View From A HideThe minibus left Bradford with five people aboard but by the time the final pick up had been made in Keighley a party of thirteen set out expectantly to RSPB Leighton Moss on the last day of a record-breaking dry September which promised fine weather until about 4.00pm. With the possibility of a late-morning sighting of bearded tits, the party was persuaded to forego the accustomed comfort break at Kirkby Lonsdale and we headed straight to our destination where we quickly registered and headed off to the grit trays. 
Bearded TitThere were no bearded tits about and the chances of seeing any so late in the morning (by this time going up to noon) were very slim according to our more pessimistic members. However, a ten-minute wait was rewarded when a pair of bearded tits did appear. They were most cooperative and hung around for about ten minutes gathering grit before eventually flying off into the reeds.
After this great start to the day the party proceeded to the Public hide where there were many varieties of duck to be seen as we lunched. With so much to see and so many different viewing possibilities, the party then split to follow individual preferences before congregating back at the visitor centre for the short minibus trip to the coastal trail and the Eric Morecambe and Allen hides. Here we were able to see many different species of waders.
Pintail
Returning to the visitor centre, the option was the cafe or the nearby Lillian’s hide where those opting for the latter were treated to the fine spectacle of scores of black-tailed godwits and both Little and Great egrets amongst the other wader and duck species.
In amongst all the birding, Alice was busily recording the plants of the day and was able to post a final amazing total of 45 plants in flower. We were also entertained throughout the day by migrant hawker dragonflies; red admiral, speckled wood and small white butterflies and one stoat, whilst the odd fungi or two was noted.
The final total of bird species was 44, with the highlight being of course the bearded tits, which everyone was fortunate to be able to see, whilst some heard (but didn’t see) the elusive Cetti’s warbler. We also spotted stonechats which we were told by a regular visitor was only the third time he’d seen them at Leighton Moss in 30 years, and had an short glimpse of a marsh harrier.
Snipe
The planned departure time of 4.15pm came too quickly but it was a very satisfied party who set off back to Bradford having enjoyed another most enjoyable BEES outing in weather that outwitted the forecast and stayed fine and sunny all day. There were suggestions on the return journey that perhaps we could consider making this trip an extended day out sometime in the future so as to be able to make the most of this excellent site.
Many thanks to the day’s leaders and to Robert and Sue for their driving.
Stuart