After an unpromising drizzly start to a bird outing at Leighton Moss the weather improved throughout the day and six of us enjoyed a visit to this popular RSPB reserve. On advice from one of the attendants we went first to the hides which overlook the salt water of Morecambe Bay where we were treated to views of the winter-visiting ducks in their splendid new plumage, and several species of waders – camouflaged Snipe providing the most excitement.
Snipe
An obliging Goldcrest in one of the car parks, a Cormorant doing battle with an eel, sightings of Marsh Harriers, and watching the many beautiful Pintail ducks as they swam about and dabbled for food, were perhaps the highlights of the trip. We saw 36 species of birds in all.
Cormorant with Eel
Marsh Harrier (Female)
Marsh Harrier (Male)
Report: Clare Dunn, Photos: Ian Hughes
