Volunteers Sue and Ann are back with our latest blog, bringing you all the recent sightings at Leighton Moss
We are so excited to welcome the first of this years new arrivals, look out for the Mallard ducklings and Greylag goslings on your next visit. This is such a lovely time of year on the reserve with new life everywhere you look, in the surrounding trees, reeds, plants and pools. The spring colours are really starting to emerge with the Cowslips flowering in the gardens along with the Crocus at the back of the Visitor Centre and the new leaves on the trees are starting to look more vibrant.
Cowslips Ann Stupple
As the Bitterns are becoming more territorial and are in the throes of courtship, they’re being sighted in flight more regularly by our staff and visitors. The action has been particularly visible from the Lilian's Hide and Grisedale Hide over the last two weeks. Occasionally two birds have been seen cruising over the reeds at the same time.
We are also starting to get regular visits from Osprey’s returning to the area, these sightings are usually from Causeway and Lower hides. The Osprey’s are fishing and taking their catch up into the trees for a feast and rest before heading off to their nest sites.
The Marsh Harriers are consistently showing well nest building and hunting across the reed beds all over the reserve.
We are delighted to have reports of five different Warblers seen and heard around the reserve over the last two weeks -
Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Chiff chaff - Ann Stupple
With all the new spring arrivals why not celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day at RSPB Leighton Moss on our 'Discover the Dawn Chorus’ walk on the 5th May at 5:00am - 8:00am. Enjoy the magic of the dawn chorus with a leisurely early morning walk through our woodlands and stunning reed beds to experience nature's amazing spring symphony. Guides will help identify the many bird songs and calls. Afterwards enjoy a hot breakfast bun and a hot drink (included in the price). Booking is essential, please click the link to book https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/68191
Over the last two weeks we’ve had regular sightings of a Green Woodpecker on the field next to the Visitor Centre, the path down to the Sky Tower runs alongside this field so stop and have a look if you hear them calling. Green Woodpeckers are very vocal and have a recognisable loud, laughing call known as a ‘yaffle’, which is often the only way you know that a green woodpecker is nearby as they tend to be quite wary birds. Listen out and have a look to see if you can spot the Green Woodpecker.
Also the Nuthatches are making themselves at home in the nest box out the front of the Visitor Centre, check out the live feed in the shop as you pass through onto the reserve.
Green woodpecker Ann Stupple
If you find you've left your binoculars at home don’t forget to have a chat with our helpful, friendly shop staff as we do offer a binocular hire service.
If you are thinking of getting new binoculars or a spotting scope check out our next Binoculars and Telescopes Open Weekend on the 4th, 5th and 6th May from 9:30am - 16:30pm
Pop along to our Optics Open Event and try out our wide range of binoculars, telescopes and accessories and find something that suits your needs and your budget.
Ask questions and get impartial advice from our friendly team with no obligation to buy. Try brands such as RSPB, Viking, Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss, Kowa and Nikon.
No need to book
https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/72040
With the recent spring tides and storm surges the water levels have remained high and pushed some of the waders from the Eric Morecambe and Allen Hides further inland and we’ve seen large groups of Black Tailed Godwits in splendid breeding plumage coming in on the Tim Jackson pool along with Oyster Catchers and Lapwing and a Ruff. With the amount of rain we’ve had recently it is a good idea to carry a pair of wellies in the car. Wellies currently required for the Eric Morecambe Hide and Lower Hide.
Black-tailed Godwits - Ann Stupple
The first House Martin has been reported at Lilian’s Hide on Monday 13 April by our Site Manager Jarrod Sneyd. The Sand Martin’s have been very busy at dusk skimming the pools in their hundreds feasting on flying insects and bugs, the Swallows have started to arrive too. The dabbling and diving ducks along with the swans and geese are all starting to pair up and nest now so it won’t be long before we have lots of little ducklings paddling about across the reserve.
Our wardens have been out and about in the wider Morecambe Bay Area and our first Whimbrel of the year was spotted on the Bolton-le-Sands salt marsh, also 25 Ringed Plover, two Common Scoter and C. 300 Eider. There are lots of passing migrant sea birds out in the wider Morecambe Bay Area at this time of year to look out for too. The wardens have also been busy with the ongoing Bittern and Water Rail Survey’s and essential path improvements on the main reserve, if you see them out and about around the reserve don’t forget to say Hello.
If you don’t fancy the early start for the dawn chorus walk in a few weeks then how about one of the Spring at Leighton Moss walks? They run from 10am – 12noon. The next one is on 17th May, join volunteer guide John, he’ll take you for a walk through the reserve and discuss the history and wildlife of Leighton Moss.
Booking is essential, please click the link to book https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/68174
The Otters are still showing daily from Causeway and Lower hides and the Red Deer are most likely to be seen around Grisedale or Tim Jackson Hides.
Check in with our friendly Welcome Team on arrival for the most recent sightings and reserve information.
The cafe at Leighton Moss is currently closed for refrubishment, opening again by Friday 26th April, however the Nestbox is now open for business at RSPB Leighton Moss where you can grab a drink or a snack at the new hut, (christened the Nestbox). You can find the Nestbox at the back of the Visitor Centre in the Garden area. We are running a slightly reduced menu although there is still plenty of choice and the same top team serving you. We will try to offer covered seating when possible. We apologise for any convenience caused
We look forward to seeing you soon.