As the breeding season comes to a close, our Warden team make the most of the fleeting opportunity to head out into the reedbed and crack on with some practical habitat conservation before the arrival of overwintering wildlife. Throughout the summer, Common Reed can grow up to 3cm per day, so ensuring that this prolific plant does not obscure views for visitors from the hides is quite the feat. Cutting is a vital component in the management of reedbeds; reed cutting in different areas creates a biodiverse habitat - it simulates natural ecological succession and creates feeding opportunities for a wider range of species. Over the next few days, the team will be trading their brush cutters for floating quadrats and will be heading out on to the pools to survey the species of aquatic plants under the surface at RSPB Leighton Moss. This will cause some disturbance in the affected areas, however, its likely that birds will congregate on the undisturbed pools. Make sure to follow our Facebook and Twitter pages, and check in with the Welcome Team on your arrival, to keep up to date with the work plan on the day of your visit. (Photo by Jon Carter)
Despite the depleting numbers of breeding and young Marsh Harriers on site at this time of year, regular Hobby and Osprey sightings mean that visitors should still be raptor-ready. On sunny days, three individual Hobbies have been seen skimming the surface of the water, in acrobatic aerial attack, catching dragonflies mid-flight. Ospreys are visible from most areas of the reserve as they stop by to fuel up on fish. While most Marsh Harriers have dispersed post-breeding, at least one male and multiple youngsters remain on site. We expect to see the return of these reedbed specialists around late September, when some birds will overwinter at Leighton Moss.
As per recent weeks, Bittern sightings continue to be a regular feature of the reserve. One particular bird broke free of its reputation as a stealthy species and took a stroll across the Causeway on Monday (24), crossing the path of a very lucky birdwatcher (much to their disbelief!) Mostly, they have been seen in flight across the reserve but do not forget to scan the reeds fringing the pool edges. Otters continue to be sighted throughout the day, with as many as four individuals seen at once, on multiple days this week from the Causeway and Lower Hides. Red Deer and their fawns are showing well, their preferred spots are in the Grisedale and Tim Jackson Hide area.
On the saltmarsh, Spoonbills continue to be seen at regular intervals – otherwise, they’re retreating to the reedbed of Barrow Scout. The Wood Sandpiper seen last week continued to be reported until Friday, but has been seemingly absent over the weekend. This wader had been in and out of the nearby reeds and vegetation, so keep your eyes peeled over coming days and do let our team know of any new sightings. Visitors to the saltmarsh were surprised to see a Gannet flying low over the Eric Morecambe Hide this morning (Sunday 30 July), an unusual visitor to Leighton Moss – but the second individual sighted on site this month. Great White Egrets, Little Egrets, Avocets, Knot, Greenshank, Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwits make up the regular sightings list from the saltmarsh lagoons, with intermittent views of Kingfishers. On Wednesday (26) evening, a Whinchat put in a brief appearance near the Allen pool. (Photo by Jarrod Sneyd)
With the summer holidays in full swing, there’s plenty to get up to on the reserve if you’re looking for a family day out. Pond Dipping kits are available from the Welcome Desk for a £3.50 hire charge, while our Plant Detectives trail is a free, family fun quiz (entry fees to the reserve apply) running from Tuesday 1 August (or make the most of the last day of our Marvellous Minibeasts trail on Monday 31 July). We hope to see you soon
Beth