Back in work after a festive weekend colder than a Ptarmigan's ice-box, and a thaw was finally setting in along the coast.
Still large numbers of birds crowded into the small ice-free northern corner of Southport Marine Lake - 24+ Pochards, Tufted Duck, the "Caramac" leucistic Red Crested Pochard, Mute Swans (with Black Swan in tow), Pintail, Wigeon and so many Coot, I suspect the flotilla maybe visible from space.
Good numbers of the Coot there are colour ringed now, as are some birds on the Sands Lake at Ainsdale, the bangles adding to their general air of magnificence. Some weren't so healthy it must be said, with at least three dead 'uns out on the ice on the Marine Lake, victims of the biting cold of the last week or so.
Further down the coast, a reasonable gull roost was building up along the ice floe on Ainsdale beach in the murk, but they need to be left in peace until the weather picks up a bit more and they can start feeding normally, rather than swooping into the garden at Dempsey Towers to dispossess the Blackbirds, finches etc of food.
Now is not the time to be disturbin' em.
A trip down to Formby to check the Lifeboat Rd site revealed large numbers of Redwings, with smaller groups of Fieldfares, scattered about all over the place - in from the mosses probably, but there still hordes of 'em out on Altcar Moss when I drove across there on Sunday (and a Little Owl on Carr Moss).
Ain't seen or heard many Pinkies in the last few days though.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
- Post to:
del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Nowpublic
Reddit
« Previous | Home | Next »
Leighton Moss, January events:
Sketch Club
Sunday 2 January (10.30 am onwards)
Join us to sketch our wonderful wildlife. This club is untutored, just bring along your own doodling equipment to take out with you on the reserve. Costs: Free for RSPB members, ã3 group entry charge for non- members. All welcome! Please get your entry passes on arrival at the visitor centre, and then we will meet in the cafe at 10.30 am - finish when you like.
Health Walks
Monday 3, 10, 17, 24 January (11 am â 12 noon)
Join our free Health Walks and feel the difference...feel good, reduce stress, improve sleep, increase energy, reduce blood pressure, keep your heart strong. Meet at the front of the visitor centre. All ages and abilities welcome. For more details contact Jenni on 01524 701413
Wednesday walkabout: Frosty Bitterns
Wednesday 5, 12, 19, 26 January (10.30 am â 12.30 pm)
Come and enjoy our winter wildlife and you might be lucky and see a bittern. Cost: RSPB members: adults ã2, non-members: adults ã4.50. No need to book.
J Wildlife Explorers Club
Saturday 8 January (10 am â 12 noon)
Our Leighton Moss Wildlife Explorer Club is a great way to find out more about all that crawls, flutters and even slithers! Games, wild days out and more. So, if youâÂÂre aged from 8 to 12 years old why not join in the fun. To join this group, phone Rachel Hemmings on 01524 63066 or 07968537998 or e-mail: hemmingsrachel@hotmail.com
StephenâÂÂs Gardening Roadshow
Sunday 9 January (12-2 pm)
BBC Radio LancashireâÂÂs Gardening Roadshow will be broadcast live from Leighton Moss today with their presenter Stephen Lowe. Stephen will be talking âÂÂWinter wildlifeâ and will be speaking to staff about what you can do to make your garden good for wildlife and what you might see at this time of year. Do come along to ask questions and talk to Stephen or tune in!
âÂÂThe Biggest TwitchâÂÂ
Sunday 16 January (talk 1-2.30 pm and book signing 2.30-3.30 pm)
Alan Davies and Ruth Miller will be sharing with us the magic of breaking the world record for the most bird species recorded in one year. We will hear about this amazing adventure and afterwards they will be around to chat and sign copies of their book âÂÂThe Biggest TwitchâÂÂ. Everyone welcome for the book signing but places are limited for the talk so please book in advance. Free event.
Love your garden wildlife: evening meal and talk
Friday 28 January (7 â 9.30 pm)
Join Alan Stamford to learn more about looking after the wildlife that visits your garden and how you can take part in the RSPBâÂÂs Big Garden Birdwatch on the 29 and 30 January. Enjoy a two course home-cooked meal (a pre-booked veggie option is available and B.Y.O bottle). Booking and payment in advance essential. Cost: ã16 (RSPB members ã14).
J Garden Bird Challenge
Saturday 29 January (Anytime between 1 and 4 pm)
Do you know your great tits from your blue tits or want to amaze your friends with funky bird facts? Then take part in our Garden Bird Challenge which promises to entertain with games and quizzes in our education room.
Cost: Children: ã1.50 (RSPB members ã1)