I have only managed two visits, so far! I stopped off on a return journey from cheshire to Perthshire, change at Lancaster for a very short trip to Silverdale. The walk from the station to the reserve takes two minutes. Arriving after lunch and wishing to make the most of my stay, I checked at the RSPB reception desk for any local B & Bs. The lady at the desk was brilliant, did not get her name but she saved the day, calling the nearest B&B and handing me the phone. Within a minute I was booked in for the night and could relax into my birding. Can't complement her enough!
The B&B at Grisedale farm is out the far side of the reserve about the same walk as from the station to the reception, from the end of the reserve to the Farm house. The room window over looked the reserve and I had some great views of the starlings. Breakfast was nice add the welcome warm. I have their card and will certainly wish to return.
The Birding was great, being able to hang around for sun set was special along with the Starling show I got my first look at a Bittern. The light was fading and my camera was starting to refuse focus when out of the gloom heading straight for me came the Bittern. I was in the public hide on the causeway. The bittern got within twenty feet or so before correcting its path away into cover at the left of the hide. The view was breathtaking and that will stay with me! But, with no photo, it was a good job I was alone the words I used are unrepeatable!!
I was up with the sun, or slightly before, and had the whole day ahead of me. Here are one or two images, I hope you enjoy, I did!
Dawn on the causeway.
Great Egrets
The Starlings, a photo just isn't enough this needs to be seen live!!
Little Egret, the sun as you can see was up!
The birds singing, Bullfinch, I don't know where he got this song from but believe me it was of the highest quality.
Not all wanting to be seen.
Below is the picture that best sums up that days Bittern photo ops! I got some better, slightly, and it is there honest you need to look closely.
I am already looking for a reason to be back in the area, I will return soon. Thanks to the staff for helping me out so well!
John :-)
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
Hi John,
Thanks ever so much for posting the above. It was lovely to read about your visit and I'm glad you found us so helpful. Your pictures are excellent too!!! Please let us know about your next visit when you have time to visit again.
Best wishes
Jen
Fantastic pictures John and great to know there is a B&B at hand as it would be a very lon day for us to get there and back in 24 hours.
Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. ~ Mark Twain
Great idea John,use the train folks.I work at Lancaster railway station and will gladly help any birdwatcher to the train.Just ask for me folks Ian Roberts is my name.
Enjoyed reading about your visit to Leighton Moss John, hubby and I spend a lot of time there and will be going this weekend, hope you have managed to put in a few more visits since April.
All the best
Sue
Carpe Diem.
Thanks Ian!! :-)