Visitors to Leighton Moss have been treated to frequent and prolonged views of Otters in the past few weeks. Several animals are currently residing in the reed beds and they may seen at all times of the day, anywhere on the reserve from Lower Hide at the northern end of the site, to the Eric Morecambe Pools at the coastal saltmarsh. (Pic by Jarrod Sneyd).
Recent icy conditions have proved typically productive, with Otters being seen running around out on the frozen pools, or hauling themselves onto the ice from the patches of open water to eat eels and other fish - much to the delight of our visitors!
Another benefit of these sub-zero conditions, as far as birdwatchers are concerned at least, is the increase in Bittern sightings. These secretive reed-dwellers will often emerge from the sanctuary of the dense vegetation to patrol the pool edges in search of food. It’s always worth taking your time to carefully scan along the reed fringes in search of an almost-hidden Bittern at this time of year. As the ice thaws and the water levels rise, they will often be spotted flying over the reeds as they search for accessible hunting grounds.
Water Rails too are easier to spot at the moment as the combination of high water levels and ice entice them out onto the trails and path edges. Take your time between the hides and you might just get rewarded with the sight of a skulking rail – you’ll certainly hear them, their piglet-like squeals emanating from the nearby reeds.
Bearded Tits have continued to make occasional visits to the grit trays at both Causeway and Grisedale; typically they are most likely to be heard first, as they approach the trays, so do keep your ears open for that distinctive ‘pinging’ sound. As always, calmer days are best.
Regular checks at dusk for Starling activity have also revealed at least seven Marsh Harriers regularly coming into roost. A single female Hen Harrier has also been seen on and around the reserve on a number of occasions lately but so far this scarce visitor has yet to see the appeal of roosting alongside its relatives.
Regarding the Starlings, the have finally started roosting in numbers on the reserve but as yet actual murmuration activity has been minimal. Anywhere between 40,000 and 50,000 birds have been streaming in during the late afternoon but after a few, admittedly impressive, tours of the reedbed they settle fairly quickly – failing to engage in the truly awesome spectacle of full-on, shape-throwing murmurating.
As we know, here at Leighton Moss ‘proper’ murmurations rarely occur until well into the new year. We’d expect the number of birds to increase in the coming weeks as more Starlings arrive from northern and eastern Europe, and then all being well we hope to witness the big displays that typically characterise the Leighton Moss landscape in the winter months.
All around the reserve, and especially in the wooded areas near the Visitor Centre and garden, there has been tons of bird activity. Alongside the regular Marsh Tits and other common garden birds, we are seeing plenty of Goldcrests, Treecreepers, Redwings and Fieldfares as well as dazzling Siskins, hanging like feathery Christmas decorations, as they feed high up in the Alders.
And of course, we were thrilled (or perhaps that should be ‘trilled’) to have Waxwings pay us a visit. For the past couple of weeks or so, several of these stunning northern nomads have been dropping in sporadically around the centre and adjacent garden and orchard. Always a treat to see, the delightful birds have caused a ripple of excitement among staff, volunteers and visitors alike, each time they’ve popped by.
If you plan to visit soon, do please note that we’re open every day except Christmas Day when the reserve centre, car parks, paths and hides will all be closed.