Starling Murmuration Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
What an amazing start to 2025, large numbers of Starlings coming in to roost in the reedbeds at RSPB Leighton Moss. With the recent wet and windy weather, the Starlings have been coming straight in to roost in the reedbeds. Monday was a lovely clear evening, and we were treated to a fabulous display and murmuration's as at least 60,000 Starlings arrived at the roost and settled in the reedbed just below the Sky Tower. Why not head over to the reserve to see and experience this fantastic display, for yourselves. The best time is between 16.00pm and 16.30pm although we would recommend a 15.45pm start, especially if it’s cloudy – though the times will move as it gets lighter. Experience the sound of their wing beats as they swoop past and hear their calls as they jostle for the best spot in the reeds. Keep an eye out for Marsh Harriers and Sparrowhawks coming in and setting off further murmuration's. A wonderful spectacle of nature not to be missed!
Do you want to learn more about Starlings? Why not book onto our guided walk on 17 January? Our local guide will introduce the Reserve with this walk. We will also look at Winter roosting behaviour with the walk timed to give maximum opportunity to catch any Starling murmuration’s. Whilst there is no guarantee the Starlings will settle on the Reserve on any given evening recent years have seen 60,000 to 90,000 birds coming into roost during much of January. Pre booking for this walk is essential, see following link - Winter Roosts at RSPB Leighton Moss on Friday 17 January 14.45pm to 16.45pm
Starling Photograph Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Another recent arrival is the female Ring-necked Duck that has arrived at Lilian's pool this week. A scarce visitor from North America where it is quite common. It is similar in habit and appearance to Tufted Ducks and is often a challenge to pick out when with the Tufted Ducks. It is also possible that it might be the same bird we had here last year. Hopefully, it will stay around for a few months and give visitors a chance to spot it. Let us know if you do see it on your next visit. 
Female Ring-necked Duck Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Just a reminder, it is our popular Binocular and Telescope Open Weekend this weekend - 04 and 05 January 10.00am - 16.00pm - Why not drop in and see our friendly, knowledgeable team for an informal chat or try out some optics from our amazing range. No need to book and no obligation to buy.
In other Reserve news, Lilian’s pool has been full of lots of fabulous wildfowl recently. Christmas Day and Boxing Day there were five Wigeon, up to 39 Pintail, 191 Teal, 50 Shoveler, 12 Snipe, one Little Grebe, six Marsh Harriers and two Great White Egrets. We have also had a recent visit from another scarce visitor – a female Garganey! What a fabulous start to the year at Lilian’s pool.
Female Garganey Photo Credit Sue Westwood
Our lovely Red Deer have been seen grazing in the fields alongside the path to Grisedale and Tim Jackson Hides, and our Warden Team have spotted Redwing, Fieldfare, Siskins and a Green Woodpecker on the woodland path towards the Lower Hide this week. Our covered Hideout by the garden bird feeders is very busy at this time of year with lots of the more common species of garden birds coming in for a feast, so well worth a visit on your way through the gardens. Otters have been delighting visitors actively fishing at the Causeway pool. 224 Gadwall, 30 Pintail, 11 Shoveler, five Cormorant, six Canada Geese and 18 Mute Swans were among the various species of birds on the pool and Bittern flights have also been reported. A Great White Egret was caught on camera by our Site Manager, Jarrod Sneyd, enjoying an Egret’s version of Christmas Dinner, see picture below.
Great White Egret with Lunch Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Over at the Eric Morecambe hides, there are many varieties of our wonderful waders. The single Spotted Redshank, 200-300 Redshank, the odd Greenshank, over a thousand Lapwings. Also, over 500 Wigeon, 43 Curlew, 43 Dunlin and 17 Shelduck. Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwits and 3 Red Breasted Mergansers. Over 20 Reed Buntings were also seen near the car park as well. It really is a wonderful time of year to visit for the wintering waders and wildfowl. We never know what unusual visitors might drop in at this time of the year.
Curlew Photo credit Jarrod Sneyd
We are also noticing the first signs that spring is on its way with our lovely Marsh Harriers talon grappling/aerial displaying and it’s worth noting that any day now we may hear the first cough and splutter of the first bittern booming of the year (the record earliest bird in the past was Jan 1st). Watch this space!
Other dates for your diaries are as follows:
Birdwatching for Beginners at Leighton Moss – Sunday 02 February – 8.30am - 10.30am
Nature Tots at Leighton Moss – Wednesday 05 February – 10.30am - 11.30am
Winter Walks at Leighton Moss – Sunday 16 February – 9.30am - 11.30am
Pre-Booking these events is essential to avoid disappointment.
Don’t forget to pack your wellies or other suitable waterproof footwear for your visit as the water levels on the reserve are very changeable this time of the year.
Don’t forget to stop at the Welcome Hut for daily reserve information, tide times or your Family Trail Quiz Sheets/Nature Quest Packs.
We look forward to seeing you soon.