Saturday January 12th was a dull damp morning when members of RFNS boarded the coach for the RSPB Reserve at Leighton Moss, Silverdale. Following a short comfort stop on the M6 the group donned boots and waterproofs and with cameras, scopes and binoculars at the ready made a hasty exit on the narrow track heading for the Eric Morecambe bird hide by the seashore.
Sightings here included many waterfowl and waders e.g. Little Egret, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Goosander, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, and a Great White Egret.
The coach meanwhile continued to the Visitor Centre with the rest of the group where the welcoming RSPB Staff informed us of the all the recently reported sightings we could possible encounter around the reserve.
Members went their different ways to the many hides, stopping to read the interesting information boards lining the well-kept paths, whilst scanning the reeds, waterways and trees for birds and fungi.
Candle Snuff, Blushing Bracket, Willow Bracket, Velvet Shank and Scarlet Elf Cap were glowing red in amongst seemingly dead leaf litter .
The lovely feather markings on the very tame well-fed female pheasant were admired and many visitors were astonished at the appearance of a very confiding water rail which was the subject of many photographs.
Siskins darted in the trees along with various members of the tit family, finches, winter thrushes and blackbirds. Occasional Nuthatch, Treecreepers and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were spied as a gaggle of Mallard was intent on making its way along the paths.
From the hides overlooking the pools many more water birds were seen like Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Pink Footed Goose, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Moorhen and Coot.
Excitement mounted when raptors like Sparrowhawk and Buzzard appeared overhead causing smaller birds to dive for cover, but none was more majestic and elegant in flight than the Marsh Harriers, a speciality of Leighton Moss.
There was so much of interest throughout the reserve that the drizzle did not dampen the spirits. There was time to view and purchase items in the well-stocked shop and enjoy a well-earned cuppa with a variety of cakes in the excellent cafe.
Edna Crowther