Bitterns, bearded tits, marsh harriers, starlings, otters…
The list of regular wildlife sightings at Leighton Moss this week reads like a programme of the reserve’s headlining acts! The notorious bittern reported over the past few weeks is still treating us to its starring performance; it can often be seen (no binoculars needed!) in the reed stubble in front of the Causeway Hide. As many visitors have noticed, this bird appears to only have one eye. Despite this, it seems in good shape and managing to feed. From the same spot, visitors have been catching glimpses of otters throughout the day, with groups of three regularly being seen playing in the water. Overhead, up to five marsh harriers have been seen at once cruising over the reedbed - it appears that, so far, we have an overwintering population of one male, two females and two juveniles. (Photo by J Sneyd). We still get asked about bearded tits at this time of year and while sightings of them on the grit trays in the morning are becoming slightly less reliable than they were through October and November, they are putting in appearances on most dry days!
This time of year makes for great birdwatching, as the lack of leaves on trees making scanning the branches that bit easier. In amongst the flocks of usual Leighton Moss favourites, like long tailed tit and marsh tit, has been a rarity: a yellow browed warbler. It’s been seen along the path towards Lower Hide the past week – usually c50m from the Causeway turn. These small warblers are generally seen in passage, with very few numbers overwintering in the UK. With the cold weather upon us, who knows when it will move on? Why not come and put your skills to the test to see if you can catch a glimpse?
As expected at this time of year, siskin and redpoll can be seen in the alder, often on the back path to Lower Hide or in the trees near the orchard. The orchard is also proving to be a favourite feasting spot for fieldfare; in the evenings their chuckles can be heard overhead as flocks head to roost.
Starlings are also still coming to roost on site in their tens of thousands, and some nights displaying over the reedbed much to visitors delight. As mentioned last week, they’re rather unpredictable and some nights they can head to roost without even a murmur…other nights they display over the reedbed for a prolonged period. Visitors are getting great views of raptors, as marsh harriers and peregrines drop into the flock for a snack. If previous years are anything to go by, we expect these numbers to increase over the coming months.
And if you’re heading to the reserve then don’t forget, this weekend is our Binocular and Telescope Open Weekend. If you’re thinking of treating yourself to a new pair of binoculars or considering setting yourself up with a scope, then pop down to chat to the optics experts in our retail team. They can give you hands on advice and demonstrations to find the perfect bit of kit in our extensive range, including RSPB own brands alongside Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss and more.
We hope to see you soon!
Beth