Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve 18th November 2023

Marsh Harrier ( M Walsh)

Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve

18th November 2023

Weather: Mild, wet

Members and friends: 32 Driver: Kieran

Thirty-two members and friends left Stockport on a stand-in coach and travelled up to north Lancashire aiming for the Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve. Due to the additional height of the stand-in coach our usual route had to be abandoned and we circumnavigated Warton Crag on the east side, rather than the usual route to the west. The first drop off point was outside the RSPB’s visitor centre, with a further drop off at the usual lay-by adjacent to Slackwood Farm (which had a couple of Pied Wagtails playing on the roof). Those taking this option then walked on to the outer hides.

Bearded Reedling (S Fuentes)

In the fields close to the outer hides a large flock of Greylag geese were resting, with one Pink-footed Goose amongst them. A handful of Curlew flew overhead and a single Redshank explored the flooded area of field. There were plenty of Pheasant around (releases from the local shoot) and we added Little Egret and Lapwing to our day’s list. On the walk down to the Allen hide we heard Cetti’s Warbler and ticked off Great and Blue Tit. A single Redwing and a Blackbird were in the adjacent vegetation.

Great White Egret (D Axford)

On the pool outside of Allen hide small numbers of duck were on the water. Teal, Wigeon, Shelduck, Mallard and Shoveler were all recorded. A flock of Redshank huddled on a small island and we could identify Little Egret out on the salt marsh. Scoping around we picked up a distant Marsh Harrier and a flock of a dozen Pintail flew through. From the Eric Morecambe hide we added Gadwall, Goldeneye and Goosander to the duck list and a single Greenshank was associating with more Redshank. A fly-by Marsh Harrier put all the birds up outside the hide whilst a Grey Heron just sat and watched the commotion.

Marsh Harrier (A Barrett)

Walking back to the main reserve we ticked off some of the commoner species, with Carrion Crow, Goldcrest and Woodpigeon added. Pat B picked out a Great Spotted Woodpecker in an adjacent treeline. Arriving at the RSPB reception buildings we explored the Garden Trail and the feeders. Here we found Dunnock, Robin, Chaffinch, Goldfinch as well as the commoner tit species. After a short wait the star bird put in an appearance, Marsh Tit, with a handful of birds coming down to quickly grab a sunflower seed from the bird table. A Kestrel was perched on an adjacent dead tree and birds scattered when a male Sparrowhawk flew into the feeding area.

Snipe (J Wharton)

Walking on to the Tim Jackson hide some of us were fortunate to get good views of Cetti’s Warbler and we also had a pair of Treecreeper working their way through the willow scrub. Water Rail were heard call close to the path. From the hide we added Coot, Snipe and Little Grebe to our list.

Cinnamon teal x Shoveler hybrid (A Mossman)

Moving on to the Grisdale hide a family of Mute Swan could be seen with Cormorant perched up on the osprey platform. A Great White Egret flew in and settled in front of the hide. A climb up the Sky Tower gave panoramic views over the moss and we added a further species to list, Pochard. A second Great White Egret was spotted and further Marsh Harrier were observed.

Greenshank, Redshank, Teal, Wigeon (M Walsh)

A walk down the causeway was accompanied by the calls of Fieldfare as a number of separate flocks flew overhead. A few lucky members of the society added Bearded Tits to their lists with up to three birds visiting the grit trays. Cetti’s Warbler called from a number of locations and a small party of Long-tailed Tit moved through the reeds. From the Causeway hide a few Cormorant were perched on posts, drying their wings in their distinctive pose. Gadwall, Mallard and Tufted Duck joined a flock of Coot. A handful of Snipe passed overhead and a single Buzzard drifted by. More Marsh Harrier sightings were had including a very smart adult male bird.

Bearded Reedling (S Fuentes)

Walking down to Lower Hide we were entertained by a couple of Nuthatch feeding on seed left on gate posts. Goldcrest, more Marsh Tit and a single female Blackcap were seen in the trees and shrubs adjacent to the flooded path. Redwing and more Pheasants were also found in this area.

Chaffinch (D Axford)

With the light fading we made our way back to the coach and set off for the return journey to Stockport (which we made in record time, as our stand-in coach driver was obviously keen to make it home in time for Strictly Come Dancing!). A total of 73 species had been seen on the day’s trip.