Pushing it one day too far was always a risk, but the westerly was still holding up around force 4-5 this morning, so Neill and I headed down to the radar tower at Seaforth today, hunching down into the rocks for a seawatch between noon and 2pm.
Much calmer than the last few days (no risk to clergy whatsoever) and consequently a hell of a lot quieter - one or two Leach's had sneaked out of the rivermouth before we got down, and a few were off Hilbre today, but the big movement of birds has clearly dried up.
Scoping silently, both musing on how dead it was but neither of us saying it, was the order of the day.
One Little Gull, a Great Crested Grebe and about 8 Common Scoter amongst the Cormorants and Common Gulls was the best I managed.
We didn't even see the QE2.
The marine lake at Crosby had at least 5 Great Crested Grebes, a flock of Tufties and Blackwit and Redshank overhead, while a huge flock of Pink Feet rose on the fields behind Crosby - thousands of birds.
Time for a goose check I guess.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Leighton Moss events in October:
Bearded tit walks (for adults)
Every Wednesday in October
9âÂÂ10.30 am
This is the month where we could see bearded tits coming out of the reeds on to the grit trays. We will also be looking at all the other autumnal wildlife on the reserve. Booking essential. Cost: RSPB members: adults ã2, non-members: adults ã4.50.
Bittern Bus guided walk
Sun 5 October
11 amâ 2.30 pm
Why not see the wonderful wildlife of Leighton Moss on a free guided walk and support the Bittern Bus at the same time? Tel: 01524 734311 for timetable details.
Carved bird exhibition
Sat 11 and Sun 12 October
10 amâÂÂ4 pm
The British Decoy Wildfowl Carvers Association's annual exhibition of carved birds and other wildlife. For details, contact Albert Holding on 015395 64037. Free event.
Magical Mull: evening meal and talk
Tues 14 October
7âÂÂ9.30 pm
Enjoy the scenery and wildlife of this mystic isle with Jacqui Fereday. Beforehand, join us for a two-course home-cooked meal (bring your own wine). Booking essential. Cost: ã15 (RSPB members ã13).
Binoculars and telescopes demonstration
Sat 25 and Sun 26 October
10 amâÂÂ4 pm
An opportunity to try out binoculars and telescopes and receive impartial advice. Free admission to the demonstration.
Autumn mystery
Sat 25âÂÂFri 31
9.30 am-5 pm
Visit the reserve throughout the holidays and pick up the autumn mystery quiz. Normal admission charges apply.
Family activity: feed the birds!
Sat 25 October
Choose from 1âÂÂ2.30 pm or 3-4.30 pm
Celebrate the RSPB's 'Feed the birds day' by making your own bird cake after a short walk on the nature trails for inspiration. Booking essential. Cost: ã3.50 per child (RSPB Wildlife Explorer members ã2.50). Children must be over 5 years old and accompanied by an adult (adults free).
Family guided walk
Tues 28 October
11 amâÂÂ12.30 pm
Learn more about Leighton Moss and all its wonderful wildlife. Booking essential. Cost: RSPB members: adults ã2, children ã1, family ã4, non-members: adults ã4.50, children ã2, family ã9.
Family activity: pond dipping
Thurs 30 October
Choose from 1âÂÂ2.30 pm or 3-4.30 pm
Explore the underwater world after a short walk to see the water birds. Booking essential. Cost: ã3.50 per child (RSPB Wildlife Explorer members ã2.50). Children must be over 5 years old and accompanied by an adult (adults free).
Spooky feast
Fri 31 October
6âÂÂ9 pm
Have some spooky fun and games and an eerie walk in the woodland after eating from the creepy buffet. Booking essential. Cost: ã8 (RSPB/Wildlife Explorer members ã6).
Please contact 01524 701601 or email leighton.moss@rspb.org.uk for further information or to book on the events.