Wildfowl on Lillian's Pool Photo – Credit Jarrod Sneyd
It has been a fabulous fortnight here at RSPB Leighton Moss, the pools are full of wildfowl and the sky is full of Marsh Harriers hunting and sky dancing. There have been as many as seven Marsh Harriers in the air at the same time which is amazing to see. We have seen the occasional Bittern flight, and an Otter was spotted in Grisedale pool earlier this week. We even had a Female Hen Harrier fly over the reserve which is a rare sighting here at Leighton Moss.
Female Hen Harrier Photo - Credit Jarrod Sneyd
On your arrival why not head straight to Lillian's Hide or the Sky Tower to see the large numbers of birds on the pool or just enjoy the wonderful view. Listen and look out for the garden birds on your way along the path. Siskins, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Marsh Tit and Goldfinch are among the woodland birds you might see and hear on your meander on the moss. Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Ducks, Golden Eye, Gadwall and Shoveler are all regular visitors to Lillian's pool. Snipe numbers have been good this year with 27 on our recent WeBS Count on Lillian's pool alone. With the large numbers of birds in the pools there are sometimes some spectacular territorial battles, it is mayhem with water splashing everywhere for a few minutes. Particularly good for action photographs if you have your camera at the ready. Great White Egrets and Little Egrets are also showing well around the reserve.
Great White Egret Photo - Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Are you new to birdwatching and want to learn how to identify the varied species or would you like to learn more about bird song. Our Birdwatching for Beginners Walk might be just the walk for you. To find out more click on the link below. Birdwatching for Beginners - 05 January 2025 8.30 - 10.30am - If you are new to birdwatching, or just wish to expand your knowledge, join our guide Andy Chapman, and take the next steps on your birding journey. Enjoy a leisurely walk and gain top tips on how to find and identify birds in their natural environment. Pre-Booking is essential.
Over at the Eric Morecambe Complex we have our wonderful waders, and these pools have also been full of birds including Redshank, Shelduck, Knot, Dunlin, Curlew, Turnstone and over 1500 Lapwings. Large numbers of Pink-footed Geese have been passing over and dropping onto adjacent fields. When a bird of prey like a Merlin, Peregrine or Marsh Harrier drops in and spooks all the birds we get an amazing spectacle as the birds all scatter.
Lapwing flock photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Starling numbers have started to build up, from the top of the Sky Tower we see them streaming across Lillian's pool as they head to their Roosts. The best time of day is between 4pm and 4.30pm. If you would like to find out more about the Starlings and Murmuration's, then come along on our guided walk - Winter Roosts at RSPB Leighton Moss on the 17 January 2025 14.45pm to 16.45pm. Our local guide will introduce the Reserve with this walk. We will also look at winter roosting behavior with the walk timed to give maximum opportunity to catch any Starling murmuration. Whilst there is no guarantee the Starlings will settle on the Reserve on any given evening. Recent years have seen 60,000 – 90,000 coming into roost during much of January. Pre-Booking is essential.
Starling Murmuration Photo – Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Binocular and Telescope Weekend - 4 and 5 January 2025 10.00am - 16.00pm. Are you thinking about buying some new binoculars or a spotting scope? Pop along to our Optics Open Weekend 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.
Our Live Interpreter Dave is back with news from his latest stroll around the main reserve.
It is not the best time of year for a wildflower fan like me. But it is interesting to see the numerous little green leaves still alive at the edge of the paths where the reeds have been trimmed back. Those nearer the path often grow flat against the ground. Plantain is a native plant here, but it was introduced to North America by early European settlers. Indigenous Americans called it the white man’s footprints because of the way it surrounded their settlements. I use the leaves to make an effective ointment for skin irritations.
As I come down from the Sky Tower, I notice something moving beyond the trees opposite. There are 7 Red Deer grazing at the far side of the field - does and fawns. I creep up and get a great view for several minutes until something spooks one of them. They all race off leaping over a fence into the woods beyond. Somebody mentions he is reminded of the Grand National steeplechase.
I continue walking just a few yards towards Grisdale and I am amazed to see the number of small birds at one time in one spot. In less than 10 minutes I get great views of a male Bullfinch, Long-tailed Tits, a Nuthatch, several Tree Creepers, and a Goldfinch -amongst others. You never know what is around the next corner!
Tree Creeper Photo – Jarrod Sneyd
Keep a look out on our social media as there will be an update coming soon on the progress of the Lower Hide Rebuild.
Stop off and say hello to our friendly Welcome Team on your arrival for any daily information or to pick up a Family Trail Quiz sheet or Nature Quest Pack.
We look forward to seeing you soon and wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Just remember that the reserve is Closed on Christmas Day.