As we head into 2024, it’s tempting to look back on the past 12 months and summarise what kind of year it’s been. I mean, we could talk about the incredible 11 booming Bitterns in spring, the relentless antics of Otters, summer skies filled with Ospreys and Hobbies, a cracking autumn for Bearded Tits, one of the best ever breeding seasons for Avocets on the saltmarsh pools… the list goes on.
But rather than look back, let’s look forward, for 2024 marks a significant anniversary for Leighton Moss. This year we will be celebrating our 60th anniversary! (So, we’re sort of looking forward at looking back?!)
Yes folks, it was in 1964 that the RSPB secured the lease on the site and the recruitment of its first warden John Wilson. A lot has happened in the last sixty years and we plan to highlight many of the changes that have occurred in the intervening years. We will also be running lots of events and activities throughout the year to acknowledge this great occasion. And, rather excitingly, we will be launching an exclusive Leighton Moss Diamond Anniversary pin badge!
So, do please keep checking in to our events page, our Facebook page and our X (formerly Twitter) account for updates and come along and help us to celebrate our 60th birthday. After all, we wouldn’t have had many of the successes here without you and your support!
Recent sightings
The recent wet and stormy weather hasn’t exactly helped water levels on the reserve and we’re still rather inundated in places. Most of the paths have remained dry-ish but in recent days we have seen some minor flooding and wellies are the recommended footwear of the season. Most hides are accessible with decent waterproof boots, but Lower Hide certainly requires Wellington boots (or similar) if you wish to go there.
Jackson, Grisedale and Lilian’s offer the best ‘in-hide’ birdwatching at the moment as loads of wildfowl including Pintail, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye and the occasional Wigeon can be seen at close quarters. Marsh Harriers too have been showing really well around the reserve with up to seven different birds present this winter. A single, rather elusive Water Pipit keeps making brief appearances, so that’s a bird well worth keeping an eye out for. (Photo of Tufted Duck and Shoveler by Jarrod Sneyd)
As we often suggest, it’s really worth taking your time on the paths between the hides, as you will often encounter mixed flocks of tits and other small birds. Goldcrests, Treecreepers, Marsh Tits, Long-tailed Tits and Nuthatches are regularly seen while the Causeway offers the best chance of Bearded Tits and Cetti’s Warblers.
If you’re planning a visit next weekend, then do pop into the Holt (Saturday 6 Jan) where professional photographer Darren Andrews will be launching his newly updated book ‘Murmur’. This stunning photographic feast-for-the-eyes focuses on our amazing Starling murmurations. With newly added images, this edition has been published to celebrate our 60th anniversary and copies will be available to buy on the day, along with signed prints.
It is also our Binoculars and Telescopes Open Weekend, so if you’re in the market for some new optics, our team of friendly and knowledgeable experts will be on hand to show you the wide range we have in stock – plus you can try them out on the reserve and find the right gear to suit your requirements and budget.
We also have a couple of guided walks on over the weekend (busy, busy, busy!). Join us for a New Year Guided Walk on Saturday or Birding For Beginners on Sunday. For details of these and other upcoming events, see our events page here.
In the meantime, a very Happy New Year from us all at RSPB Leighton Moss - and see you soon!
Jon