On the 26th June 2025 fourteen members arrived at Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve in Silverdale. After heavy rain on our journeys it cleared to give a cloudy but windy day.
Leighton Moss briefing Photo K Goodings
We headed out along the footpath to visit the Grisedale and Jackson Hides, along the way hearing and seeing a Song Thrush, Wren a friendly Robin and Goldfinches. We heard a Reed Warbler, with its scratchy song, remaining hidden in the reedbeds. From the Grisedale hide was a Lesser Blackbacked Gull with two chicks, nesting on the platform built for an Osprey, a Coot feeding its young and a Reed Bunting perched boldly on top of a reed. A Buzzard and Marsh Harrier were seen in the distance. The Jackson Hide had Swifts, Sand Martins and Swallows giving an arial display.
Juvenile Robin Photo K Goodings
On to the Lillian Hide, hearing a Chiffchaff and Blackbird calling on route. Greylag Geese with goslings were on the water and amongst the reeds.
A Cetti’s Warbler and Sedge Warbler were heard on our way to the Causeway Hide where great excitement began with a male Osprey diving unsuccessfully for fish and a Bittern flying low over reeds, Three Cormorants were drying their wings and a female Great Crested Grebe with two young on their mother’s back being fed by mum which had been just given her by the male close by. The chicks looked like humbugs! A male Marsh Harrier flew low over the reeds. The Bittern boomed on out way back to the feeding station near the centre.
It was then on our way by car, to the Allan sea hide where a male Ruff was feeding along with Redshanks. The Ruff just beginning it’s eclipse phase. After observing a Blackheaded Gull colony two Mediterranean Gulls were spotted with their scarlet bills and legs. A large flock of Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatchers, a Dunlin and suddenly a Marsh Harrier flying over putting all birds to flight making us start identifying all over again!
Black Headed Gulls Photo K Goodings
It was a day full of action, 47 species were seen or heard in all.
Pam Rutherford
