learn all about their often-awe-inspiring life cycles. This workshop will feature a detailed presentation and you will get to examine moths up close with local experts. Pre-booking is essential.
https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/71719
Binoculars and Telescopes Open Weekend Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 July (11am-4pm)
Thinking of buying some binoculars or a spotting scope?
Why not try out the wide variety of optics we offer and get hands-on advice from our friendly impartial team.
Nature Tots, alternate Wednesdays, 10, 24 July, 14, 28 August (10.30-11.30am)
For younger children we are running Nature Tots again. Whatever the weather, come along with your pre-school tots for this fun, interactive wildlife themed activity. Play outdoor games and enjoy being surrounded by nature!
Most suitable for children aged 2 years and upwards but you can bring along younger ones if you wish.
Pre-booking essential.
Nature Tots (rspb.org.uk)
Families, don’t forget to ask our Welcome Team for the monthly Wildlife Family Trail sheet on arrival. Have fun with the family finding out interesting facts together about some of the species we have here on the reserve. For the tiny tots we have our Tots Tiles Trail sheets to get them involved too. Free activity - normal reserve admission applies.
Available from 9.30am daily.
Pond dipping
You can explore our pond yourself or join our expert volunteers to find out what weird and wonderful wildlife calls our pond home.
Self Led Pond Dipping Kits are available from our Welcome Team on arrival for £3.50.
Daily from 9.30am during weekends and school holidays (may be unavailable due to bad weather).
No need to book, just pay on the day.
Guided pond dipping sessions 6 and 9 August
All equipment is provided. Usual admission charges apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult, maximum of 1 adult to 3 children. Adults are welcome without children too.
Sessions start at 10am, 12noon, 2pm and last for 45 minutes. Pre booking is advised. Guided Pond Dipping Sessions at RSPB Leighton Moss
Our three Trampers are proving very popular for our visitors with mobility issues, make sure you give our Retail Team a call to check availability and book one in advance of your visit. There is no charge for the hire of these vehicles although any donations would be welcome.