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
__________________
Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
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
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?
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!
__________________
Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
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!
__________________
Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
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 1st 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
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
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
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/
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
Sabine`s Gull at Jenny Brown`s Point, Lancashire. 10/7/22
News of a Sabine`s Gull at Leighton Moss on Wednesday 6th 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.
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.
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.
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
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!
__________________
Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
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! Ta!
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Friday 8th of April 2022 10:12:55 PM
__________________
Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
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.
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.
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!
__________________
Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
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.
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...
__________________
Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
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.
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!
__________________
Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
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
__________________
Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
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!
__________________
Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
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!
__________________
Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
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"
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.
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
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.
The March trip of the Stockport Birdwatching Society was a keenly-anticipated visit to Mid Wales. However the terrible weather forecast suggested that driving a coach around some narrow country lanes in a howling gale might not be entirely sensible. A change of plan saw us divert to Leighton Moss to try and make the best of things.
This early in the year it was interesting to see plenty of the reedbed with the reeds much lower and various cleared areas due to some habitat management. It looks very much like viewing opportunities for Bearded Tit are being targeted, which makes sense. The water levels were extremely high and it was tough going at times, but the hides did a great job of keeping the wind and rain at bay and I still managed 49 species. It was a day for savouring what you could and I actually enjoyed being in the Causeway Hide for an hour or so when normally I am too impatient to sit still. We had some great views of Marsh Harriers interacting in the air and very close Little Grebe and Pochard going about their business. Highlight though was a close Water Rail that showed very well.
Back around the feeders behind the visitor centre the constant activity was great to watch with very close Marsh Tits and a typically quixotic Cetti's Warbler. It was tricky to see in the wet but I got one cracking view. There were another couple singing elsewhere on the reserve. One thing that I chuckled about was failing to see a single Heron species on the reserve, never mind a Bittern. I saw a couple of Little Egrets on the golf course as we left but who goes to Leighton Moss and doesn't see a Grey Heron? Crazy.
A few plucky individuals checked the saltmarsh and recorded expected waders like Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit but it was not really wading habitat on the main reserve. Hopefully the weather and conditions will be a bit kinder for the next trip in April, which is set for North Cave and Blacktoft Sands. Anyone interested in getting involved on the trips should look at the website here: http://stockportbirders.blogspot.com/
1 x Male Bittern heard booming at 11:30 hrs near Skytower 9 x different sightings of Marsh Harrier (at least 4 different birds) 3 x Marsh Tit 10 x Pintail 1 Great White Egret 3 x Little Egret 1 x Redpoll 1 x Greenshank 5 x Black-Tailed Godwit 75 x Shelduck 60 x Wigeon 20 x Pochard 35 x Teal 8 x Gadwall 25 x Shoveler 15 x Curlew 1 x Snipe 1 x Goldeneye 1 x Grey Heron 3 x Dunnock 1 x Reed Bunting 1 x Nuthatch 10 x Robin 7 x Blue Tit 6 x Great Tit 3 x Chaffinch 4 x Blackbird 2 x Goldfinch 20 x Lapwing 50 x Greylag Geese 15 x Canada Geese 3 x Buzzard 1 x Kestrel 2 x Oystercatcher 20 x Tufted Duck 2 x Great Crested Grebe 30 x Coot 7 x Moorhen 4 x Magpie 3 x Woodpigeon 40 x Jackdaw 10 x Crow 30 x Mallard 5 x Cormorant 4 x Pheasant 8 x Mute Swan 2 x Great Black Backed Gull 1 x Black-Headed Gull (only one seen incredibly!)
-- Edited by Steve Judge on Monday 4th of March 2019 10:18:02 PM
8:30 - 5pm A great day With 62 species seen and 4 others heard. Highlights include:
Great white egret (from the train at the Saltmarsh) Little egret Bittern (i spotted this in flight and its been over 10 years since my last Bittern at Leighton moss!) Goldeneye Pintail Pochard Red breasted merganser Shelduck Pink footed geese Cettis warbler Goldcrest Song thrush Bearded tits (2 seen by chance) Little grebe close coots - 6 pairs of which were locked in battle (Two pictures now on flickr) Snipe Black tailed godwit Avocet Curlew Dunlin Oystercatcher Marsh harrier Great black backed gull Marsh tit (showed well) Great tit on the hand (honest!- wasnt a robin) Rook Fruitcake with custard Treecreeper Reed bunting
High tide was impressive to see all the marsh behind the banking flood and this has raised the water levels on the Saltmarsh itself.
(No sign of some regulars too such as bullfinch and grey heron).
Heard one were - water rail, skylark, green woodpecker and a raven.
Ta!!
Picture is cettis - record shot.
-- Edited by Richard Thew on Friday 22nd of February 2019 11:01:28 PM
Just back from a walking, bird watching weekend, with three visits to the reserve on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th February. Weather on all three days mild and dry. Friday there from 13.00 to dusk, Saturday there at dusk after a walk taking in the south shore of Wast water and Sunday there from 09.30 to dusk. Stunning murmurations on all three evenings, viewed from three separate locations. Birds seen as follows: blackbird, black headed gull, blue, great and marsh tit, black tailed godwit, buzzard, canada geese, chiffchaff, chaffinch, comorant, coot, crow, dunnock, little egret, great crested grebe, grey heron, lapwing, magpie, mallard, marsh harriers, robin, moorhen, mute and whooper swan, nuthatch, pheasant, pintail, pochard, shelduck, snipe, teal, starling, tree creeper, water rail, widgeon.......plus otters....... the marsh harriers and the murmurations were incredible....
On my last full free day, I decided to goto Leighton moss
8:30-3:30 with 62 species found. Overcast and dull but calm. Highlights include....
Curlew x2 - one of which showed well on the Saltmarsh Greenshank x3 possible 4 Knot x1 Dunlin x1 Oystercatcher x2 Snipe x12+ Great black backed gull x1 Peregrine 1st winter Goosander x2 male, 3x female Goldeneye x3 female Pintail x50+ Cettis warbler x1 seen breifly twice calling (not song burst) - one going to the hide and another when returning. Wren showed well close Treecreeper x2 Nuthatch close x1 Siskin about 20 Sparrowhawk x1 female Also a great white egret at a distance
Lemon cake this time with custard for my traditional desert.
Ta! !
__________________
Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
A couple more hours spent this morning in the causeway hide at Leighton Moss. Marsh Harrier and Kestrel both chilling in separate trees, a Cormorant unsuccessfully tackling a large fish for a good few minutes, Mute Swans, Grey Heron, Moor Hen, Coot, Teal, Lapwing, Robins, Chaffinch, Bullfinch..... oh and an Otter fishing......
A four hour walk from Silverdale, Leighton Moss, Deepdale and Cringlebarrow woods, Yealand Storrs, Yealand Hall Allotments, Hawes Water, Gait Barrows Nature Reserve and Eaves Wod. Excellent views of my very first Bittern from the Causeway Hide, 2 x Snipe, Comorants, Blue and Great Tit, Robins (a plenty), Marsh Harriers, Grey Heron, Dunnock, Bullfinch, Chaffinch. Weather cold and frosty at first but dry and sunny.
Having dipped the Dusky Warbler on both reserves at Ainsdale we headed up here for the rest of the day.
Some of the group managed to find the American Wigeon from the Warton Crags viewpoint but even on a second attempt just after sunset the light wasn't good.
The Great Grey Shrike gave good but usually brief views at various distances east from the path north past Lower Hide, and there were sightings of 4 Heron species from the hide itself (Bittern, Grey heron, Great and Little Egrets). A good selection of other waterfowl, Cetti's Warbler heard and Marsh tit seen, with a Lenticular (?) cloud providing some additional interest