Well, what a bumper fortnight it has been at RSPB Leighton Moss! It’s been full steam ahead for our Spring arrivals. The reserve has been filled with the song of Chiffchaffs for the past few weeks, and now the chorus has been joined by Blackcap and Willow Warbler song. The first Reed Warbler in the area was heard on the evening of Friday 7 April, closely followed on the main reserve at Leighton Moss on Saturday 8 April. Over the coming days we expect to hear the first Sedge Warblers sing, fresh from their epic migration from Africa, staking out territory and attracting a mate. If you’re keen to learn a little more about birdsong, why not catch the springtime symphony on our Dawn Chorus Day guided walk? (Photo by Jarrod Sneyd)
Sand Martin numbers are building, with c2000+ seen feeding some evenings over Causeway Pool. Peppered in have been sightings of Swallows, along with the occasional House Martin (first reported 27 March).
On Sunday 26 March, an Osprey was spotted fishing at Jenny Brown’s Point and since, we have had regular reports of Ospreys fishing on the main reserve. On Friday 7 April, two birds were seen fishing over Grisedale Pool; fingers crossed that the nearby nesting platform might pique their interest!
While most of the wintering wildfowl has now departed, the Ring-necked Duck has still been visible across the reserve this week (last reported Wednesday 5 April). The reserve is beginning to see an influx of Garganey, with at least two males and one female reported from Lower Hide, Lilian’s Hide and Tim Jackson Hide over the past week. These secretive and scarce ducks are a summer visitor, and favour shallow water and lots of vegetation, so can be difficult to spot as they’re often skulking deep in the reedbed.
Wood Anemones are blooming, along the edges of the path, while Scarlet Elf Cups can still be seen in the damp, woodland floor. Lesser celandine is coming into flower, and Brimstone butterflies can be seen taking advantage of all of the fresh blooms. (Photo by Jarrod Sneyd)
Bitterns are booming throughout the day, their booming now beginning to get louder after a few weeks of tuning up. This week, the warden team conducted a co-ordinated account and were thrilled to confirm the presence of six males staking out territory on the main reserve, and a further three birds on other RSPB managed reedbed in the area. In 1998, there were only 11 male Bitterns left booming in the UK, these figures are most definitely worth celebrating!
Why not come along to the reserve this Easter weekend and listen for yourself? Along with a fabulous forecast, there’s plenty to see and do at RSPB Leighton Moss. For your little chicks, we have our free Easter Eggstravaganza trail, available from the Welcome Desk, and Pond Dipping Kits can be hired from for £3.50. This bank holiday weekend, we are pleased to be joined by Julie Amanda’s Nature To Your Home in The Holt. Julie has produced a line of homeware inspired by the wildlife and landscape images of Dean Andrew Photography, an exceptional photographer who has the ability to capture a story and the beauty of nature in every image. Pop into the Holt over the Easter weekend to meet Julie and where her products will be available to view and purchase! Over the coming weeks, Dean Andrew will be joining us for Wildlife and Landscape Photography workshops – places are limited to make sure to book now!
Enjoy your Bank Holiday weekend; make sure to look out for the signs of Spring!
Beth