Trip reports

Group Trip to Leighton Moss

Monday, 18 May 2009

25 members of the group made the coach trip to Leighton Moss where in spite of some showers and a stiff breeze we were able to see a good selection of species. The morning and early afternoon was spent around the reserve centre. Sedge warblers kept up a fairly continuous chatter and put in an appearance from time to time. The feeding station provided some good views of one of Leighton specialities the marsh tit, as well as bullfinch and several other species. Although swifts were numerous, swallows and martins were relatively few in number. Most people had good views of gadwall, pochard and shoveller. A few lucky members managed to see bearded tits and a bittern. From the Grisedale hide a rather distant flock of black tailed godwits was visible and a male marsh harrier could be seen quartering the reed beds from time to time.
The second half of the afternoon was spent at the Morecambe and Allen hides where good views were obtained of two little gulls, a Mediterranean gull and a flock of avocets and several other species. During the walk back to the coach a lesser white throat was seen. Brian Bottomley's "official" list included 56 species of which we could be sure.