Bearded Tits, Bitterns and Big Garden Birdwatch.

 For the third time this winter some friends and I decided to go to rspb Leighton Moss to search for Bearded Tits, our previous visits having been unsuccessful. The first part of our walk took us past the moth trap which was still in its winter quarters. Scanning the trees there enabled us to note Siskins, Bullfinch, Blue Tits, Robins and a solitary Greenfinch. 

 

We continued towards the Causeway and were pleased to see two Marsh Harriers gracefully hunting over the reeds. Two of us then took a quick look for Sweet Violets near where the Causeway meets the road. They are one of the early flowering plants but not yet visible. I suspect it was a little too early for them. We walked down towards the Public Hide, pausing at the grit trays hoping for Bearded Tit. None arrived while we were looking. A glimpse of a Great White Egret gave us the motivaation to carry on to the hide until I heard the "ping" of a Bearded Tit. Everyone was suddenly quiet listening for more. Then there it was right in front of us. A lifer for many in our group. 

At the hide we noted Mute Swan, Cormorant, lots of Coots with a couple of Gadwall  amongst them. Two more birds which we didn't see but were able to recognise the calls were Little Grebe, and the squeal of a Water Rail. We had planned on going to Lower Hide but for some of us, our footwear was lower than the water level on the path. We decided to return to the Centre for lunch.  After lunch to the feeding station and enjoyed watching Goldfinches, Blackbirds, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Marsh Tit (pictured) and Coal Tit.

 Straight on then to Lilian's Hide to search for the reported female Ringed Neck Duck. In this we were unsuccessful. More sightings of Marsh Harrier, plus Snipe, Goldeneye, Wigeon,( pictured) Teal, Shoveler and Lapwing still made us very happy.

 

Eager for more delights we then carried on to Grisedale Hide. A Marsh Harrier was flying slowly in front of us with Shovelers, Canada Geese and the ubiquitous Mallards. We were about to leave when suddenly there it was, almost invisible, a Bittern. It had dropped in almost unnoticed. I am so glad that some of the younger members of our party have much better eyes than I. Then to cap it all the Great White Egret flew over our heads just as we left the hide. All together a wonderful day. 

The following day I helped to lead a Bird walk on Cuerden Valley Park, to coincide with the rspb National Big Garden Birdwatch 

 

As we were setting off we could already hear a Great Spotted Wood Pecker drumming and a Song Thrush starting to practise his courtship performance. Suddenly in the wood nearby, we saw the white flash of a Jay's rump 

 The bird stayed for about two minutes then departed allowing the Song Thrush to occupy the same spot. On the nearby bird feeder were Blue Tits, Great Tits, Coal Tits, Chaffinches and Nuthatches all busily consuming the sunflower seed. Continuing down the hill towards the river we noted a few Wood Pigeons and Carrion Crows in the field along side us. A Robin seemed to think that we might have some food and followed us for about ten minutes. We climbed the steps to the reservoir where I set up my telescope. This enabled us to have good views of  Mallards, Canada Geese, Coots, a couple of Moorhens , a single Lesser Black-backed Gull and several Black Headed Gulls. One of the latter already had its head starting to turn to summer plumage. At the far side of the reservoir we noted both male and female Goosanders. 

  

 In the trees on the island one Grey Heron was easily seen and a second one that was alittle more difficult. Returning to the stone bridge we went up the hill to the pine woodland. It was here I heard some Siskins and the unmistakable call of Long Tailed Tits. Another Robin, a Wren and a few Blue tits maintained their alarm calls as we continued our walk towards Cock Cabin Wood. I checked the Nuthatch holebut there was no activity there.A couple of Moorhens on the pond, a Blackbird and a few more Wood Pigeons were the only birds I noted. Back to the main path southwards with more raucus calls from a couple of Magpies and a good view of couple of Redwings. We speeded up a little as time was going far too quickly. I did hear a Mistle Thrush making its "rattle" call. We then climbed the winding path through our Wildflower Meadow and back to Cuerden View Cafe.

 To finish our walk, I checked the large feeder near the Walled Orchard and noted Dunnock, Bullfinch and Stock Dove. A hot chocolate drink was the perfect ending to a lovely morning.