Nine well wrapped up members of the group set off at -9C but in bright sunshine. We were rewarded by a good selection of birds.
We started at Lillian’s hide in front of which several Snipe could be seen in the marsh close by. Hardly any ducks were visible on the frozen pools. Later 2 Marsh harriers were spotted and as we left Grisedale hide to our joy, the “stars” were seen on the grit trays,- a pair of Bearded Tits. it was pleasing to see the difference between the male and female.
Near the centre we saw a lot of smaller birds feeding on Guelder rose berries and Alder catkins , finches, tits and one of the many Robins that seemed to be following us all day.
Robin by J Goodings
At the causeway hide the ducks were gathered quite a long way off. Again frozen pools . We watched a Mute Swan walking gingerly on the ice. One member had a very brief view of a Bittern.
We then drove to the Morecambe and Allen saltmarsh hides but the frozen water was very low and the ducks were again a long way off . Great White and Little Egrets were spotted before we called it a day.
Swans in the ice at Leighton Moss by Judith Goodings
Full list of species seen or heard’
Bittern, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Pink footed Goose, Mute Swan, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Marsh Harrier, Pheasant, Water Rail(heard) Moorhen, Coot, Snipe, Collared Dove, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti’s warbler, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal tit, Blue Tit , Great Tit, Nuthatch Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Bullfinch, Treecreeper, Carrion Crow, Bullfinch, reed Bunting. 39 species.
We were delighted to have braved the cold and seen so many birds in the sunshine.
leader Win Clements
