I have to start my blog with my own sighting, and my apologies for the bad pun in the title, but I couldn't help myself! I had the great fortune to see some otters on Monday morning, which made for a fantastic start to my day, particularly as they were the first ones I have ever seen in the wild. There were two of them playing and fishing in Lillian’s pool at 9am for about 15 or 20 minutes, definitely my wildlife highlight so far at Leighton Moss. Three otters were seen on Tuesday morning from Public Hide at 8.15am, so you have to be on the reserve early if you want to catch a glimpse of them.
We’ve had a brilliant few days of sightings at Leighton Moss, numerous sightings of the marsh harriers, who seem to be sticking around at the reserve much later than usual, as well as several sightings of bitterns, all seen from various locations on the reserve, but Public Hide seems to be a good spot for them both, but Lillian's Hide and Lower Hide are always worth a try too.
The great white egret has also been around quite a bit, seen from Lillian’s hide and Griesdale on Sunday, and over the River Keer, towards Carnforth on Monday. The little egrets have been on the reserve in good numbers, seen from Tim Jackson Hide, Griesdale, and in the roost near Island Mere. The usual wetland birds such as teal, pintail, shoveller, wigeon, mallard can all be seen on the reserve, we’re getting several sightings of goosander, and goldeneye, plus eider duck.
The bearded tits have been seen a few times, at the grit trays on the causeway, there have been some precise recordings of them visiting the grit trays at 11.38am on Sunday, and 11.30 on Monday. We’ve also had plenty of fieldfare, usually seen over by the golf course as well as some redwing.
Some of our reserve team have been out carrying out the wetland birds counts and saw European white fronted geese and shore larks at Carnforth Marsh. Also down at the bay we’ve had sightings of red breasted merganser from Eric Morecambe hide and spotted redshank and flocks of curlew, oystercatcher and knot from Allen hide.
As we all know it’s getting close to Christmas, the Coca Cola advert has been on tv, we are getting the decorations ready at Leighton Moss, and we will be holding a special Christmas meal and shopping night on the 13th December. There’ll be a turkey dinner and 10% discount in the shop (excluding optics, good natured gifts, memberships and stamps). The cost is £17, £15 for RSPB members, places are limited so please contact us to book on 01524 701601