SEPTEMBER - 2 rescue cats, Bobbie and Bailey arrived to live with us. They are about 15 months old and have lived at Cats Protection awaiting to be rehomed. They will have a wonderful life living and roaming around the farm.
Silo time again between the showers - rescued a leveret from the grips of the silo machinery - so tiny and shouting whilst we found it a safe place nearby.
Late September and the Red Deer have started ruttung again and making the most awful gutteral bellowing.
OCTOBER brought various sightings of Otter, Kingfisher and Red Deer Rutting. A Wren also spied in Orchard and a pair of Jays on the Bird Feeder.
Late October Marmaduke the magnificent cockerel arrived from Wolfwood rehoming centre to live with us. Large stag in the Orchard just at the back of the farmhouse.
NOVEMBER - Merlin, Mario and Meadow 3 abandoned kittens came to live with us. They were found in Morecambe hungry, covered in fleas, eye infections and with cat flu. Now they are healthy and enjoying the freedom of living on the farm!
Otter, the Bittern, Ducks and Deer to name but a few seen in Nov. also wonderful sightings of the Starling Roosts.
DECEMBER - 2 Roe deer seen near Leighton Hall entrance. Marsh Harrier seen over Moss early in morning and 6 Red deer seen crossing our meadow.
Barn Owl seen just after dusk to the left of our barn.
WISHING EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Monday, 17 December 2012
AUGUST and the RAIN Continues!
AUGUST 2012 - and the rain continues but I have to say that up to the middle of August the rain showeres were not as frequent and guests from sunny Malta, had quite a pleasant 2 weeks with us.
7 Red Deer Stags of various ages seen in field behind the farm - probably thinking about the rutting season!
One of our visitors came to see 2 late and uncommon Orchids and saw the Autumn Ladies Tresses at the Lotts, Silverdale and the Broad-leafed Hellibourine at Trowbarrow. Other guests were enthralled to see Stags on Leighton Moss and Kingfisher at the Allen hide, Greenshank, Wigeon, Little Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Marsh Tit, Shoveller, Redshank, Little Egret, Nuthatch, Greater Spotted Woodpecker and many more.
End of August saw the arrival of 4 new rescue hens. One had muck balls on its feet so big that it could not walk and one looked like it had been plucked. Poor girls but with a little TLC they are now enjoying the freedom of the farmyard.
7 Red Deer Stags of various ages seen in field behind the farm - probably thinking about the rutting season!
One of our visitors came to see 2 late and uncommon Orchids and saw the Autumn Ladies Tresses at the Lotts, Silverdale and the Broad-leafed Hellibourine at Trowbarrow. Other guests were enthralled to see Stags on Leighton Moss and Kingfisher at the Allen hide, Greenshank, Wigeon, Little Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Marsh Tit, Shoveller, Redshank, Little Egret, Nuthatch, Greater Spotted Woodpecker and many more.
End of August saw the arrival of 4 new rescue hens. One had muck balls on its feet so big that it could not walk and one looked like it had been plucked. Poor girls but with a little TLC they are now enjoying the freedom of the farmyard.
Monday, 3 December 2012
JULY 2012
The dreadful weather continues with guests being caught in torrential downpours with yet more sodden clothing for me to dry. This has just become the norm this Summer, if you can call it that! Despite the weather guests still managing to get out and see the wonderful wildlife that this area has to offer.
Otters, Red Deer and 3 Cygnets seen from and around Lower Hide before Breakfast. Marsh Harrier seen from Grisedale Hide and Fritillaries seen on Arnside Knott. 7 Red Deer grazing in field in front of our CL Site.
It must be noted that we have seen a distinct lack of insects, butterflies etc. this year which is very alarming. Also to note, the Swallows, which nest in our Barns, were at least 10 days late in arriving this year.
Otters, Red Deer and 3 Cygnets seen from and around Lower Hide before Breakfast. Marsh Harrier seen from Grisedale Hide and Fritillaries seen on Arnside Knott. 7 Red Deer grazing in field in front of our CL Site.
It must be noted that we have seen a distinct lack of insects, butterflies etc. this year which is very alarming. Also to note, the Swallows, which nest in our Barns, were at least 10 days late in arriving this year.
SPRING, SUMMER and into WINTER 2012
APRIL 2012
Well, here I am again playing catch up. Despite the dreadful weather that we have all experienced and are still having this year it has been a very busy few months for us, hence my failure to keep you posted with all that has been happening down on the farm.
In April many of my guests had wonderful sightings of the Otters - early April view of Mum and 2 cubs from Lower hide at dusk on Leighton Moss - end of April 5 Otters seen crossing the causeway near the public hide.
Guests have been delighted to watch the sheer variety of birds on our feeders just outside dining room window whilst having breakfast, including wonderful view of a pair of Bullfinches. Late April brought sightings of an Osprey catching fish.
MAY 2012
Numerous sightings of Red Deer and Roe Deer heard barking in Deepdale Woods. Alas, I was not lucky enough to have heard the Cuckoo this year - I expect all the rain had dampened its spirits! However, all the moisture had certainly produced beautiful spring flowers including wonderful clumps of Cowslips in the hedgerows of our meadows.
JUNE 2012
Every day just seemed to bring rain and more rain which continued for most of the month which brought problems for us on the farm with gathering our winter fodder. However, somehow we managed to get our Silo between deluges but unfortunately no traditional hay bales as we never had 5 dry, fine days together.
The weather also had catastrophic effects on our family life as our daughter was due to have her Wedding Reception in a marquee on our farm on 23rd June. Unfortunately, on 22nd June there was a terrible gale and at 4.30 pm it blew the marquee down and we were left with the problem of 120 guests arriving and no venue! Leighton Hall very kindly came to the rescue and let us decamp there and a wonderful day was had by all,
Early June Osprey still being sighted catching fish. Brown Hares sighted nearly every day in our Crow Ashes field. Avocets and chicks seen by the dozen also Spoonbill and Egret at Eric Morecambe hide. Marsh Harrier seen from Grisedale Hide. Male Bullfinch on our feeders again. Otters seen before breakfast by guests, Mum and 2 cubs at Lower Hide - March Harriers and Barn Owl at dusk.
Well, here I am again playing catch up. Despite the dreadful weather that we have all experienced and are still having this year it has been a very busy few months for us, hence my failure to keep you posted with all that has been happening down on the farm.
In April many of my guests had wonderful sightings of the Otters - early April view of Mum and 2 cubs from Lower hide at dusk on Leighton Moss - end of April 5 Otters seen crossing the causeway near the public hide.
Guests have been delighted to watch the sheer variety of birds on our feeders just outside dining room window whilst having breakfast, including wonderful view of a pair of Bullfinches. Late April brought sightings of an Osprey catching fish.
MAY 2012
Numerous sightings of Red Deer and Roe Deer heard barking in Deepdale Woods. Alas, I was not lucky enough to have heard the Cuckoo this year - I expect all the rain had dampened its spirits! However, all the moisture had certainly produced beautiful spring flowers including wonderful clumps of Cowslips in the hedgerows of our meadows.
JUNE 2012
Every day just seemed to bring rain and more rain which continued for most of the month which brought problems for us on the farm with gathering our winter fodder. However, somehow we managed to get our Silo between deluges but unfortunately no traditional hay bales as we never had 5 dry, fine days together.
The weather also had catastrophic effects on our family life as our daughter was due to have her Wedding Reception in a marquee on our farm on 23rd June. Unfortunately, on 22nd June there was a terrible gale and at 4.30 pm it blew the marquee down and we were left with the problem of 120 guests arriving and no venue! Leighton Hall very kindly came to the rescue and let us decamp there and a wonderful day was had by all,
Early June Osprey still being sighted catching fish. Brown Hares sighted nearly every day in our Crow Ashes field. Avocets and chicks seen by the dozen also Spoonbill and Egret at Eric Morecambe hide. Marsh Harrier seen from Grisedale Hide. Male Bullfinch on our feeders again. Otters seen before breakfast by guests, Mum and 2 cubs at Lower Hide - March Harriers and Barn Owl at dusk.
Monday, 26 March 2012
JANUARY 2012 and into SPRING
1st January - Snowdrops already out in orchard and G.S. Woodpeckers heard drumming. Winter here has been long and grey but not nearly as cold as last year. Barn Owls seen.
19th February - Butterfly reserve near Leighton Moss RSPB Centre taking shape.
23rd February - 5 otters seen from Lower hide at dawn - Nuthatch and GS Woodpecker seen on B&B feeders and Bittern after lunch - what more could one ask for, as stated by one of my guests.
1st March - Pair of Brown Hares seen in Leighton Park.
20th March - 75 species of bird seen by one of my regular birders during his couple of days stay with me.
25th March - Beautiful, warm, sunny days over the weekend and set to stay for a few days yet! Celandine and Violets are well out and some of the trees like Horse Chestnut are beginning to burst.
TRAMPER UPDATE - I have finally managed to raise all the funds to purchase one of these all terrain buggies so hopefully, it will not be long before it is available for less abled people to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding countryside with family and friends.
19th February - Butterfly reserve near Leighton Moss RSPB Centre taking shape.
23rd February - 5 otters seen from Lower hide at dawn - Nuthatch and GS Woodpecker seen on B&B feeders and Bittern after lunch - what more could one ask for, as stated by one of my guests.
1st March - Pair of Brown Hares seen in Leighton Park.
20th March - 75 species of bird seen by one of my regular birders during his couple of days stay with me.
25th March - Beautiful, warm, sunny days over the weekend and set to stay for a few days yet! Celandine and Violets are well out and some of the trees like Horse Chestnut are beginning to burst.
TRAMPER UPDATE - I have finally managed to raise all the funds to purchase one of these all terrain buggies so hopefully, it will not be long before it is available for less abled people to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding countryside with family and friends.
END OF SEPTEMBER INTO AUTUMN 2011
30th September. - The weather is incredibly hot and we are now managing to bail our hay after a rather inclement summer. The temperature in the hayfield was a staggering 32 0c but we have managed to get our hay! Tonight the skies were so clear and the stars were a magnificent sight.
2nd October - Guests reported stags calling all night and came across one in his wallow with a strong smell of musk. Many Egrets on reserve and Long Tailed Tits and Water Rail.
13th October - 7am - Stags still roaring and one seen with 5 hinds. Water rail, Marsh Harrier, Coots, Grebes and 60 + Little Egrets festooned on dead trees like Christmas lights! At the edge of the reeds 3 otters seen calmly swimming for 20 yds before slipping back into reeds. Marsh Harriers in the air again and all before breakfast!
14th October - Deer still rutting and Starlings starting to gather at dusk. 2 Barn Owls seen near reserve.
24th October - Nice sunrise - 7.30 am - Lower Hide - 4 Otters seen fishing and playing on far bank with Marsh Harrier overhead to quote a guest was a lifetime memory!
13th November - Bittern seen around 2 pm off the causeway path.
25th November - Marsh Harrier filmed from B&B window! Starlings still performing acrobatics at dusk.
2nd October - Guests reported stags calling all night and came across one in his wallow with a strong smell of musk. Many Egrets on reserve and Long Tailed Tits and Water Rail.
13th October - 7am - Stags still roaring and one seen with 5 hinds. Water rail, Marsh Harrier, Coots, Grebes and 60 + Little Egrets festooned on dead trees like Christmas lights! At the edge of the reeds 3 otters seen calmly swimming for 20 yds before slipping back into reeds. Marsh Harriers in the air again and all before breakfast!
14th October - Deer still rutting and Starlings starting to gather at dusk. 2 Barn Owls seen near reserve.
24th October - Nice sunrise - 7.30 am - Lower Hide - 4 Otters seen fishing and playing on far bank with Marsh Harrier overhead to quote a guest was a lifetime memory!
13th November - Bittern seen around 2 pm off the causeway path.
25th November - Marsh Harrier filmed from B&B window! Starlings still performing acrobatics at dusk.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
The GRISEDALE TRAMPER
October 18th 2011
We are trying to raise the balance needed to purchase a TRAMPER, which is a 4 wheeled drive, all terrain, electric buggy for less abled people so they can enjoy the area around Leighton Moss RSPB with family and friends. You can help us to do this by voting for this project through this link http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/4376 Natwest will fund six of the most successful projects in given areas up to £6,000.00 each - so here's hoping. There are more details on their website of this project.
PLEASE VOTE FOR THIS PROJECT
We are trying to raise the balance needed to purchase a TRAMPER, which is a 4 wheeled drive, all terrain, electric buggy for less abled people so they can enjoy the area around Leighton Moss RSPB with family and friends. You can help us to do this by voting for this project through this link http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/4376 Natwest will fund six of the most successful projects in given areas up to £6,000.00 each - so here's hoping. There are more details on their website of this project.
PLEASE VOTE FOR THIS PROJECT
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