If the Royal Wedding isn't your thing then why not take the opportunity to come to Leighton Moss tomorrow and look skywards instead of being glued to the box. We're open as usual and it's a fantastic time of year!
Marsh harriers at Leighton Moss (copyright Ben Hall rspb-images.com)
Why not treat the birds and yourelf with Half Price Suet Cakes (for the birds) normally £3.49 now £1.74 until the 17th of May. A treat for yourself try some our new range of RSPB fudge it comes in 3 flavours Clotted Cream, Vanilla and Chocolate and in 2 sizes 150g or if your feeling especially indulgant 300g!
Many people believe that listening to bird song is good for you. It's said to be a simple tonic that can help relieve stress and make you feel happier as you feel closer to nature. This week there is a fantastic opportunity to try out this theory at Leighton Moss, as we are holding a Dawn Chorus event on Sunday 1 May.
It starts in the early hours at 4 am, to listen for the very first birds starting to sing (usually robins or blackbirds) just before dawn. It then builds up to a bird song crescendo on a meander through the beautiful valley on the woodland and reedbed nature trails.
Back at the visitor centre, a further treat is in store, with an extremely tasty full English breakfast in the café from 7 to 7.30 am. The cost is £12 (or £10 for RSPB members).
I particularly love this event as you get to hear the reedbed coming to life with the most amazing variety of birds singing. Seeing the sun come up over the hills and the mist clearing away from the pools is heart-warming too. People all around the world will be celebrating International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday so why not join in too?
For those who prefer to get up a little later, we are holding a ‘Birding for beginners: birdsong’ guided walk on Sunday 28 May and Sunday 29 May from 7.30 am to 10 am. Costs for this event are £8 (RSPB members £6), which includes a bacon or veggie bap and a tea or coffee at the end.
If you want to learn to start to recognise which birds are singing then there is also a wide range of ‘Bird Song’ learning materials in the shop-from CD’s, DVD’s and CD Roms to top of the range PDA software.
Of course we can’t guarantee you’ll suddenly feel happier after listening to bird song! But when you include a relaxing walk in the fresh air and stunning surroundings, meeting other friendly people and tucking into an appetising cooked breakfast, I’m sure it will lift your spirits and you’ll have a very memorable experience.
Due to popular demand booking is essential for all these events by telephoning the visitor centre on 01524 701601.
Male reedbunting (copyright Mike Richards rspb-images.com)
At the end of week two our blue tits look very cosy in our nestbox. They have been building their nest with lots of conifer leaves, feathers and wool. We have given them a little helping hand by hanging wool near the box which they have been using to our delight!
Blue tit fact: The males are very romantic and feed the females during their courtship. Not exactly grapes though..more like insects!
For a video of the blue tit this week have a look on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssSxofU-UGI
of pop into the shop and have a look at it live.
Pop along to the reserve shop this Easter to try and buy our new range of fantastic fudge. Launched this weekend, our new fudge range is available in 150g bags and 300g boxes, and includes vanilla, chocolate and clotted cream varieties. What's more, it is guilt free as it is Fair Trade, doesn't contain any palm oil, and 100% of its profits go to helping conserve nature. Go on - step up for nature and treat yourself this Easter weekend!