It's been another week where scarce birds have hit the headlines at Leighton Moss, with the star attraction undoubtedly being the Purple Heron that showed up last Sunday (20). The dazzling continental migrant was seen just a handful of times as it flew above the reedbeds and over the pools at the northern end of the reserve. Photographers and birdwatchers in Lower and Causeway hides got the best views, albeit briefly, as the juvenile heron moved around periodically throughout the morning.
The last confirmed sighting of a Purple Heron at Leighton Moss was reported on the very similar date of August 18, back in 2017. That individual, also a juvenile, went on to stay on the reserve for several weeks allowing hundreds of visitors to catch up with it. (Picture from archive, by Mike Malpass)
Unfortunately, it would seem that this year's bird decided to move on after one day, depriving many local birders of an opportunity to enjoy this most distinctive of herons. However, within a short time another scarce heron turned up in its place, this time a Cattle Egret. These diminutive members of the heron family, along with other egret species, are becoming a more regular sight in the UK though they are generally still pretty thin on the ground in this part of the country. (Cattle Egret photo by Jarrod Sneyd)
As the climate continues to change at an alarming pace, we can be sure to see more birds that we might traditionally regard as being from southern Europe colonising the UK. But of course, while this might seem exciting from a birdwatcher's perspective it doesn't really bode well for many species that have evolved to live in northern regions, and we are likely to see massive declines in many bird populations as a result. Waders in particular are at threat, and we need to ensure that their breeding areas, wintering sites and stop-off points in between are in good shape. Here in Morecambe Bay we are lucky to see huge numbers of waders both passing through on migration and arriving to spend the winter months with us.
Various spots around the bay offer great viewing, especially at high tide as birds move off the expansive sands to roost in large mixed flocks. Less influenced by tides are our Eric Morecambe and Allen pools which offer round-the-clock feeding and roosting for many birds. It's been great down there in recent days with such cracking species as Green Sandpiper, Little Stint, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Knot, Common Sandpiper and Redshank rubbing shoulders with the celebrity Spoonbills, Great White Egrets and of course the aforementioned Cattle Egret.
It seems that there's rarely a dull moment here at the moment and nature enthusiasts of all ages and experience have been enjoying spending time immersed in the wonders of Leighton Moss! Oh, and we didn't even mention the Northern Bloc ice cream...