This winter has been amazing for Marsh harriers (copyright Robert Metcalfe), it seems the numbers just keep increasing. We now have 11 of them! This is over double last years number of over wintering individuals which settled at 5. This of course, means there is a great chance of seeing these amazing birds during your visit, usually seem flying around one of our pools whether that be on our main site or at our salt marsh hides.
Our winter wildfowl are also thriving here at Leighton Moss. Especially at our Lillian’s hide. There’s usually a great selection of species to be seen such as pintail, teal, wigeon and shoveler. These species can be found in the UK throughout the year, but their population drastically increases during the winter as they migrate in from further north.
The bittern is no exception. In winter we have a higher number of these rare birds in the UK, with approximately 600 wintering individuals compared to over 100 breeding males in breeding season. This means winter is one of the best times of year to catch a glimpse of them. Especially as we have had recent sightings of them from Lower and Lillian's hide.
Mumurations are still ongoing. Though over the past few days there has not been a stable routine, with resting in different spots around the reserve. For up to date information on the starlings, and their most probable nesting place on the evening of your visit, ask a member of our team when you arrive, or call our visitor centre on the day of your visit.
Did you participate in this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch? If so, this is just a little reminder that any online results need to be submitted by 16 February, or 11 February if you are sending your results by post. Thank you to everyone that took part, it would not have been possible without all our wonderful RSPB supporters. Once all the collected data is compiled, we’ll be able to see how our favourite garden birds have been faring compared to years previous and which birds have been visiting your gardens the most this year.
Participating in the Big Garden Birdwatch is only one way you can show support. Being members of the RSPB allows us to protect species and the areas they live in, and 90% of our net income goes back into conservation over all our 200 nature reserves around the UK.
Our Marsh harriers are just one example of a conservation success story that would not have happened without all of you. There was only 1 female nesting in the UK in 1971, but through conservation work, numbers have risen drastically with 400 pairs now breeding here in the UK. If you would like to join us, you can either come into your visitor centre and talk with our team or join online.
Charlotte