After last week’s glorious September sunshine, autumn has arrived rather abruptly with a distinct drop in temperature and the reedbed taking on a golden hue. The wink-wink sounds of Pink-footed Geese are beginning to be heard over head – a sure sign that winter is on its way! But there are still some signs of the fading summer to be seen. Over the past fortnight, visitors have been treated to regular views of an Osprey perched in a dead tree perpendicular to Causeway and Lower Hides, near Island Mere. On the saltmarsh, three Spoonbills are still present on the pools, and three Cattle Egrets are regularly being seen in amongst the cows. (Photo by Jarrod Sneyd)
The increase in wildfowl numbers is noticeable: counts of Teal are regularly reaching over c300 on the saltmarsh, and c30 Wigeon were counted on Thursday 14 September. Gadwall and Shoveler numbers are building, seven Pintail are regularly being seen together from Lilian’s Hide and Pochards have been intermittently sighted. This week, we have also had reports of the infamous Cinnamon Teal x Shoveler hybrid back for its fifth consecutive winter at Leighton Moss. This bird often leaves visitors stumped: its bill is most certainly Shoveler, but its deep red chest is distinctive of Cinnamon Teal. It’s white crescent shaped barring behind its bill often means that this bird is confused for a Blue-winged Teal hybrid, however this pattern is inherent in Shovelers, often seen when in eclipse plumage.
Marsh Harriers are now regularly being seen across the reserve, after a period of being conspicuous by their absence. Post-breeding sees dispersal and leaves the RSPB Leighton Moss to be Harrier-less for a few weeks. Today, (Saturday 19 September) one male and two females have been reported. Kingfishers have been a firm visitor favourite over recent days, with sightings of these iridescent birds dashing across the reserve and perching on posts – seemingly posing for photos. From the pools across the reserve, up to five Otters have been seen at one time! On the saltmarsh, there have been up to two Ruff during this week, a count of 11 Greenshank on Monday 11 and a Turnstone reported today (Sat 16). During the week, there have also been numerous reports of Whinchat on the path towards the Allen and Eric Morecambe Hides – an unusual visitor for Leighton Moss and usually spotted when birds are on the move during passage periods.
Bearded Tits are beginning to be sighted on the grit trays on the odd occasion, as the dropping temperatures provokes them to transition their diet from insects to seed. Over the coming weeks, these appearances will become more frequent, with their peak time being throughout October. Want to up your chances of getting a glimpse of these elusive birds? Why not book one of our upcoming Brilliant Bearded Tits walks and let an expert guide take you out on the reserve?
We hope to see you soon
Beth