Robin - Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
This week has seen the first heavy frosts of the winter which has bought our gorgeous Bearded Tits out in good numbers to top up on the grit from the grit trays. After a break of five years, we have started to ring the Bearded Tits again. There will be more information on this and the history of the Bearded Tits at Leighton Moss coming very soon in a separate blog. Keep a look out on our Blog and Recent Sightings link from the main RSPB Leighton Moss website for further updates. If you do see any ringed Bearded Tits on your visit and you are lucky enough to get any pictures of the ringed birds, please send your photos to leighton.moss@rspb.org.uk so that we can record your sightings for the Wardens Team.
Bearded Tits – Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Strolling along the woodland paths between hides we are seeing groups of Siskins in the trees along with Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Marsh Tits, Blue Tits and Great Tits. Along the boardwalk on the way to the Causeway keep a listen and look out for Cetti’s Warblers, Marsh Tits and Wrens. Our lovely Robins are everywhere you go too. Goldcrests are often seen around the wooded pathway around the Sky Tower, Lilians Hide and on the way to Grisedale hide. A Firecrest was recently reported but not confirmed, would you be able to tell the difference between a Firecrest and Goldcrest? The Firecrest is a busy little bird that vies with the Goldcrest for the title of the UK’s smallest bird. Goldcrest and Firecrest are very similar and also have a similar song. Compared to the Goldcrest, the Firecrest is a brighter bird with a distinctive broad white eyestripe. Firecrest are scarce visitors, although it would be amazing to see one at Leighton Moss.
Goldcrest Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Firecrest Photo Credit Ben Andrew, rspb-images
Why not come along to our Birdwatching for Beginners Guided Walk - 8 December 8.30am - 10.30am. If you are new to birdwatching or want to expand your nature 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.
Dabbling and diving duck numbers continue to increase on all the pools. Lots of Shovelers, Pintails, Teal, Tufted Ducks and Wigeon. Many Common Snipe seem to be around all over the reserve as well. We have had up to nine Marsh Harriers coming into roost on the reserve, these birds will hopefully be over wintering with us again this year. Red Deer are still showing well in the fields alongside the paths on the way round from the Visitor Centre to Grisedale and Tim Jackson hides. Whooper Swans have been dropping in for a rest on Causeway pool regularly. Bitterns have been seen flying over the reed beds from Lilians and Grisedale hides over the last few days. A Water Pipit was heard from the Sky Tower Thursday morning and a Lesser Redpoll was seen; the Redpoll can often be found flitting around with the Siskins.
Siskin and Redpoll - Photo Credit Jarrod Sneyd
Do you need an introduction to Winter ducks and waders or build on your identification skills? Why not join us on our next Winter Walks at Leighton Moss 13 December 10.00am - 12noon. Our local guide will provide an introduction to the Reserve with this month’s walk seeking out Winter wildlife. There will be a focus on the identification of Wildfowl. Pre booking essential.
Starling numbers are slowly starting to increase, although groups are beginning to gather locally and can sometimes be seen heading North from the Sky Tower just before dusk. Keep your eye on our Social Media posts for further information as the numbers increase.
Over at the Eric Morecambe Complex this week sightings have been confirmed of Cattle Egret, Male Stonechat, Spotted Redshank, Greenfinch, Greenshank and Black Tailed Godwits, Dunlin, Kingfisher, Great White Egret, Little Egret and Heron.
This weekend is our popular Big Bookcycle Fair at Leighton Moss, 23 and 24 November from 10.00am to 16.00pm. Browse and shop from our vast collection of bird/nature ID guides, biographies, and collectables, all at great prices.
Check out our Christmas range of products in the shop as you pass through to the reserve or stop to have a chat with our Welcome Team about our Gift Memberships.
Dates for your diaries:
7 and 8 December 9.30am to 16.30pm - Binocular and Telescopes Open Weekend
Come along to our popular Optics event and have an informal chat with our friendly and knowledgeable team. Try out our wide range of telescopes, binoculars and accessories and find something that suits your needs and budget. Ask questions and get impartial advice with no obligation to buy. Try out brands such as RSPB, Viking, Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss, Kowa and Nikon.
14 December 10.00am to 12noon – Wildlife Explorers at Leighton Moss
Wildlife Explorers is an RSPB youth group for people aged around 8 – 12 years.
The December group offers wildlife games and a quiz with lots of prizes for everyone. Times do vary for some months, depending on the planned activities so for further information, please email wildlife.explorers.leighton@gmail.com
Check in with the Welcome Team for any Family activities, monthly quiz sheets or Nature Quest packs.
Remember to pack your wellies or good waterproof footwear as the weather and water levels are very changeable at this time of the year.
We look forward to seeing you soon.