A group of 6 members met at Leighton Moss and the weather was perfect for a springtime day out birdwatching, with blue skies and sunshine, although quite a stiff breeze from the sea.
Allen Hide Leighton Moss. Photo K Goodings
High tide would be at 11.30am, so we arrived firstly at the Allen Hide a little before high tide, viewing an abundant number of waders and gulls crowded onto the islands and the grassy edges of the water, waiting for the tide to begin its retreat.
Morecambe Hide pool. Photo K Goodings
Our walk along the path towards the Allen Hide bordered by shrubs and trees rewarded us with the song of a Wren, heard clearly but not seen. Also, good sightings of Robin and Cetti’s Warbler, both singing loudly.
Once inside the Hide, the multitude of birds across the water was amazing. Black-headed Gulls, a huge number of Redshank, a real treat to see so many together, mostly gathered on the islands and patches of grass at the water’s edge, occasionally rising up and taking flight altogether before quickly settling back to earth. Other great sightings were Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwits, Avocet, Little Egret, Shelduck, Great Black-backed Gull, Gadwall, Shoveler, Dunlin, Pochard, Wigeon and Mute Swan.
Leaving the Allen Hide to walk on to The Morecambe Hide, we enjoyed sightings of Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Skylark and Chaffinch. Also, hearing the song of Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting, but not seen. Inside The Morecambe Hide the views over Morecambe bay and our previous view point presented many of our earlier sightings.
Next, we made the short drive to Warton Sands Nature Reserve, an interesting landscape with evidence of past industry and now returned to nature, a haven for birdlife. A good footpath following the riverside running towards Morecambe bay presented so many sightings, Swallows, House Sparrow, Feral Pigeon, Goldfinch, Skylarks gathering nest material, Grey Heron, Pied Wagtail, Lapwing, Mallard, Goosander, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Curlew, Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Linnet and Wheatear.
Warton Sands info Board. Photo K Goodings
Also, a huge crowd of Redshank and multitude of other waders all busy running around and feeding as the tide ebbed away revealing the sand and mud rich in nourishment. Many of these waders we had seen earlier in our outing.
On our return walk to the car park, we saw Greylag and Canada geese.
39 sightings + 4 heard but not seen.
A great day out.
Judith Goodings
