Avocet ( Recurvirostra avosetta )

We had decided to have a visit to Leighton Moss RSPB reserve today and fortunately the weather was kind.  So an early start, well early by our standards, I was a little worried as we drove towards a large black cloud and the drops of rain on Shap summit, but by the time we reached the reserve things had improved greatly.

Our aim was shots of Avocets, so  we headed for the Eric Morecambe hide were the Acocets generally are.  We had to pass the Allen hide so we popped in there first.  Surprise surprise just outside  the hide were a pair!  Another pair at the Morecambe hide.

Then on to the centre for tea and a "Allday breakfast bap".  After being refreshed we headed for the lower hide.  As we arrived at the causeway an Osprey was overhead, so we spent some time in the hide.  Further down the causeway a Sparrowhawk was seen.  The highlight at the lower hide was a fly past by a male Marsh Harrier.

The species list was as follows:

36 Species

Rook
Robin
Osprey
Marsh Harrier
Blackcap
Wren
Coot
Avocet
Black-headed gull
Greater Black-backed gull
Heron
Gadwall
Mallard
Little Egret
Great Crested Grebe
Mute Swan
Greylag goose
Canada goose
Tufted duck
Shelduck
Redshank
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Blue Tit
Treecreeper
Shoveler
Buzzard
Chiffchaff
Dunnock
Lapwing
Teal
Song Thrush
Collared Dove
Pheasant
Oystercatcher
Bullfinch

Also seen were a Bank Vole, Grey Squirrel and two Red Deer hinds.