Reedbeds and Meres

A visit to RSPB Leighton Moss this morning.

It was busy - but then, it is a Sunday during half-term.

We went into the lower hide. J put a mask on, we didn’t stay long as it got busier and uncomfortable for her. But we did see our first ever long tailed duck (a female, featured in the extra montage). These ducks nest in the high Arctic, winter at sea well to the north of here (this bird is well south of where it should be), and dive for molluscs.

We then walked to the other end of the reserve and spent a bit longer in a hide there. J masked again, and as it was quieter felt a bit more comfortable. We had good views of a great egret - much bigger (heron sized) than the much commoner little egret. Again, included in the extra.

The main blip is a marsh harrier. These birds are so evocative of reed beds, and fascinating to watch as they quarter the reeds in search of food.

So a good trip.