Trip reports

LEIGHTON MOSS AND SILVERDALE

Saturday, 9 May 2009

Initiallly the programme promised a trip to Haweswater the home of England's lone Golden Eagle, but a bad weather forecast led to a late change of venue to the popular Silverdale area which includes the RSPB's Leighton Moss reserve - a decision which proved to be wise following subsequent events. Nine hardy souls turned out in cold and extremely windy conditions but the rewards were worth it. After assembling at the car park adjoining the Allen and Morecambe Pools, the short walk to the hides was made. En route were singing Sedge and Willow Warblers, along with a Whitethroat and two Lesser Whitethroats. The latter are always difficult to spot, more so in the difficult conditions and the only view was a brief one as it moved between bushes. At the lagoons the strong winds saw most of the birds sheltering as best they could with the highlights being many Avocets, a delightful flock of summer plumaged Black-tailed Godwits and a possible Whimbrel.

Following a visit to the reserve centre for the services offered there and to be issued with the regulatory arm band, it was decided to go to Jenny Brown's Point to watch the comings and goings over the high tide. We all snuggled down to avoid the worst of the wind which was blowing strongly from the sea and were rewarded with the sightings of at least three Arctic Skuas blown in, two of which (a light phased and a dark phased) passed close by giving great views. Also seen were up to nine Eiders, three again coming close by, a Common Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe and a Red Breasted Merganser, along with the commoner waders and gulls.

The afternoon was spent at the reserve, although we were forced to shelter in the public hide for over half an hour, along with many more visitors, due to a torrential downpour. Entertainment there was provided by a rogue Coot stealing eggs from Black-headed Gulls by aggressively ousting them from their nests, with little resistance it has to be said from the distressed gulls. Needless to say, that Coot did not hand out the same treatment to the nesting Great Black-backed Gulls.

Elsewhere the Marsh Harriers showed well for most of the time with a food pass being seen on one occasion. The improving light enabled the contrasting plumages of the males and females to be studied in detail. There were said to be five females and two males on the reserve at the time. Whilst heard, Reed Warblers and Bearded Tits proved elusive amongst the reeds. Not so a drake Garganey clearly seen from the Griesdale Hide before it decided to roost amongst a large flock of Black-tailed Godwits. Other ducks noted included Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Gadwall, Wigeon (at the Allen Pools), Tufted and Shelduck, along with a Little Egret and Great Crested Grebes and a range of commoner species. At least ten Red Deer browsed in the reed bed.

The weather now provided late afternoon sunshine and the wind dropped, making the last port of call, Warton Crag, a most pleasant experience. There the nesting Peregrines were much in evidence, one flying overhead with the bloody remains of what looked like a pigeon of some description. Calling, flying and exchanging food and incubating roles, these birds gave memorable views. Ravens were also present; while a Chifchaff sang and Jackdaws swooped and glided around the quarry providing a suitable background. Members then travelled home in a relaxed frame of mind following an enjoyable day.

By Tom Morton
Photo: Library picture, Reedbed at Leighton Moss