Despite the drizzle of recent days, the wildlife at Leighton Moss has not been deterred - and the inclement weather has not put a damper on our visitors’ days out! September sees the start of meteorological autumn, and right on cue, the Bearded Tits began visiting the grit trays. They were first caught on the Causeway live camera on 10 September at 11:30am, but had been seen on the Grisedale grit trays a few days prior. The best time to catch these otherwise elusive birds on the grit trays is between 9am-11am, and we will see the peak of their gritting activity throughout October. While the grit trays can provide great views, these mysterious passerines often spend big portions of time only a few metres away up the path - taunting and teasing the visitors who are patiently awaiting their arrival on the trays. Make sure to keep your ears out for their distinctive pings! (Photo by David Mower) This week, we have had the best of both summer and autumn! Ospreys have been regularly seen on the reserve, with some individuals spending most of the day perched in trees, only moving to fish in the pools. At the time of writing (morning of Saturday 23), one individual is sat on the nesting platform, treating visitors in Grisedale Hide to close-up views. Large numbers of hirundines have been whizzing about the reedbed, feasting before their mammoth migration. There have been brief glimpses of Hobbies, chasing the remaining dragonflies in the intermittent sunshine. Down on the saltmarsh, three Spoonbills are still regularly being seen on the pools. The sightings of Otters this week have been showstopping. EIGHT Otters were seen at once earlier this week, in two family groups, all visible from Causeway Hide. They have been seen regularly throughout the week, with sightings across the reserve – Assistant Warden, Laura, was lucky enough to get views of a mother and two pups playing for a whole hour while she worked! Red deer stags are also beginning to be regularly sighted in the reedbed, ahead of the rut in the coming weeks. (Photo by Steve G Brown) Other notable sightings this week have included a brief appearance of a Little Gull from Causeway Hide, a Curlew Sandpiper on the Eric Morecambe Pool and a Hen Harrier on the saltmarsh.
There’s plenty to see at Leighton Moss, and if you’re looking to make the most of these glorious autumn mornings, then check out our upcoming Brilliant Bearded Tit guided walks… We hope to see you soon,
Beth