Leighton Moss RSPB

Hazel Rothwell · Status: Offline

RE: Leighton Moss RSPB

Ruth Mott · Status: Offline

10.30am to 3.30pm, Sat 14th Sept, rainy turning into sunshine. I didn't make it to the Salt Marsh as the on site hides kept me well occupied.

Marsh Tit

Gadwall

Shoveler

Great White Egret

Little Egret

Marsh Harrier

Grey Partridge

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Six hours from 11am on Wednesday, partly sunny with rain, heavy at times, breezy, 12-14*c. Of note :-

Shoveler (22)
Gadwall (26)
Wigeon (12)
Teal (12)
Little Grebe (6)
Water Rail (1)
Avocet (4)
Oystercatcher (1)
Ringed Plover (1)
Lapwing (50)
Curlew (2)
Black-tailed Godwit (11)
Common Sandpiper (1)
Redshank (225)
Greenshank (2)
Little Egret (9)
Great Egret (1-2)
Osprey (1)
Marsh Tit (3)
Cettis Warbler (3)

Missed out on Cattle Egret (3) which were seen early doors, on the marsh beyond Allen Pools and would have been a site tick for me.

Species seen - 55

Simon Gough · Status: Offline

Saturday 18th May 9.00-16.00 Stockport Birdwatching Society trip

Another visit to Leighton Moss for the SBS, it has been a frequent destination in recent months, but it is very popular. There was some decent confidence that we would see both Bittern and Osprey, one of those happy bits of timing where the trip coincides with some fairly predictable behaviour from a particular species. This was borne out as plenty of members saw Bitterns making flights around the reedbed from the Sky Tower, and a hunting Osprey over the Causeway area. I got my best ever views of Osprey, able to scope the regular visiting bird feeding on a fish at a close enough distance.

There were 2 other great species on offer, a 2CY Little Gull was amongst Black-headed Gulls showing pretty well over the big pools, and the RSPB were openly advising visitors about the other one so I feel like I can mention it; namely that a pair of Pied Flycatchers have nested on the reserve. These were actually my first in Lancashire, I generally head to other counties to see them. The staff are delighted that their work over the years has created the environment for this species to return.

The reserve was alive with the expected abundance of Reed, Sedge and Cetti's Warbler and there were some Marsh Tits showing well in the usual places. A few Swift and Swallows appeared but there was a noticeable dearth of hirundines overall. One very well-marked male Marsh Harrier showed often, and some of us saw a food pass to a female which was cool.

Some members visited the outer hides and Jenny Brown's Point, and picked up both Eider and Whooper Swan out there, more like January than May perhaps, although Eiders breed at Walney Island so not that bizarre I suppose. There were hardly any waders around, there is no open mud on the reserve these days really, certainly not on the main reserve area visible from the hides etc.

All in all a brilliant day combining beautiful weather and great birds. The species tally was just over 80, I managed 54 which would have been a bit higher if I had put my back into it, but I spent ages on the tower enjoying the view.

Visit the Stockport Birders blog https://stockportbirders.blogspot.com/ for information on the Society and upcoming events

David Hughes · Status: Offline

White winged Black tern ,superb views 14.29 pm causeway hide

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Just over four hours yesterday in fine weather. Sunny spells with a cool breeze at times and mist rolling in from the coast. Went in the main reserve hides plus the Causeway Hide but didnt venture down to Allen Pools.

The highlights were an Osprey from the Causeway Hide, two from Lillians, three sightings (flight views) of Bitterns and two Bearded Reedling. Otherwise, birds as expected with a selection of warblers, my first swifts of the year (c.25), a few House Martins and around 75 Sand Martin.

54 Species seen.

Chris Knight · Status: Offline

Train visit, first for a while, hoping to catch up with spring migrants it did not disappoint, with highlights including:

Swallow (passing through all day)

Sand martin (lots in the afternoon)

House martin (a few with the sand martins)

Swift (two parties of 2-3 with hirundines)

Osprey (one fishing late morning, probably in front of causeway hide, but seen from sky tower)

Bittern (several, audible across the reserve all day)

Willow warbler (lots)

Chiffchaff (lots)

Reed warbler (several, scattered)

Cetti's warbler (lots, one seen, from causeway)

Blackcap (scattered around)

Marsh tit (on feeders)

Marsh harriers (at least 5 individuals, probably more, around the reserve)

Little Egret (Down at Eric Morecambe and Allen hides)

Avocet (Down at Eric Morecambe and Allen hides)

Black tailed godwit (many in strong summer plumage, Eric Morecambe hide)

Spotted redshank (Eric Morecambe hide)

Also plenty of ducks (gadwall, shoveller, pochard, shelduck, tufted duck), activity at the feeders (bullfinch, nuthatch, finches, tits) and a green woodpecker in the field behind the visitor centre.

Andy Slee · Status: Offline

Came here after a cancelled work job in NW Cumbria.

Gorgeous pair of Marsh Tits only 3-4 feet away as I walked from the Visitor Centre to the Causeway, such dainty birds when up so close. Lower Hide had m+f Lesser Scaup and f Ring-necked Duck which flew west. Goldeneye, Pochard, Mute Swan, two Marsh Harrier and on the walk in two Bitterns at least booming either side, the Causeway, possibly three.

Going back at the Causeway Hide a female Pochard was giving a very good impression of a female Ring-necked Duck with white patch around the bill, but was definitely a la amour with a male Pochard so I'll scratch that view from Lower Hide I think this was the same bird; the populace in Lower Hide thought it was a f RNDuck ('it's on Birdguides mate, it's legit'), the masses at Causeway hide thought f Pochard!

Back past the pair Marsh Tits again, so close, and onto Grizedale Hide, brief views of a Bearded Reedling and more flyovers from Marsh Harriers. Water Rail a plenty calling and Reed Buntings showing well everywhere.

Allen Hide had seven Redshank, four Oystercatcher and Black-headed Gulls with Greylag and a couple of Pink-footed Geese on the Marsh. Then time to hightail to the next job at Heysham so never got Avocet today though they were supposed to be back. Chiffchaffs were along the railway embankment and a couple Sand Martin came over to pool as well.

steven burke · Status: Offline

A pleasant day here despite lots of water flooding the reserve, I only had my boots on so couldn't do much of the main reserve, could only do Lillians hide & get as far as the grit trays down the causeway, photo attached of the causeway.

Female ring-necked duck from Lillians
Tufted ducks
Gadwalls
Shovelers
1 pochard
3 goldeneye
12 snipe
4+ marsh harriers
6+ marsh tits
Plenty of water rails heard, 3 seen, 2 showing really well along the causeway.
Plenty of cettis warbler heard, 1 seen nice & close.
Bearded tits heard only.
1 buzzard
1 sparrowhawk
1 treecreeper
5+ nuthatch
1 woodcock
Very large Starling murmaration.

On my way walking around to Eric morecambe & Allen hides, sad to see a dead fulmar at the roadside
cry

At the hides...

2 great white egrets
5 little egrets
7 goosander
5 snipe
Lapwings
Redshanks
Curlews
Plenty of Teal & shoveler including the hybrid shoveler/cinnamon Teal.

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

Attached a couple of photos of the Waxwing courtesy of Vicky.

Forgot to add two Cettis Warbler to yesterday's sightings too.

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

Highlights of today's High Peak RSPB trip from 09:30-16:00

3 Bittern sightings, all in flight. 2 Bearded Tit, 2+ Waxwing, ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Water Rail, 5 Marsh Tit, 3+ Marsh Harrier, 40+Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, 100+ Fieldfare, 30+Redwing, Peregrine Falcon, 30+Pintail, 5 Common Snipe, 3 Treecreeper, Nuthatch, 3 Goldcrest, 20 Teal, Raven.

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

I decided I needed a full day out to relax, so I made my 2nd trip to Leighton Moss during the school break. (The other was ironically also on the 28th but in July!)

Having seen 58 species, Highlights this trip were:

(Saltmarsh)

Merlin (m) showed well from the Morecambe hide but a little distant.
Spoonbill x7 (seen from the train and later briefly in flight).
Great white egret x2
Cattle egret (a scruffy juvenile and showed well).
Little egrets made it an egret hat-trick
Osprey (I found on in flight but distant)
Little stint distant and only for 20 seconds. So I had to remind myself how to tell it from Dunlin, but helped being next to redshanks for size comparison!
Greenshank with one showing well.
Ruff

(Main reserve)

Cetti's warbler sang very close and in view. Unfortunately he moved before I could get a picture. But what an encounter!!
Little grebe. X2+
Pochard
Marsh harrier x1f
Common sandpiper x1 from Causeway.
Nuthatch was entertaining to watch from the feeders as it was reluctant to move from the top to the feeders tray. He kept leaning right over then back.
Jay x2
Bearded tit calling soooo close but not seen.
Lemon cake and cappuccino.
Chiffchaff
Treecreepers in Long tailed tit flock.

Ta!.

Oh, and ps. In case your wondering, best highlight on 28th July was a Hobby catching dragonflies.

-- Edited by Richard Thew on Monday 28th of August 2023 10:33:16 PM

Steven Nelson · Status: Offline

Morning visit
Highlights:

Morecambe and Allen pools:
1 Spoonbill
2 Great Egret
Numerous Little Egret
Good numbers of Avocet with quite a few chicks
20+ Black-tailed Godwit
3 Cettis Warbler
Approx 30 Black-headed Gull carcasses in the colony - bird flu victims

Main reserve :
2 Osprey together on two separate occasions giving excellent views
2 Marsh Harrier - pair
1 Buzzard
2 Bearded Tit
Bittern booming frequently but none seen
6 Marsh Tit
Lots of Cettis Warbler heard and a few seen
Plenty of Reed and Sedge Warblers but numbers seemed lower than normal.
Just 3 Swift and a handful of Swallows

Overall some good sightings but everything did seem quieter and small bird numbers seemed low

Sarfraz Hayat · Status: Offline

Little Gull at Eric Morecambe complex was a nice surprise but didn't prove much joy with the 30-ish dead adult Black Headed Gulls lying around. What a strange sight and the colony there seemed thinned out.

On the main reserve first stop was the cafe and the cake selection has changed a lot since my last visit in May 2022. I had a date slice and a toffee cake. Both yum! Other highlights were 3 Bittern in flight together chasing each other around from the Causeway Hide with an Osprey trying to fish right for what seemed forever after they disappeared. The reserve generally seemed eerily quiet and we wondered what toll had bird flu taken already and how long it would go on for?

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

Mike Chorley wrote:

It's come a long way! .....or maybe just from Martin Mere lol Looks like a New Zealand Shoveler.

That duck has been there for quite a while (at least since mid-2021) and I believe it has come from a collection near the Grange-Over-Sands area. It was identified as a hybrid: A Cinnamon Teal x Northern Shoveler. Personally, I couldn't quite see the resemblance of the teal, but I've checked it out myself on the net.

Hope this helps.

Ta!

Mike Chorley · Status: Offline

It's come a long way! .....or maybe just from Martin Mere lol Looks like a New Zealand Shoveler.

David Hughes · Status: Offline

I also got this yesterday from lilians..

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

My first proper full day out since last Autumn.

53 species seen and highlights include:

Siskin female showed very well at the feeders.
Treecreeper was seen taking a bath.
Goldcrest showed well briefly.
Marsh harrier flew past with good views.
Nuthatch ever fails to entertain.
Marsh tit singing.
Ring necked duck female was found though distant.
Goldeneye 28+ possible 35+ in one area clumped together, 3/4 of which were all females.

Saltmarsh had:

Dunlin x6
Golden plover x12 but briefly.
Pink footed goose.
Curlew.

The cafe was short staffed so no Jacket Potatoes. However, this was a good thing as I then discovered they now do home made style pies! Yum yum!!! Anomamamaam....

Ta!

Dave Ousey · Status: Offline

5^th Feb 2023

A sharp frost overnight slightly held up mine and Bob K`s departure from Whitworth, picking up Craig B in Rawtenstall and heading over Grane. Our plan was to try to see the Hawfinches in the Eaves Wood area that had been seen the day before. We called at Conder Green, Pine Lake and headed for Gait Barrows, we had a nice walk around as the sun came out but it was a bit chilly, the Hawfinches were not heard or seen!

Leighton Moss which was rather busy and no room on the carpark for us, the female Ring necked Duck from Lillian`s Hide was seen along with some very smart Pintail ducks. A Marsh Harrier was patrolling the marshes looking for its breakfast. We called at the feeding station were a close Marsh Tit was seen, a walk along the boardwalk towards the public causeway revealed a further 3 Marsh Tit`s. One of my silly comments came out saying We wont see any Bearded Tits near the grit trays but of course I was wrong! They were heard, then seen fairly close up in the middle of the day, quite a nice treat for us that. At the public hide a couple of Great White Egret`s were seen then a distant Otter was seen swimming across the width of the lake, another nice treat for us all. News of a juvenile or 1^st winter Russian White fronted Goose nearby was acted upon and good views of this species were had as it fed along with some Pink footed Geese.

-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 8th of February 2023 07:36:04 PM

Chris Sutton · Status: Offline

Trip with family.. Everywhere iced up so bird numbers down significantly but still enjoyable. Highlight was picking up bearded tit at the grit tray area within 2 minutes of arriving there. This usually involves a long wait in my experience! . 2 distant Marsh Harrier from the tower. Other folks were focused in on finding/photographing water rail and a water pipit which has been seen of late.
Chris

Dave Thacker · Status: Offline

8.00 - 14.00hrs

Sunshine, -6*c and 99% of the water iced over made for great conditions to look for Bitterns and Otters this morning.

First Bittern seen as the sun rose up 50m from the Causeway hide and another three seen at the same time from Lillians hide. Another Bittern flew over the path to the Grizedale hide near to where 2m & 1f Bearded reedlings were taking grit from the trays. A small flock of six reedlings flew along the edge of the reeds in front of Lillians hide.

Also 4 Cettis warbler heard

3 Water rail

3 Marsh harrier

Great white egret

-- Edited by Dave Thacker on Monday 12th of December 2022 05:47:21 PM

Nick Hilton · Status: Offline

The Stockport Birdwatching Society monthly coach trip visited the reserve yesterday (bloody cold!)

95% of the waterbodies were frozen but this had its advantages as we had good views of Bittern (including a couple of birds in flight presumably moving between open water feeding areas) and good views of normally elusive Water Rail.

Up to 5 Marsh Harrier, Great White Egret, Kingfisher, Cetti's Warbler and Bearded Tits were seen. Good numbers of Marsh Tit, both on the reserve and in the adjacent Silverdale area.

Lots of Redwing, Fieldfare, finches in the Silverdale area plus good views of 8 Red-breasted Merganser at Jenny Brown's Point. Snipe, Curlew and a single Black-tailed Godwit near the Outer Hides.

74 species seen collectively through the day.

Next coach trip leaving from Stockport and Parrs Wood is on the 7th January, visiting a few birding locations on the North Wales coast. Non-members are always welcome. DM for further details or visit; https://stockportbirders.blogspot.com/

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

This is one of those trips that make you say "wow!" And will go down as one of my all-time favourites at Leighton Moss.

25th October, Trip 2 of 2 (After Marshside) with an incredible 73 species seen!!!

Early morning from 8am to 3pm. Highlights include:

1. Whilst scanning scanning from a hide, two Crows were foraging in the marshy grass. One purposely flew close to some Common Snipe to flush them (only went a few feet) However, when the crow started picking around where they were soon after, one other Snipe popped out briefly that looked different. I naturally quickly took a picture and couldn't believe my eyes: it was a Jack snipe.
2. I enjoyed watching the Bearded tits on the grit trays at 9-9:30am
3. Spotted redshank showed well from the Morecombe hide.
4. Found the Long tailed duck from the Lower hide.
5. Greenshank also showed well there X7.

Other Highlights include:
Grey wagtail
Fieldfare
Redwing
Mistle thrush
Great white egret
Goosander
Little grebe x3
Stonechat x2
Kingfisher close.
Raven
Siskin
Marsh tit
Nuthatch
Peregrine
Marsh harrier
Cettis warbler
Goldcrest

Oh, and a brief glimpse of a Tree sparrow, though was slightly concealed by the shrub branches, but the black spots on its cheeks really stood out to me.

Ta!

-- Edited by Richard Thew on Wednesday 26th of October 2022 09:32:12 AM

John Williams · Status: Offline

11.00-15.00

Eric Morecombe Complex: 1 Cettis Warbler calling and showing along the path near the Allen Hide.

Also seen were 1 Chiffchaff, 1m Kestrel and 1 Little Egret.

The main pool by the Eric Morecombe hide is around 90% dry due to maintenance work, with only a few "Alba" wagtails seen there.

Also with machinery operating around the site the Allen Pool is also subject to some disturbance.

Main Reserve : 2 Little Grebes were amongst the waterfowl seen South of the causeway.

The rocky islet in front of the Public Hide held a group of 5 Greenshanks, whilst a Hobby gave a tremendous flight display as it chased

dragonflies, and the odd swallow over the pool North of the causeway.

In addition to an otter showing well from the Lower Hide, a single Great White Egret could also be seen from there, whilst a pair of Hobbies

were seen hunting over the reedbed, then settling in a dead tree on the opposite side of the mere to eat their prey.

A Buzzard and a Kingfisher were also seen, but oddly no Great Crested Grebes could be found.

-- Edited by John Williams on Tuesday 6th of September 2022 11:58:15 AM

Dave Ousey · Status: Offline

Sabine`s Gull at Jenny Brown`s Point, Lancashire. 10/7/22

News of a Sabine`s Gull at Leighton Moss on Wednesday 6^th July seemed a little strange for the time of year and lack of rough weather at sea. But the bird remained and a small trip to see it was arranged. Myself, Bob K and Kevin C left a sultry Whitworth around 7-30am all duly clad in shorts for the occasion. We reached the very narrow road down to Jenny Brown`s Point and luckily slid into one of the few parking spaces available, about an hour later. We saw Rob D who told us the bird was still present, first time I have seen Rob since the memorable visit to Kent for the Eleonora`s Falcon. The gull was sat on a large sandbank at about 100 yards distance, we all thought, hope it comes closer. Which it eventually did and landed about 30 yards away and began feeding along the shoreline. The bird had somehow lost its right leg and maybe a toe from its left leg, could have been a hungry predator, Killer Whale etc after a quick snack! This made the birds feeding habit difficult as it had buoyancy issues, but seemed to be getting plenty to eat. Lots of Black Headed Gulls, Oystercatcher`s were around this area and the views over Morecambe Bay were sublime.

At Leighton Moss we enjoyed a coffee and a cake for myself and a browse through the second hand bookcase. We walked around the reserve and enjoyed views of around five Marsh Harriers, some recently fledged birds, so they have had a successful breeding season. It was very quiet otherwise on the reserve, a Hobby and Bittern had been seen, but not by ourselves. We headed out to the Allen and Eric Morecambe hides and met Mark or Ginger, a fellow birder from years back who told us there is not much happening out there. We saw that there was very little water in both pools, so not many birds! We watched in awe as a Grey Heron caught and eventually swallowed quite a large Eel, this lasted 10 full minutes and the Eel could be seen in the heron`s neck still alive. Time for home we all thought at this stage.

Dave O.

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Eight hours yesterday, in sunnyish and warm weather. Full circuit of the reserve. Sixty six species in total, highlights being :-

Pochard (2)
Avocet (18)
Black-tailed Godwit (9)
Mediterranean Gull (1)
Bittern (3)
Great Egret (2)
Osprey (1)
Marsh Harrier (4)
Bearded Reedling (1f)
Sedge Warbler (4)
Reed Warbler (14+)
Cettis Warbler (9)
Blackcap (1)
Whitethroat (1)

Most Bittern activity here in a long time. Definitely two down at the Lower Public and two sightings from the Grizedale Hide, possibly the same bird. A female Bearded Reedling en route to the Grizedale Hide, near to the grit trays. The platform, erected to entice any passing Ospreys has been commandeered by a pair of Great Black-backed Gulls, who are nesting there. My previous best count of seven Cettis has now been bettered to nine.

Back to East Lancs via The Trough and a great little spot where we had drumming Snipe, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Curlew and Skylark. Like the 1950s in miniature.

Sarfraz Hayat · Status: Offline

I went with 2 others on the 21st of May - we had more or less everything Steve had minus Spoonbill, Bearded Tits, Sparrowhawk and Tawny Owl but we did have Garden Warbler, Osprey. We heard neither Whitethroat species and missed the Garganey seen earlier.

Leighton Moss is nice but I don't feel it as much as I did 10 years ago. I am not sure why. Also post-lockdown the cakes have changed. They are still good but whatever happened to the excellent range they had before 2020 - Orange Drizzle, Lemon Drizzle, Marbled Cake and so much more! This is the second time I have been and noticed the pre-lockdown range missing. There is this very chocolatey chocolate orange cake which is good. They had Avocado and Courgette cake, Spiced Apple cake. I had a scone with cream and raspberry jam instead.

Steven Nelson · Status: Offline

Full day visit today

Highlights:
2 sightings of Bittern flying over the reedbed
1 Spoonbill
At least 4 Marsh Harrier - a couple of food passes seen
1 Sparrowhawk with prey
1 Bearded Tit seen - others heard
1 Tawny Owl - a ridiculously confiding bird!
1 Marsh Tit - feeders
3 Treecreepers
2 Nuthatch
Cettis Warbler- numerous - seen and heard
1 Sedge Warbler
Reed Warbler- lots
Water Rail heard
3 Pochard
Pair of Great Black-backed Gull nesting on the Osprey platform
1 Mediterranean Gull in the Black-headed Gull colony. Many Black-headed Gull chicks
Avocets - good numbers including some newly hatched chicks
c50 Black-tailed Godwit

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

YESTERDAY'S TRIP (WEDNESDAY)

My family wanted to visit, so I'd thought I'd join them to give my support and see what's changed. Time was more limited, but managed 57 species. And highlights include:

Bar tailed godwit x33 (after 20 years of visiting Leighton Moss, this is the first time I've finally seen Bar tailed godwits here. They were amongst a flock of Black tailed godwit.
Mediterranean gull x2 adults
Knot
Dunlin
Avocet in good numbers.
Nuthatch showed at last minute.
Treecreeper
Marsh tit
Goldcrest also showed last moment.
Stock dove
Wren (showing off) - Flickr picture
Cettis warbler
Jay
Willow warbler
Meadow pipit (many passing over on migration)
Swallow
Sand martin
Marsh harrier

Ta!

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

A really nice day out, one that almost was cancelled due to transport issues.

Despite being a little more on the quiet side compared to previous trips, I still managed to see 67 species.

Highlights include:

1. Snipe showed very well from Lower hide.
2. Sparrowhawk flew through feeding station very close.
3. Marsh tits x2 preening in shrub in excellent views (gave chance to admire these birds rather than just seen with a dash).
4. Stock dove sang from large tree at feeding station.
5. Knot found amongst a few Dunlin and Black tailed godwit on Saltmarsh.

Other Highlights include:

Garganey m+f asleep from Lower hide
Pochard
Goldeneye x3
Pink footed goose
Buzzard
Marsh harrier
Sand martin
Willow warbler (year first)
Blackcap x1 (took some effort)
Cettis warbler x3
Blue tit landed on my hand.
Raven x2

Yup, happy with that! biggrin

Ta!

-- Edited by Richard Thew on Friday 8th of April 2022 10:12:55 PM

Tony Koziol · Status: Offline

As we were in the area yesterday we called in at the reserve to be greeted with the news of two Garganey from Lilians Hide, off we walked and we could see a male asleep he was in such a position in front of the other that we make out a small amount of the other bird.

There was no sight nor sound of Reedling, Bittern or Cetti's Warbler for us but the two latter had been heard earlier in the morning, we were hoping for hirundines but again not to be.

We did connect with the obligatory Marsh Tit and Nuthatch on the way to the Lower Hide.

No breakfast here today as we had called in at Beetham Nurseries earlier, well worth it and the cakes looked delightful....but even this fat lad has a limit.

Tony Koziol · Status: Offline

We had a few days away last week and called here on Wednesday 16th as we have always liked it as it gives us a chance to see some of our favourites.....

Arriving around 09.00 we walked down towards the skytower there were plenty of the usuals around we then headed for breakfast as we approached the path to the cafe there was an almighty chaos taking place with birds really sounding as though they were not happy, in a second we realised there must be a Tawny Owl around and there it was making good its escape from a tangle of Ivy and the noise produced by Blackbird, various tits, Chaffinch and House Sparrows. It has taken many many years to get our first Tawny at this site it has not been for the want of trying!

In total we had just 45 species between 09.00 and 15.30 on a day that was mainly wet, windy and miserable with very few other visitors on site.

Dave Thacker · Status: Offline

7.45-9.45am

Along the causeway,

3 Marsh harriers,

3 Bearded tits not at the first set of trays but at the 2nd set further down the Causeway at 9.15am

2 Great Black-backed gulls,

4 Wigeon,

4 Shoveler,

5 Common Snipe,

Water rails heard x2,

Plenty of the usual ducks.

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

After being out of action for 3 weeks due to a persistant flu virus, this is the first time I've managed to gotten up early.

There are two visits combined here, one from Saturday 23rd to help a friend find some birds for the afternoon, and for today for myself.

Saturday's total = 45 species
Today's total = 62 species (or x64 if you count the 2 gulls at Carnforth station)
Combined both days = 65

Highlights include:

Bearded tits (reedlings) showed well along the causeway. Had fun watching and taking pictures around the path etc.
Lesser redpoll
Siskin (several with Goldfinch and one landed on the feeders on Saturday)
Knots x100s from the Lillian hide
Black tailed godwit
Ruff x2
Snipe x3
Chiffchaff
Redwing
Marsh tit
Nuthatch
Treecreeper
Goldcrest
Great spotted woodpecker
Swallow x1 (Saturday)
Marsh harrier x2
Pink footed goose x20
Goldeneye x2f
Pintail
Little grebe

Saltmarsh include:

Spotted redshank x4
Greenshank x5
Ruff x1
Dunlin x2 (one had an unusually long beak, possibly an "alpina" race)
Curlew x2
Shelduck
Goosander x1+

There is also a hybrid duck Cinnamon Teal x Shoveler : an unusual mix. I've not counted him in the totals since he is a hybrid and likely from a collection.

Ta!

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

For anyone thinking of visiting the reserve, the Bearded Reedling have been showing very well from the Grizedale Hide grit trays. Usually early morning. I arrived at 8.15 and they put in an appearance from 8.30 for one and a half hours.

The downside yesterday, with the good weather, was that the reserve was very busy and difficult to get seats in certain hides, so much so that I cut my visit short and left at around 2pm.

Other highlights were scores of Black-tailed Godwit in front of Lillians Hide with many others seen from Allen Pools. Here, also, were four Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank amongst hordes of Common Redshank. Around half a dozen Red Knot had also been present from Lillians.

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

Likely, my last opportunity for a nice relaxing reserve trip for some time when my work routine goes back to normal, so this was my choice to visit here again... (I wonder if it had anything to do with the Little stint reports??)

63 species seen with a few heard only (Water rail, Tawny owl, Meadow pipit)

Highlights include: Saltmarsh....

Spoonbill x4 (viewed from train only)
Little stint x3
Dunlin
Redshank
Ruff x2
Snipe
Black tailed godwit
Avocet x7 (still)
Curlew x3
Raven x2
Whitethroat

Main reserve.....

Little egret x7+
Great white egret
Shoveler
Wigeon
Greenshank x12
Great black backed gull x1
Swallow
Sand martin
House martin
Treecreeper
Nuthatch x3
Marsh tit x3
Goldcrest (juv)
Blackcap
Cettis warbler (juv)
Buzzard x3
Little grebe
Great crested grebe

Ta!

Ps. The saltmarshes will be disturbed Thursday, as some work will be needed to be carried out. Just thought i'd mention in case anyone here was thinking of going...

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

Had another trip whilst I can still travel safely enough.

Todays highlights out of 58 species seen:

Saltmarsh...
Spoonbill x2
Golden plover (a site first for me)
Spotted redshank x1 adult in winter
Redshank close
Snipe x2close
Dunlin
Black tailed godwit
Avocet (quite a few juveniles and a few adults)
Ruff x3 inc 1xJuvenile
Curlew x2

Main reserve.....
Marsh tit
Treecreeper
Nuthatch
Swift
Little grebe
Shoveler
SParrowhawk x2 (in a minor dispute in flight)
Greenshank

A number of waders from the Saltmarsh even made their way onto the Lillian Hide pool.

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

It feels like forever since I was last here, and I almost cancelled this one as covid cases rising in some areas. However, an early start and a late finnish and extra care and preparation at the reserve worked out pretty well, and they certainly were well organised there too. Most people were more than willing to comply with the regulations too.

Anyway, I managed to see 71 species, and an additional 3 heard (Bittern, Bearded tit and Goldcrest.)

Highlights include:

Saltmarsh area

Sandwich tern was a big surprise, and a Leighton first for me too.
Mediterranean gull x3 (x1 immature)
Spoonbill x1 but distant, (best view was from the train in flight)
Pink footed goose x1 with x2 Greylag geese at the Saltmarsh
Great white egret x1
Lesser Whitethroat x3
Reed warbler
Sedge warbler
Cettis warbler (quite a few scattered around the whole reserve)
Skylark
Teal
Shoveler
Goosander x1
Redshank
Avocet
Lapwing

There was three fluffy Black headed gull chick's that surprisingly did something foolish, they for no reason swam from their island - with agitated their parents, and a Great black backed gull swooped and took one. The remaining two made it to another island.

The main reserve

Pochard
Black tailed godwit about x50
Marsh harrier
Buzzard
Great spotted woodpecker
Treecreeper
Marsh tit
Garden warbler near the Lower hide (which is closed)
Nuthatch (seen on every visit but always a thrill to see)
Tawny owl
House martin
Swallow
Swift

Ta!

Tony Koziol · Status: Offline

08.15/11.15 weather overcast.

After yesterdays success at Crowden we arrived on site to a booming Bittern which continued until we left, it even competed with the local shooters.

At least three Water Rail were heard but not seen.

A single Marsh Tit showed near Lower Hide along with a pair of Marsh Harrier.

Lots of Chiffchaff very busy and vocal. One male Blackcap sighted and the usual species.

The feeders were as usual very busy.

A good few hours spent enjoying the scenery the reserve was not very busy which made for easy social distancing, good to be back.

Jeff Gorse · Status: Offline

Drake ring-necked duck from causeway public hide this afternoon

John Williams · Status: Offline

11.00-16.00 (Highlights)

Eric Morecombe Complex :

1f Merlin, 1m Marsh Harrier, 4 Avocets, 2m+1f Goosanders, 1 Greenshank, 1 Whooper Swan and surprisingly

just 1 Little Egret. One of the numerous Oystercatchers here appeared to be already brooding.

Main Reserve :

4 Great White Egrets, 2f+1m Marsh Harriers (Male seen displaying), 1 Whooper Swan, 12 Snipe, 1f Goldeneye,

1 Buzzard, 4 Little Egrets (One seen eating a chunky Tench around 10 inches long), 3 Marsh Tits, 1 Great Black Backed Gull,

1 Kingfisher and 1 Nuthatch (They are apparently quite irregular here).

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

Another exciting day at my favourite reserve....

It's that time of year again! When the bearded tits (or my preferred name of Reedlings) are out in force!

From 8am till 4:30pm and 64 species seen. Highlights include......

Large flocks of Fieldfares and Redwings passing through - totalling at least over 1000.
Only 4 Bearded tits visited the grit table over 2 Hours this morning, apparently it varies daily asto how many come and exactly what time in the morning. Yesterday I was told they had a larger flock. Dispite this, those 4 showed really well.
Cettis warbler very, very close and a brief full view.
Skylark
Meadow pipit
Goosander
Snipe
Marsh harrier
Lesser Redpoll
Pintail
Nuthatch
Goldcrest

After lunch I fell in love..... with their rich Lemon Cake with custard, yum!
Saltmarsh produced (at low tide)

Redshank
Black tailed godwits
Curlew
Lapwings
Dunlin (with one with a very short beak, possibly from Scandinavia according to my bird book. - Is 100% Dunlin)
4 late Swallows passing through south was a surprise and the latest record I've ever seen.
Raven
A passing flock of about 5 Rooks
23 Whooper swans dropped in whilst I was there.
21+ Little egrets
1 Great white egret
3 Shelducks
Kingfisher
2 Buzzards

And later I enjoyed the company of...

Marsh tit
Coal tit
Treecreeper close

Dispite the very high water levels (some paths are 4 inches under water) and the Lower hide out-of-order, things have worked out very well and had more than the usual "noteworthy" experiences.

Ta!

-- Edited by Richard Thew on Monday 21st of October 2019 11:08:04 PM

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

A fantastic and brilliant trip with many surprises.

With 64 species seen and an extra 5 heard but were too shy to show themselves.
8am - 4:30pm

The morning started well at the saltmarsh with these highlights....

Stock dove in flight
Avocet - 1 juvenile
Greenshank- 19
Knot - 1
Dunlin - 3
Ruff - 1 juvenile
Snipes
Wigeon - 3
Shoveler - 1 drake in eclipse
Osprey
Linnets
Swift - 9

The best bit was along one of the paths and I got talking to a guy about cettis warbler when one showed incredibly well .... in full view ..... and on the ground!!! What are the chances of that!

After my traditional lunch and ..... cake and custard... I walked around the rest of the reserve which produced....

Marsh tits showed really well today
As did a nuthatch - which a 1st time I've seen these actually on the ground!
Buzzard - 2
Little grebe - 9
Treecreeper
Reed warbler - 2
Redshank - 250+ and totally pasted the island from the causeway hide despite having a few cormorants on it. Difficult to pin a number as I can't see the depth of it.

The best bit was..... wait for it......

A bittern which I spotted fairly close and in the open. Some in the hide expressed great surprise so obviously a buzz of excitement began!

Everything ran like clockwork today and I can only say if you log onto my flickr page later tonight, you can get a sence of the excitement and thrills on how I felt today!

Ta! biggrin

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

From my previous post in July, one of the knots that I photographed had a green ring and an orange/red tag on it with the letters CAE on it. I've been in touch with those who work at Leighton Moss and finally got the results on Wednesday and the details are as follows:

Red knot,

Ringed on 30.03.2018 2018 at Altcar Merseyside England (ring SR76606) the tag was CAE

Was sighted in a few areas since at,

SR76606 CAE Sighted 06.08.2018 2018 Crosby Merseyside England
SR76606 CAE Sighted 25.11.2018 2018 Thurstaston Merseyside England Dee
SR76606 CAE Photo 22.07.2019 2019 Leighton Moss Lancashire England Morecambe Bay

So in general, he's been visiting the same general area since he was ringed but just a little further north.

Ta!

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

Further investigation by playing with the contrast and colours, the red tab looks more like it reads "CAL"

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

A very excellent and successful trip.

Even though the very strong wind kept most of the birds hidden in the shrubs, I still clocked up 56 species.

Highlights include:

The only warbler species I could find was 2 cettis warbler, which gave an alarm call before flying very close across the path!!

The Saltmarsh was a big hit! 2 visits, one at 10am and another at 3pm.
Plenty of waders with;

Avocet,
Dunlin, (very close at 3pm)
Redshank, (very close to the hide)
Greenshank,
Lapwing,
Oystercatcher,
Snipe,
Black tailed godwit,
4× spoonbills which only showed for an hour or so.

And on a 2nd visit at 3pm I had

Knots very close and some in summer plumage (the summer ones were a little further out though)
Spectacular show of a peregrine
Swift photo opportunity in the wind, and successfully done too!!!!
I spent the remaining hour taking behaviour style pictures, something I still don't do enough of.

The main reserve (12:30 - 3pm) Also had its moments.

Osprey paid a visit
10x Little egrets together
Bearded tit very briefly
Little grebe juveniles
Plenty of reed buntings
Date Shortbread and custard was a dream too!!!

My 5:30 train was cancelled due to overhead line issues. I made use of the extra time to visit one more hide and added to my list:

Long tailed tit
Treecreeper
House sparrow

With some quick thinking, and train checking on the app, I made it back into Bolton only loosing 20-25 minutes!! Not bad at all!!! (I got lucky)- hence the reason for this late posting!

I've decided to attach 2 knot pictures, one shows the not-often seen summer plumage and the other is maybe someone might be able to shed some light on the colour tabs on this one's leg (worth a try). Unfortunately it isn't in focus but hopefully might be sharp enough! The letters on the red tag appear to read "CAE"

Ta!

Doc Brewster · Status: Online

After mainly doing insects on my local patch I fancied a day out so popped up to Leighton Moss today, and to the Morecambe Pools in particular. From the Allen Hide the Pectoral Sandpiper that turned up on Sunday was still showing really well, pretty close in. Also on the pools were a Greenshank and a Little Ringed Plover as well as inumerable Black-tailed Godwits and Redshank. Next I headed to Eric Morecambe Hide where 3 Spoonbills were showing well too, albeit in the middle distance and asleep most of the time as is their wont! After lunch I headed up Arnside Knott (I'd forgotten how hard a climb it was up the slippy gravel tracks in scorching sun!). But the interest was more insect than ornithological.

Gordon Cottle · Status: Offline

Today at the Lower Hide. A bittern in flight. I presume it was a female bittern on a feeding flight. My assumption is based on other recent sightings of bitterns at Leighton Moss. A great reward for all the recent work carried out on the reed bed.

-- Edited by Gordon Cottle on Friday 24th of May 2019 06:49:21 PM

Paul Beachcroft · Status: Offline

Spent today, between 10.00 and 16.00, dry bright, warm and sunny, here and also at nearby Warton Crag. Leyton Moss: coal tit, house sparrow, tree sparrow, blue tit, great tit, pheasant, crow, collared dove, cettis warbler, sedge warbler, garganey, mute swan, bullfinch, song thrush, pochard, coot, canada goose, robin, blackbird, sedge warbler, reed warbler, great crested grebe, little grebe, chiffchaff, chaffinch, mallard, magpie, nuthatch, swallow, swift, wren, marsh harrier, greylag goose, gadwall, teal, great black backed gull, cormorant, black headed gull, buzzard, little egret, bearded tit, blackcap, avocet, oystercatcher, shelduck, shoveler, wood pigeon, black tailed godwit, ruff, willow warbler.

-- Edited by Paul Beachcroft on Sunday 5th of May 2019 06:11:18 PM

-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 5th of May 2019 07:33:42 PM

-- Edited by Paul Beachcroft on Sunday 5th of May 2019 07:58:18 PM

John Williams · Status: Offline

10.30-16.30

Eric Morecombe Complex :

19 Knot alongside large numbers of Redshank and Black Tailed Godwits. Also 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Buzzard and 8 Little Egrets.

A Sedge Warbler was singing from a bramble/sallow thicket alongside the railway, but the bird stayed hidden.

A warden at the main reserve advised me that the drake American Wigeon had been seen in the morning with other Wigeon on a pool

along the South side of the EMC, directly opposite the hide. He also advised that due to the distance from the hide and the fact that the duck

was only visible at certain points on the pool due to the height of the banking, that patience was needed.

So I returned to the EMC on the way home at 15.30 and focused on the spot where the American bird had been seen, as did several other birders,

but to no avail.

Leighton Moss Main Reserve :

A drake Garganey was visible from the Public Hide, as were 16 male Pochards, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Great Black Backed Gulls.

A family of Greylag Geese with 4 half grown youngsters and a mother Mallard with a brood of 12 small ducklings were seen to panic as a large dog Otter

swam towards them. 4 more Greylag families were seen in front of the Tom Jackson hide, with 12 half grown goslings in total.

1m +1f Marsh Harriers patrolled the reserve and a single Treecreeper was seen near the tower.