We have had a fabulous fortnight here at RSPB Leighton Moss, we are excited to report that we’ve had regular sightings of Kingfishers delighting our visitors from Lower, Causeway and Lilian’s hides and from the bridge over the main dyke on the Causeway just beyond the Causeway Hide. This is amazing as the more regular sightings are usually reported from the Eric Morecambe Complex. Despite its brightly-coloured plumage, the Kingfisher can be a challenging bird to spot when perched on a waterside branch. Widely distributed on lowland rivers and still-waters, the Kingfisher is a species whose fortunes have waxed and waned. Numbers are impacted by severe winter weather, and this may be the main driver of change, but changing water quality and availability of food may also play a role. We think we are seeing lots of birds at Leighton Moss for several reasons; a successful breeding season for Kingfishers in the local area and the plentiful fish supply in our pools attracting them to the reserve. Why not come on over to the reserve and see if you can spot one of these stunning birds.
Kingfisher Picture by our Site Manager, Jarrod Sneyd.
On the main reserve numbers of dabbling and diving ducks have been increasing daily as more arrive to spend the winter here. It’s great to see the pools full of these wonderful wetland birds including Teal, Shovelers and Gadwall. Over the coming weeks we hope to see Pochard, Wigeon and Pintail arriving too. It’s that time of year we expect to see and hear large flocks of Pink-footed Geese passing over, we’ve already had a small flock over the Visitor Centre Monday morning. Pink-footed Geese are smaller than a Mute Swan but bigger than a Mallard. They are pinkish grey with a dark head and neck, a pink bill and pink feet and legs. This species doesn’t breed in the UK, but large numbers of the birds spend the winter here, arriving from their breeding grounds in Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland. Numbers in England are on the increase, particularly in Norfolk, probably due to better protection at winter roosts. In the last few years there have been increasing numbers grazing on the marshes at Carnforth and Bolton-le-sands.
Last week when the WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) Bird Count team were out the weather was very warm but drizzly so we were delighted if not slightly surprised to come across a flock of approximately 40 small birds on the path to Grisedale Hide including Blue Tits, Great Tits, Coal Tits, Long Tailed Tits, Marsh Tits, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Goldcrest, they were flitting back and forth across the path in and out of the Willow trees singing away. No matter what the weather, there is always something to see at Leighton Moss.
The wardens have been very busy getting the reed beds ready for the winter. The areas around the Bearded Tit grit trays have been cleared ready for them when their insect food source starts to drop off with the colder weather.
Bearded Tit Photo Sue Westwood
Our Live Interpreter Dave has been out on the Main Reserve again, here is his latest report.
Live interpretation. Thursday 29 August
A grey morning but the sun broke through early in the afternoon. Immediately, the air above the path was alive with Darter dragonflies, mainly Common but with the odd Red Darter in amongst them. When I reach Causeway hide everyone is enjoying an amazing view of 2 Hobbies hunting from their perches in a dead tree. An enthusiastic 8-year-old lad lets me get a close-up view from the scope he has trained on the tree. The abundance of dragonflies here is surely an attraction for the hungry falcons.
Purple Loosestrife stands out on the edge of the green reed beds. It's often admired by visitors. To butterflies, birds and bees on the moss its nectar is a valuable energy source. The less conspicuous Red Bartsia supplements its nutrition by being parasitic on the roots of grasses, in this case probably Common Reeds. Near the dipping pond a Great Mullein stands above the low verge. Its seeds can survive long in a dormant phase until the soil is disturbed.... maybe by a deer or a small mammal? It is food plant to the Mullein moth. These are scarce in the North although I would not be surprised if they exist here as over 350 macro-moth species have been recorded at Leighton Moss over the years. The Common Hogweed has already lost its flowers at this time of the year. It's pretty seeds, however, are worth close viewing. It has been used as a spicy addition to drinks and foods. But beware, it is easily confused with other members of the Umbellifer family, some of which are poisonous!
Common Darter Photo Chris Pickering
Over at the Eric Morecambe complex the wonderful wader sightings have included Spotted Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Kingfishers, Cattle Egrets, Snipe, Curlew, Wheatear and a Little Stint on passage to Africa. September is a fantastic time to visit the reserve with the lovely autumn colours starting to come through and beautiful sunsets that can be seen from the Eric Morecambe Hide. September usually sees a variety of passage visitors dropping in for a rest and refuel.
Little Stint Photo Gemma De Cet
To keep up to date on upcoming events in September or to plan your visit further ahead click here
The next Nature Tots is on the 2 October 10.30-11.30m - this event is most suitable for children aged 2 years and upwards, but you can bring along younger ones if you wish. 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. Pre-booking is essential.
Autumn at RSPB Leighton Moss is on 22 September 9.30-11.30 - Let our expert guide take you on a gentle 2-hour walk on the reserve where you will out all about the history and wildlife of Leighton Moss and immerse yourself in the delights of Autumn. Pre-booking is essential.
Just a reminder that the Visitor Centre will be closed on Wednesday 18 September. There will be access to toilet facilities. The shop, cafe and Welcome will not be available on this date. The reserve will still be accessible via the side gate next to the Visitor Centre.
Don’t forget to stop off at the Welcome Hut on arrival to check what family and kids activities are available for your visit.
If you have limited mobility and would like to join family members out on the reserve give our friendly retail team a call ahead of your visit to reserve one of our All Terrain Trampers (Mobility Scooters).
We look forward to seeing you soon.