Here's Sue with the latest sightings blog from RSPB Leighton Moss.
Wow, what a fabulous fortnight with sunshine, sunsets and rainbows and exciting, rare visits from a Pectoral Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper and Common Tern over at the Eric Morecambe and Allen Hides. We have also had reports of Common Sandpipers, Greenshanks, Turnstone and growing numbers of Lapwing and Redshank over at the saltmarsh. Every now and then a Peregrine or other raptor comes along and flushes all the waders, these mini murmuration's are a spectacular sight.
The wardens are working over at the saltmarsh pools from Thursday 1 August to Thursday 8 August. The team have done what they can to minimise disturbance, including encouraging birds from the Allen Pool, where the work will be carried out, onto the Eric Morecambe pool. So far this has meant the birds on the Eric Morecambe pool have been happy to stick around whilst the work goes on nearby. There could still be some disturbance as the team get to work on some improvements and repairs to the pools. For further information follow this link Information on work at Eric Morecambe Pools
The Pectoral Sandpiper is a bit bigger than a Dunlin. It has a brown, streaky breast, white belly, a slightly downcurved bill and yellow-brown legs. The brown breast band (which gives the species its name) and white belly are its most distinctive features. These waders breed in Northern Siberia and North America, they are relatively rare birds, usually turning up at a handful of locations in the UK each year, last seen at RSPB Leighton Moss July 2019.
Image: Pectoral Sandpiper alongside Redshank for context. By Jarrod Sneyd
The Curlew Sandpiper is also similar to Dunlin. It has a longer, more down-curved bill than a Dunlin and will feed in slightly deeper water. In spring and summer, it sports the unmistakable deep chestnut of its breeding plumage. The bird at Leighton Moss still has some of its breeding plumage showing, it’s a bit patchy now as it will begin to moult into its less colourful winter plumage.
Image: Curlew Sandpiper in fading breeding plumage at the Allen Pool. By Jarrod Sneyd
The Common Terns are delightful silvery-grey and white birds, they have long tails which has earned them the nickname ‘sea-swallow’. They have a graceful, floating flight and frequently hover over water before plunging down for fish. They often gather and breed in noisy groups. We are so excited to have one drop into the Eric Morecambe pool.
Meanwhile over on the Main Reserve the summer holidays have got off to a good start with the warmer weather. The recent reed cutting outside of the hides has brought out some of our more secretive residents. A Water Rail was showing really well last week in front of the Causeway Hide and the warmer weather has bought out insects and dragonflies. A Lesser Emperor Dragonfly was spotted in the reeds outside Causeway pool and with the return of the sunshine and insects there have been a few Hobby sightings hunting their insect prey. Look out for the reed and sedge warblers landing on the reeds outside the hides too.
Marsh Harriers are showing well around the reserve, the majority are this year’s fledged young although some adults are still appearing. The Ospreys are still dropping in for lunch or dinner daily, why not pop along and see if you can spot one fishing. With the breeding season behind us the pools are starting to get busier with Mute Swan numbers increasing along with the returning dabbling and diving ducks. Many of the ducks are in eclipse (summer moult plumage), which can make identification difficult at this time of the year! Three Great White Egrets and 28 plus Little Egrets have been coming into roost over on Island Mere, best viewed from Causeway and Lower Hides.
In other sightings, one of our early morning visitors this week had some fabulous views of a Kingfisher (which is a rare sighting on the main reserve), an adult Otter with a cub and the beautiful Red Deer that roam our wild and wonderful wetlands.
Image: Red Deer by Jarrod Sneyd
Come along to the reserve this summer and see how many different species you can spot on your visit or ask for a free Family Trail Quiz sheet at our Welcome hut on arrival.
Are you looking for something to do on your holidays, why not check out our Events page on our main website to see what's on in August and immerse yourself in nature?
Just to highlight some of our events, we have two Free events as follows, although normal reserve admission applies. No need to pre book, just come along.
Moths – A Beginners Workshop – Saturday 3 August (10am-12.30pm) Moths - A Beginners Workshop
Nature Up Close Week – Tuesday 6 August – Friday 9 August (10am-4pm) Nature Up Close
Another two dates coming up soon as follows, these events require pre-booking and payment:
Guided Pond Dipping Sessions at Leighton Moss – Tuesday 6 August and Friday 9 August (from 10am) Pre-booking is essential – check the following link for information on booking and cost. Guided Pond Dipping Sessions
Nature Tots – Wednesday 14 August (10.30am - 11.30am). Pre-booking essential on the following link. Nature Tots
To reserve one of our all-terrain Trampers (mobility scooters) please call the reserve on 01524 701601(option 4).
We look forward to welcoming you on your next visit.