The air is thick with anticipation at RSPB Leighton Moss as visitors (and the team!) await spring arrivals. Sand Martins are one of the earliest birds to return to the UK, reaching our shores in late February/early March. Despite the beginning of the week being peppered with snow showers, the temperature warmed and reached double figures as we approached the weekend, and with this came the first sighting of Sand Martins! On Wednesday 15 February, the first Sand Martin was reported from the Causeway Hide, and numbers have slowly built throughout the week, with ten birds being seen from the same spot. With cloudy but mild weather forecast for the weekend, we expect the number of birds feeding on insects over the pools to increase. (Photo by Jarrod Sneyd)
Avocets numbers sharply increased towards the end of this week, with twelve birds suddenly turning into over thirty birds seemingly overnight. These wonderful waders can be seen down on the saltmarsh, from the Allen and Eric Morecambe Hides, alongside Black-Tailed Godwits, Dunlin, Redshank and more. An adult Mediterranean Gull was also spotted in amongst the Black Headed Gulls yesterday.
And it’s not only the weather that’s warming up - it seems the birds are flexing their vocal ranges ahead of the build up of the Dawn Chorus in coming months! Several Chiffchaffs have been heard around the reserve, Song Thrushes are becoming more vocal and of course, the Bitterns can be heard booming around the reserve. While an official co-ordinated count is yet to take place, it is thought that four males are staking out territory. Their booms are rumbling through the reedbed throughout the day, but the birds are often more vocal in the morning. Why not have a listen for yourself? Standing on top of the Skytower, or taking a walk down the Causeway, is a great opportunity to hear Britain’s loudest bird!
It's an exceptional time to visit the reserve, because while the signs of spring are enticing visitors, many of our wintering birds are still on the reserve – we’re seeing the best of both! Tufted Duck, Teal, Wigeon, Pochard, Goldeneye and Gadwall are visible across the reserve, and the Ring-Necked Duck is still regularly being reported from Lilian’s, Causeway and Lower Pools. Sixteen Whooper Swans were seen from the Causeway Hide this morning, and the Water Pipit has been visible from Tim Jackson Hide throughout the week.
If you’re thinking of visiting the reserve this week then don’t forget that it is National Lottery Open Week! From Saturday 18th - Sunday 26th March (inclusive), National Lottery players gain free entry to the reserve with a valid ticket or scratch-card. The ticket holder, plus one accompanying adult and up to three children can access the reserve for free as #ThanksToYou! For the T&Cs and for more information, check out our Events listing!
We hope to see you soon
Beth