Meander around the Moss

I collected Jim from his home and we set  off to Leighton Moss RSPB reserve. A diversion to Pilling enabled us to see Sparrowhawk, more pink footed geese, little egret and some linnets. There were also views of song thrush and rook on our continued journey north. As we approached Leighton we saw a number of folk with binoculars and scopes near the track heading to the Allen Pools. They were looking towards the reedbed and as we joined them we caught a view of their quarry. It was the Glossy Ibis. This again is a photo I took earlier

 

We then called in to the centre to wish a Happy New Year to our colleagues there. First port of call the feeding station with greenfinch, chaffinch, coal tits, bullfinches and marsh tits all delighting those of us who were there. Lilian's hide was our second stop with coots, black headed gulls, tufted ducks, teal and wigeon. A cry for help " What is this strange bird?" We had a look and were delighted to see a red headed smew. We could not stay too long and headed out towards Griesdale hide. In one section of the reeds we heard what sounded like a bird of prey in distress. Five minutes of patient waiting enabled us to get a glimpse of water rail. Further on and another surprise caught our eyes. It was a fungus called scarlet elf cup. By this time we were thrilled by what had already been observed and seeing a great white egret as soon as we entered the hide was another bonus. More teal, wigeon and mallard were disturbed by a marsh harrier flying over. It did not disturb a red deer stag with three hinds in attendance. 

Lunch beckoned which we devoured in Lilian's Hide with more good views of the smew. After lunch a walk to the public hide. Two ravens flew over and as we entered the public hide we had more coots and tufted duck in view. A pair of gadwall and another flypast by the marsh harrier made us glad we made the walk. On our return we heard bearded tits in the reeds and two marsh tits accompanied us along the roadside path. It had been a very good day. Total after today is 80

The reason I am doing this 700 challenge to support these two charities
http://www.justgiving.com/David-Beattie2
http://www.justgiving.com/David-Beattie3