It’s been a rather damp and windy start to the new year at Leighton Moss, but we’ve still had plenty of action out on the reserve. I have literally just seen the otter family in the pool in front of Lillian’s Hide, and they have been seen regularly on the reserve over the last week in their favourite spots at Public, Lower and Lillian’s Hides. Yesterday we had sightings of a green winged teal from Griesdale hide, and 3 snow geese seen at Lower Hide, plus the glossy ibis is still here, in the fields near the level crossing.
Earlier in the week there was a female smew at Lillian’s Hide, a spotted redshank at Griesdale, the bitterns have been seen regularly too, from Lower, Public, Lillian’s and Griesdale Hides. Our other regulars include the great white egret and little egrets, usually at Griesdale, as well as the marsh harriers, seen all over the reserve, usually flying low over the reeds. The starlings are still roosting at Leighton Moss, not in the numbers we saw last year, but on a clear, calm day they still put on a good display, usually around 3.30 to 4pm.
We are getting geared up for this years Big Garden Bird Watch on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January, and we’d love it if you joined in. For more information about the Big Garden Bird Watch, and to register to get your pack go to www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch. If you need a bit of a brush up on your garden birds then we have the perfect thing for you, our Garden Bird Talk and Meal on Tuesday 24 January, 7-9.30pm, as well as a delicious meal, the evening will include a talk about birds which may visit your garden and advice on how to help them. The cost is £14 for members, £16 for non-members, please call us on 01524 701601 to book your place and pay.