This field trip
was supposed to be the eagerly awaited visit to mid-Wales; Cors Caron and Bwlch
Nant Yr Arian, but Storm Gareth had hit the UK in the preceding week and the
weather forecast for this area on the day was appalling. The risk of taking a
large coach on a long journey through mid-Wales in atrocious weather conditions
had to be considered. Therefore, after a quick show of hands from society
members and friends the decision was taken to divert this month’s trip to
Leighton Moss. Whilst the weather forecast for this area was still bad at least
the journey was relatively short and there were hides for us all to take shelter
in.
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| Lapwing (John Wharton) |
After a quick
provision stop at services on the M6 we planned to drive to the outer hides as
the usual first drop off point. Road closures in Carnforth scuppered this plan
and involved us retracing our journey and we had to make our way directly to
the visitors centre.
Arriving at the
RSPB’s visitor centre a couple of us chose to walk to the outer hides. An
unpleasant journey with horizontal stinging rain and splashing through roadside
puddles got us to Allen Hide. The wind was strong and blowing directly towards
the hide. With the windows open, even sitting on the bench against the back
wall of the hide didn’t stop us from getting a soaking. Outside a small group
of very wet Avocets crouched, huddled on a muddy island. A couple of
Black-headed Gull and a few Teal braced themselves against the wind and the
rain. Clustered against the far bank a group of Shoveler and Wigeon with a
couple of Redshank were immobile.
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| Pochard (John Wharton) |
Farther out on the
saltmarsh we could just about make out a large group of Pink-footed Geese, with
the odd Shelduck amongst them. The walk back to the main reserve added
Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Lapwing and Curlew to our day list, all standing
around in a flooded field. Greylag and Canada Geese sat out the rain close by.
On the main reserve
many members sat out the weather under the wooden structure at the woodland
feeding station. Activity was plentiful with all the common tit species plus
the local speciality, the Marsh Tit. Excellent close views were had. The finch
family was well represented with Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Bullfinch
present. Fleeting glimpses of Siskin were had and views of a single Lesser
Redpoll. Nuthatch, Dunnock and Robin made up the numbers.
Grisedale and Tim
Jackson’s hides were quiet with a few commoner duck species observed. Lilian’s
Hide was similar although all three hides gave occasional good views of passing
Marsh Harrier.
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| Robin (John Wharton) |
The most popular
hide of the day was the Causeway Hide as it had its back to the wind and gave
good respite from the driving rain. Good views of Little and Great-crested
Grebe were had directly in front of the hide. On the edge of the adjacent
reedbed a Water Rail occasionally appeared and worked its way along the reed
stubble amongst the resting Teal and the odd Snipe.
Out on the water
Tufted Duck and Pochard swam and a small party of Gadwall dropped in. A pair of
Great Black-backed Gulls sat with a couple of Cormorant on a little island.
There were a few pairs of Greylag Geese and the odd Coot dotted around the
lake. A Reed Bunting was close by and the occasional Marsh Harrier drifted into
view.
Those that braved
the adventurous walk to the Lower Hide, much of the path was ankle deep in
water, were rewarded with excellent views of a Cetti’s Warbler and prolonged
views of a pair of Water Rail in front of the hide. A pair of Goldeneye flew
past and Marsh Harrier hunted the reedbeds.
As the coach
pulled out of the reserve car park two Little Egret waded around the adjacent
flooded golf course. A very wet but enjoyable visit.
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| Chaffinch (John Wharton) |
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