Wintery Causeway Picture – Photo Credit Steve Ripley
What a cold start to 2025! The icy conditions really did turn RSPB Leighton Moss into a stunning winter wonderland for a few days. Whilst some of our resident birds hunkered down, our highly secretive Water Rail were showing well all around the reserve. Visitors were reporting seeing as many as six on their visit which is amazing. Water Rail are smaller and distinctly slimmer than the Moorhen. The Water Rail has chestnut-brown and black upperparts, a grey face and underparts, black-and-white barred flanks, and a long red bill. These birds are usually heard but not seen. They have a varied repertoire of songs and calls, a piglet-like squeal or short ‘kip’ notes similar to a Moorhen! Why not come along and see if you can spot one of these illusive reed bed specialists on your next visit.
Picture of Water Rail – Photo Credit Steve Ripley
Ice or no ice, the Starlings still need somewhere to bed down and reedbeds are perfect for gathering close together and staying warm. The Starlings have been roosting at various sites on the main reserve over the last fortnight providing some fabulous murmuration's. Although it is not guaranteed that they will come into roost on the reserve or murmurate, the best place to view a wide area of the reserve is the Sky Tower and the best time is between 16.15pm and 16.45pm. As for roosting, there are still egrets settling for the night at Island Mere roost (the large island of trees next to Island Mere which are visible in the distance, left of centre, from Causeway hide) The times will adjust with the lighter evenings as they usually head into the roost just before dusk.
Causeway hide is always a good bet for seeing Bittern in flight and there’s have been plenty of sightings from there in the last couple of weeks. It is, of course, a waiting game and unless you’re lucky you usually need to persevere for several hours to raise the odds. Otters have been showing well too. Pochard have been scarce this winter, so a male there was a nice addition.
Bittern in Flight – Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
We love inspiring youngsters about nature, what better way to get pre-school children excited about all things wild than to come along to our Nature Tots sessions. They run on alternate Wednesdays, the next one is on Wednesday 5th February, from 10.30-11.30am. Join our enthusiastic and experienced Nature Tots volunteer for fun, nature inspired activities. The sessions are aimed at pre-school children of any age, but it's ideal for children aged 2+. Please pre-book if you can, follow the link here. Tickets include Entry to the Reserve for the duration of the event for the child and accompanying adult.
Meanwhile, it’s amazing what you can spot sitting in a digger all day doing habitat management. Once you’re in a machine, birds can get used to it – and even enjoy the benefits of you ‘mucking’ around (a bit like Robins following you around your garden when you’re out with the spade!). Our Assistant Warden, Nick Godden, has been busy at Grisedale pool moving mud and vegetation around to make a deep water refuge for fish, as well as work around the pool edge, this work will create great space for Lapwings. And all the earth works are great for looking for food if you’re a Water Pipit. In and around the area Nick has seen the Water pipit on numerous occasions as well as noting a couple of Meadow Pipits in the reed bed and in front of the Jackson and Grisedale hides which is unusual. Nick even had time while working to witness some Sky Dancing from our Marsh Harriers. Our Site Manager also observed the Skydancing activity, where Marsh Harriers pass food between each other in mid-air, over the Christmas period. This is early in the year to see this, do let us know if you see Marsh Harriers Sky Dancing on your next visit?
Marsh Harriers Sky Dancing – Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Ducks and Snipe are among the many birds you will find on Lilian’s pool.
Over at the Allen/Eric Morecambe complex we have seen a good mix of waders including Redshank, Curlew, Snipe, Knot, Dunlin, Oystercatchers, Shelduck, Great Crested Grebe, Red Breasted Merganser and Dunlin. When birds of prey such as Merlin, Peregrine, Marsh Harriers, and Buzzards drop in all the birds on the pool scatter in what can only be described as wader mayhem which is quite a spectacle!
Redshanks in flight - Photo Credit Steve Ripley
Are you thinking of getting a new pair of binoculars or upgrading your current optics? Our next Optics Weekend date for your diaries is 1st and 2nd February - Binocular and Telescope Open Weekend – Saturday 1st February and Sunday 2nd February – 10.00am - 16.00pm -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 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.
Do not forget to pack your wellies for your next visit as the weather and water levels are very changeable at this time of the year.
Make sure you check in with our friendly, helpful Welcome Team on arrival for any relevant updates or to pick up your Family Trail Quiz Sheets or Nature Quest Packs.
We look forward to seeing you soon.