The past week has seen a notable improvement in the weather and as a consequence, it's been lovely to see the reserve so busy! And with the improvement in conditions, the wildlife has also been putting on more of a show. Our otter family continue to impress down at Causeway and Lower pools most days (mornings tend to be better) and up to six marsh harriers have been seen all in the area simultaneously - what a sight! We're also delighted to say that at least six different male bitterns have been heard across our reedbeds, giving us plenty of optimism for the coming breeding season.
After a trickle of sightings avocet numbers are starting to build a little, as we'd expect at this time of year. The highest count so far is of eight birds over at the Eric Morecambe Pools and this will continue to rise in the coming days and weeks. Watching these beautiful waders busy nesting at these saline pools is one of the real highlights of a Leighton Moss spring. With some southerly winds forecast it wouldn't be such a surprise if we record our first sand martins soon - these early migrants are usually the first of the classic summer visitors to make an appearance.
As spring gets underway, we can look forward to much change here. Many of our resident birds are already starting to establish breeding territories and many male songbirds are really starting to loudly proclaim ownership of their chosen patch. As one walks around the reserve, it's hard to ignore emerging green shoots and the budding of trees, along with a profusion of flowering snowdrops.
Although we're certainly enjoying seeing signs of spring it's definitely worth remembering that March and April can deliver some pretty brutal weather! And of course, winter isn't really over as long as we have our mesmerising murmurations - and what an extraordinary spectacle it has been in recent days. The Skytower has consistently provided the best outlook, although on some evenings watchers on the Causeway or the path to Grisedale Hide have been blessed with an astonishing show too! Do make sure you get the latest information from our team at the Visitor Centre to be in with the best chance of witnessing the starlings in their absolute glory.
Other sightings of note in recent days include a first-winter little gull over Lilian's Pool and several hawfinches seen on our land at Challan Hall Allotment, and at nearby Gait Barrows. These dynamic finches can be tricky birds to see locally so it's pleasing to know that there is still a small but seemingly healthy population within the Arnside and Silverdale AONB.
Don't forget to share your sightings from Leighton Moss with us, either by passing it on to our team in person or writing in our sightings book. You can also share your observations and photos via Twitter @RSPBLeightonM and Facebook @RSPBLeightonMoss.
Jon
Little gull photo from archive by J Sneyd.