Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve - 18th May 2024

 

Robin (D Axford)

Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve

 18^th May 2024

 

Weather:  Sunny & hot.

Members and friends:      29                  Driver: Glenn

Twenty-nine members and friends left Stockport on the coach and travelled up to north Lancashire aiming for the Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve. A provisions stop at Lancaster Services allowed us to tick off Collared Dove, Rook and Pied Wagtail. The first drop off point was outside the RSPB’s outer hides. In the fields adjacent to the track down to the outer hides a large flock of Greylag geese were resting. A Little Grebe and a handful of Pochard were in the pools by the track. Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler were both heard calling from the reedbeds here, with good views had of one particularly showy Sedge Warbler. A Cetti’s Warbler gave its distinctive call.

Reed Warbler (A Barrett)

In the small copse behind the outer hides carpark both Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler sang. From the saltmarsh beyond Skylark could be heard singing. A Little Egret flew over the party as we made our way down to the Allen and Eric Morecambe hides. Blackcap and Wren were in full song as we got to the hides. A Whitethroat sang from a tangle of bramble on the adjacent railway embankment.

Osprey (S Fuentes)

From the Allen hide we watched the colony of Black-headed gull, noisily arguing over nesting sites. In amongst them Avocet, another feisty species, also bickered with any other bird that came near. Oystercatcher, Pochard and half a dozen Little Egret were also present.

Nuthatch (J Wharton)

From the Eric Morecambe hide a flock of Black-tailed Godwits were shadowed by a further flock of Bar-tailed Godwit. In amongst them a handful of Knot were standing in the shallow pool. A few Shoveler were on the water and out on the saltmarsh the occasional Curlew. A couple of Great Black-backed Gull were hanging around keeping an eye on events.

Greylag (D Axford)

As we retreated from the out hides, we could hear Bittern booming from the close-by reedbeds. A handful of the party took the walk over to Jenny Brown’s point. A pair of Stock Dove flew over and we were joined by a small party of Sand Martin. Canada Geese were added to our day’s list. At Jenny Brown’s point scoping over the mudflats, we found a large flock of Oystercatcher with a handful of Bar-tailed Godwit and a few Knot. Cormorant, Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gull were also recorded.

Pied Flycatcher (A Barrett)

The highlight was a pair of Eider out in the estuary, with plenty of Shelduck and, most surprisingly, an adult Whooper Swan. We could only speculate whether it was injured, but it looked in good condition. The woodland behind us held Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. A pair of Bullfinch, Buzzard and Swift were also added to our list on the walk. We watched a pair of Nuthatch going in and out of a nest site, obviously feeding young hidden within. Marsh and Coal Tit were in the area and a Jay was also seen.

Mute Swan (S Fuentes)

Walking back to the main reserve we called in at the feeding station, this was very quiet with only the occasional visit from Chaffinch, Blue and Great Tit and a Nuthatch and a pair of Mallard. A walk down to the Causeway Hide produced good views of an immature Little Gull. Tufted Duck, Coot and Mute Swan were added to our list. Simon G. had brief views of Bearded Tit and most of the party heard the Bittern booming here. Reed Buntings were seen around this area.

Lapwing (J Wharton)

Down at Lower Hide we were thrilled to find a pair of Pied Flycatchers had taken up residence in a nest box, sited a short distance from the path. We watched as both the male and female bird made trips to the box and the male bird was heard singing in the canopy. Marsh Tit were seen on the track down to the Lower Hide and from the hide, the highlight for many, was a hunting Osprey. The bird was seen taking a fish and feeding in a dead tree.

Chaffinch (D Axford)

From the Tower Hide on the reserve we watched three or four separate Bittern flying around the reserve. We also heard Bearded Tit from this location. A pair of Great Black-backed Gull were nesting on the osprey platform. House Martin and Swallow flew over. A male and female Marsh Harrier were seen, with Paul D. witnessing a food pass. Other members of the group recorded calling Tawny Owl, a Redstart, Treecreeper and Greenfinch to add to the day’s list. As well as a handful of the commoner species this took our day’s total to 83 species. 

Lapwing (A Barrett)

   Birds seen;

Bullfinch (S Fuentes)

Cetti's Warbler (J Wharton)