Leighton Moss is a bird reserve in north west England. Of course there are lots of birds to see, but many other species too (which is why I'm posting in this gallery - even though there are some birds included).
I always start at the scrapes at the coastal end of the reserve because the hides face east, so the light is best in the morning. Unfortunately there wasn't much to see there, but I spotted a nice sedge warbler from the path.
The main area is a large reedbed, with some open water and surrounding scrub and woodland. Our swifts have just returned from Africa and there were a large number hawking over the reeds and water. I couldn't resist the temptation to try a few shots: this is the best (but not very good).
I was lucky that someone pointed out this four-spotted chaser dragonfly (Libellula quadrimaculata) to me.
The hides near the entrance all face west, so I always wait until the afternoon to visit them. There weren't many birds near the Griesdale hide - but I was surprised to see red deer. I knew that some deer live in the reeds, but I had never seen any before.
View attachment 98439
A grey heron was stalking through the reeds near the next hide. Eventually it emerged.
After watching tufted ducks mating from Lilian's hide (see Collective Shoot), I was walking back when I saw this bunny rabbit in the picnic area. I suspect that he was scavenging for leftovers, but he was remarkably tame.
View attachment 98441
View attachment 98442
There's nothing very rare or spectacular in these shots, but they made for an interesting day.
Alan
I always start at the scrapes at the coastal end of the reserve because the hides face east, so the light is best in the morning. Unfortunately there wasn't much to see there, but I spotted a nice sedge warbler from the path.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
The main area is a large reedbed, with some open water and surrounding scrub and woodland. Our swifts have just returned from Africa and there were a large number hawking over the reeds and water. I couldn't resist the temptation to try a few shots: this is the best (but not very good).
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
I was lucky that someone pointed out this four-spotted chaser dragonfly (Libellula quadrimaculata) to me.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
The hides near the entrance all face west, so I always wait until the afternoon to visit them. There weren't many birds near the Griesdale hide - but I was surprised to see red deer. I knew that some deer live in the reeds, but I had never seen any before.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
View attachment 98439
A grey heron was stalking through the reeds near the next hide. Eventually it emerged.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
After watching tufted ducks mating from Lilian's hide (see Collective Shoot), I was walking back when I saw this bunny rabbit in the picnic area. I suspect that he was scavenging for leftovers, but he was remarkably tame.
View attachment 98441
View attachment 98442
There's nothing very rare or spectacular in these shots, but they made for an interesting day.
Alan
