WFV, 4th February 2025, Leighton Moss RSPB

Our group of 11 arrived at our destination just before midday in rather wet conditions.  We decided to head straight to Lilian’s hide initially firstly to assess what was on the water and secondly to eat our lunch.  Whilst there the weather took a turn for the worse and it absolutely poured.  No-one offered to move until conditions had eased and we then went over to the other hides nearby.  Sightings recorded between the two were numerous and included gadwall, teal, widgeon, shoveler, goldeneye, little egret and to my delight, pintail.  Snipe were spotted with the help of a gentleman with a scope and Sue’s excellent camera work.  There were 3 in total that were so well camouflaged amongst the decaying grasses.

Numerous scarlet elf cups were seen by the side of the paths and close encounters with robins were experienced throughout our day.  Both male and female marsh harriers were in evidence flying low over the reedbeds on many occasions.  The Causeway hide produced sightings of cormorant, great crested grebe and heron to add to our list plus numerous mute swans both mature and juvenile.

As dusk approached our hopeful group gathered at the Skytower in anticipation of the performance to come.  The day had cleared considerably and we were optimistic that the starlings would put on a show for us.  Initially there were small groups of birds that flew in low over the water and went straight down into the reeds.  By this point the wind was gusting quite strongly and rain was threatening once again.  Some left at this point to seek shelter but in the distance I saw a large group had gathered and were swirling low in the sky.  That was as good as it got – there were no mass gatherings overhead with all the drama of a full scale murmuration.  Another day perhaps.

Our thanks to Julia for leading today and also for co-driving alongside Kevin.

Sally Tetlow