We have had a very busy couple of weeks here at RSPB Leighton Moss.
We had a fly-past of a rare Purple Heron last weekend, seen at Lower Hide. The last time we had a visit from a Purple Heron here at RSPB Leighton Moss was in August 2023. This bird tends to hide more than the Grey Heron and stalks its quarry of fish, eels and the occasional small mammal, raising its head to the sky at times like a Bittern would, to blend into the reeds. Also known as the snake bird because of its very snake like neck posturing, with a partially yellow bill and purple tint, it is the size of a Grey Heron and displays Bittern like habits. We have had several visitors report sightings from Lower Hide, it is highly likely this bird is still here and hiding, why not come along and see if you can spot this illusive reed bed specialist?
Photo Credit RSPB Images
The warden work at The Eric Morecambe complex has been completed. The work on the pools was carried out at the beginning of August for essential erosion repairs to the pool edges. These repairs included building wave breaks to protect the bank repairs and creating scrapes of various sizes, depth and shapes to create low sand banks and islands to provide more feeding opportunities for the waders. Once the water levels rise later this month it should be even better for birds than before. You can come along to our Wading Birds for Beginners – Guided Walk Sunday 1 September (7.30-9.30am) if you want a little help with identifying the waders this will be the ideal walk for you. https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/78561
Photo credit Nick Godden
With the breeding season behind us now, we are often asked how successful breeding has been for our key species, so here’s a brief update although the data isn’t yet complete for the year. The Marsh Harriers had five nests on the main reserve and another two in the wider Morecambe Bay area with 11 young fledging. Most of the Marsh Harriers have left the reserve for now, although we usually have a few returning early September to overwinter here.
The Bitterns had two successful nests on the main reserve with another two in the wider Morecambe Bay area. Monitoring numbers of fledging young is ongoing and not so easy with these very secretive birds!
There are a similar number of Bearded Tit pairs to last year but not as successful as the fantastic year we had in 2023! April flooding is probably to blame, then the ongoing wet weather reducing the number of insects.
Avocets - We have more than 30 young birds on course to fledge with monitoring is still ongoing.
Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Osprey’s are still fishing daily on the main reserve and Hobby sightings have increased with the warmer weather and abundance of insects. Dabbling and diving duck numbers are also increasing daily. Otters have been showing well at Lower Hide and Water Rail with young. Red Deer numbers are increasing showing well from Grisedale and Tim Jackson Hides.
We are very excited that this is the first year that Little Egret have attempted to nest at Leighton Moss. Also, great news that the Common Sandpiper nesting on the Eric Morecambe pools had young this year. Egret numbers coming into roost have increased significantly over the last two weeks and on Saturday we had 62 Little Egrets and eight Great Egrets coming into the roost at Island Mere (best viewed from Lower Hide).
Photo Credit Sue Westwood
Do you need a new pair of binoculars or a spotting scope. Maybe you are thinking about upgrading your current binoculars or scopes. Come along to our next Binoculars and Telescopes Open Week Monday 26 August to Sunday 1 September (11am-4pm) Get hands-on advice from our knowledgeable, friendly and impartial team. Join our expert guides for a chance to try them out on the reserve and find the perfect optics to suit your needs and your budget. There is no obligation to buy! https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/72315
Check out our events page on the main website for the following events you might want to get booked onto in advance of your visit:
Nature Tots Wednesday 28 August 10.30am-11.30am) Dusk Discoveries – Wildlife Walk Friday 6 September (6.45-8.45pm)
Click here for the link to our events page, these events need pre booking and payment in advance.
Don’t forget to collect your monthly Family Trail Quiz Sheets from Welcome on arrival.
We look forward to seeing you soon.