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
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
MAY TO SEPTEMBER
1st MAY - Heard the Cuckoo in Deepdale Wood around 8.30 pm. The Hawthorn is just coming into flower and the smell is beautiful. The Bullfinches have arrived on my feeding station just outside the dining room window but still no sign of the Nuthatch.
Gold Finches, Green Finches, Chaffinches and Bull Finches (M & F) all seen on my feeder at the same time, plus house sparrows, coal tits, long tailed tits, blue tits, marsh tits and gr. spotted wood peckers flying on and off. Also Jackdaws and grey squirrels.
4 Fallow deer seen grazing in field below Deepdale Wood and 26 Red Deer spotted in our lower field adjacent to Leighton Moss.
JUNE - Male G.S. Woodpecker seen on bird feeder feeding impatient young male. Barn Owl spotted near farm.
Trowbarrow Quarry - Bee and Fly Orchid in flower - what a beautiful sight.
Quad, heifer calves born - all doing really well - never heard of this happening before!
JULY - Sparrow Hawk seen attacking Reed Warbler by Lower Hide. Late July Cuckoo seen flying by. 2 Marsh Harriers seen over RSPB Centre.
Nuthatch eventually seen on my bird feeder.
AUGUST -Not a very good summer weather wise making life difficult on the farm for getting in our crops for winter feed.
SEPTEMBER - Guests visited Heysham and sighted Sabines Gull, Leaches Petrel, Black Tern and Little Gull. At South Walney saw Lesser Whitethroat Bird and Whimbrel.
Very good views of Tawny and Little Owl along causeway at Dusk. Kingfisher and Bearded Tits seen on reserve. Deer have begun rutting and saw 12 deer in field behind farm with magnificent stag.
Beautiful end to September with fine, warm weather after all the torrential weather that we have experienced over the summer. Hawthorn trees are red with berries so does this mean we are in for another long, cold spell of winter weather?
Gold Finches, Green Finches, Chaffinches and Bull Finches (M & F) all seen on my feeder at the same time, plus house sparrows, coal tits, long tailed tits, blue tits, marsh tits and gr. spotted wood peckers flying on and off. Also Jackdaws and grey squirrels.
4 Fallow deer seen grazing in field below Deepdale Wood and 26 Red Deer spotted in our lower field adjacent to Leighton Moss.
JUNE - Male G.S. Woodpecker seen on bird feeder feeding impatient young male. Barn Owl spotted near farm.
Trowbarrow Quarry - Bee and Fly Orchid in flower - what a beautiful sight.
Quad, heifer calves born - all doing really well - never heard of this happening before!
JULY - Sparrow Hawk seen attacking Reed Warbler by Lower Hide. Late July Cuckoo seen flying by. 2 Marsh Harriers seen over RSPB Centre.
Nuthatch eventually seen on my bird feeder.
AUGUST -Not a very good summer weather wise making life difficult on the farm for getting in our crops for winter feed.
SEPTEMBER - Guests visited Heysham and sighted Sabines Gull, Leaches Petrel, Black Tern and Little Gull. At South Walney saw Lesser Whitethroat Bird and Whimbrel.
Very good views of Tawny and Little Owl along causeway at Dusk. Kingfisher and Bearded Tits seen on reserve. Deer have begun rutting and saw 12 deer in field behind farm with magnificent stag.
Beautiful end to September with fine, warm weather after all the torrential weather that we have experienced over the summer. Hawthorn trees are red with berries so does this mean we are in for another long, cold spell of winter weather?
SUMMER UPDATES
END OF APRIL
Where does time go to? I apologise for just catching up at the end of September but as usual, and thankfully, we have been very busy on the farm and with B&B and the CL site.
22nd - 30th APRIL - Otter seen from Lower Hide, to L.H.S. of mere - approx. 8.15 p.m. Marsh Harrier (Male), Red Deer - hinds on path from Lower Hide.
Tawny Owl along footpath to lower hide about 8.30 p.m. Otters on far side of mere and Marsh Harriers in front of Lower Hide.
Peregrines at Warton Quarry. Bullfinches and Sedge Warbler at RSPB - Reed Warbler spotted at Lower Hide. Spotted Redshank at Morecambe hide. Red Deer in long meadow left of track to Grisedale Farm.
Marsh Harrier and Osprey seen from Lower Hide. Spotted Redshank, Little Egret and Ruff at Eric Morecambe hide. Reed Warblers, White Throat, Lesser White Throat and Blackcap at Lower Hide.
Where does time go to? I apologise for just catching up at the end of September but as usual, and thankfully, we have been very busy on the farm and with B&B and the CL site.
22nd - 30th APRIL - Otter seen from Lower Hide, to L.H.S. of mere - approx. 8.15 p.m. Marsh Harrier (Male), Red Deer - hinds on path from Lower Hide.
Tawny Owl along footpath to lower hide about 8.30 p.m. Otters on far side of mere and Marsh Harriers in front of Lower Hide.
Peregrines at Warton Quarry. Bullfinches and Sedge Warbler at RSPB - Reed Warbler spotted at Lower Hide. Spotted Redshank at Morecambe hide. Red Deer in long meadow left of track to Grisedale Farm.
Marsh Harrier and Osprey seen from Lower Hide. Spotted Redshank, Little Egret and Ruff at Eric Morecambe hide. Reed Warblers, White Throat, Lesser White Throat and Blackcap at Lower Hide.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
7th March - Hen Harrier seen from Public Hide around 3 pm - Pair of Marsh Harriers seen from Lillians Hide. Peregrins seen in old quarry at Warton. 12th March - Marsh Harrier seen from Lower Hide, also Bull finch and Siskin. 23rd March Beautiful warm day violets. celandines and primroses blooming. 27th March - House Martins have arrived. 29th March - Red Poll seen on bird feeding station. 30th March - Pair of Bull Finches seen by feeding station at Leighton Moss - Spring happening as trees burst into life. April Sightings 2nd April - Swallows have arrived! 4th April - Marsh Harriers seen displaying passing. 11th April - Brown Hare seen running in park near Leighton Hall also pair of Barn Owls. 12th April - Black Thorne blossom out also Damson - 8 Red Stags seen just below Leighton Hall and 6 Fallow Deer seen near Deepdale Wood.
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
MARCH 2011 Observations.
1st March 2011 - First Day of Spring and what a beautiful, sunny but cold day - March has certainly come in like a lamb. 2 Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Long Tailed Tits and Marsh or Willow tits seen on feeding station during breakfast.
FEBRUARY SIGHTINGS
13th February, 2011 -Long Tailet Tits, Robin, Great Tits, Gold Crest. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tits, Chaffinch and Sparrows seen on bird feeding station at Breakfast.
14th February, 2011 - Terrible screeching heard outside near bird feeding station. On investigation saw a Sparrow Hawk attacking a Great Spotted Woodpecker! Shouted at them from upstairs window and Sparrow Hawk eventually let go - both flew off - hope Woodpecker was alright. Found a pile of what looked like Sparrow Hawk feathers so maybe it had bitten off more than it could chew this time!
19th February, 2011 - Two or three otters seen from Lower Hide around 7.30 am.
20th February, 2011 - Seen from lower hide - pair of Wrens and Buzzards.
21st February, 2011 - 3 Red Hinds seen on Bottom Field around 7 am.
28th February, 2011 - It has certainly been a very wet month and lived up to it's name of February Filldyke!
14th February, 2011 - Terrible screeching heard outside near bird feeding station. On investigation saw a Sparrow Hawk attacking a Great Spotted Woodpecker! Shouted at them from upstairs window and Sparrow Hawk eventually let go - both flew off - hope Woodpecker was alright. Found a pile of what looked like Sparrow Hawk feathers so maybe it had bitten off more than it could chew this time!
19th February, 2011 - Two or three otters seen from Lower Hide around 7.30 am.
20th February, 2011 - Seen from lower hide - pair of Wrens and Buzzards.
21st February, 2011 - 3 Red Hinds seen on Bottom Field around 7 am.
28th February, 2011 - It has certainly been a very wet month and lived up to it's name of February Filldyke!
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Barn Owl Sighting
Saturday 28th January, 2011
Barn Owl sighted flying out of our barn - wonder if they are thinking of nesting again - if so, I hope they manage to raise their young this time.
Last two days have been glorious with blue skies and wonderful sunsets although it's been cold and the water has frozen up again in the farm buildings. The starlings have been a wonderful sight coming in to roost and the nights are beginning to draw out.
Our hens are beginning to lay very well with beautiful eggs and our new Cockerel, Rocky II, has settled in well with my girls. He is a magnificent bird. They are so funny to watch roaming round in our orchard where the Snowdrops are just beginning to come out. Spring is on its way at last after the hard winter we have just had.
Barn Owl sighted flying out of our barn - wonder if they are thinking of nesting again - if so, I hope they manage to raise their young this time.
Last two days have been glorious with blue skies and wonderful sunsets although it's been cold and the water has frozen up again in the farm buildings. The starlings have been a wonderful sight coming in to roost and the nights are beginning to draw out.
Our hens are beginning to lay very well with beautiful eggs and our new Cockerel, Rocky II, has settled in well with my girls. He is a magnificent bird. They are so funny to watch roaming round in our orchard where the Snowdrops are just beginning to come out. Spring is on its way at last after the hard winter we have just had.
Friday, 7 January 2011
AUGUST 2010
Hedgehog poo found on caravan site - nice to think they are down there somewhere.
Sadly the Barn Owls didn't make it again - hopefully they will nest again and it will be 3rd time lucky.
SEPTEMBER 2010
Kingfisher seen with fish in its bill at Public Hide.
OCTOBER 2010
Stags rutting already and making a great deal of noise lasting well into the night - pawing marks seen in the fields. Early Oct. Red Deer Stags seen in fields at 7.30 a.m.
Bearded Tits seen on Grit Trays on main causeway - deer still rutting at end Oct.
Great Spotted Woodpecker seen on feeding stn. outside dining room window also long tailed tits.
NOVEMBER 2010
Heron seen catching a large fish at Lower hide.
Autumn colours spectacular this Autumn due to the warm weather in June I expect.
Waxwings seen on edge of Golf course near to Leighton Moss.
The Starling Roosts have been spectacular this year with their aerobatic displays being captivating to watch. Also sighted a Sparrowhawk in flight after an early supper!
End of November we encountered our first snowfall and the weather turned very cold.
DECEMBER 2010
Weather continued very cold with more snow - problems on the farm with frozen pipes and bursts. Not pleasant working in sub-zero temperatures all day. Having to ration central heating oil as don't know if we will be able to get a delivery before Christmas! Luckily it came the day before Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day - no water outside - only water in farmhouse cellar - all water to be carried outside to water livestock.
Late Dec. a pair of Jays seen visiting the bird feeder. What beautiful birds.
JANUARY 2011
Here we are at the start of another New Year. The Wood Peckers are already drumming in the woods. I saw my first Goldfinch on the feeder that I have seen for many months feasting on the niger seeds. The Snowdrops are through in the orchard and it's been snowing again but it has not stuck.
Well, I'm up to date now and ready to welcome the happenings of nature that this New Year has to offer although I hope we have seen the end to the snow!
Hedgehog poo found on caravan site - nice to think they are down there somewhere.
Sadly the Barn Owls didn't make it again - hopefully they will nest again and it will be 3rd time lucky.
SEPTEMBER 2010
Kingfisher seen with fish in its bill at Public Hide.
OCTOBER 2010
Stags rutting already and making a great deal of noise lasting well into the night - pawing marks seen in the fields. Early Oct. Red Deer Stags seen in fields at 7.30 a.m.
Bearded Tits seen on Grit Trays on main causeway - deer still rutting at end Oct.
Great Spotted Woodpecker seen on feeding stn. outside dining room window also long tailed tits.
NOVEMBER 2010
Heron seen catching a large fish at Lower hide.
Autumn colours spectacular this Autumn due to the warm weather in June I expect.
Waxwings seen on edge of Golf course near to Leighton Moss.
The Starling Roosts have been spectacular this year with their aerobatic displays being captivating to watch. Also sighted a Sparrowhawk in flight after an early supper!
End of November we encountered our first snowfall and the weather turned very cold.
DECEMBER 2010
Weather continued very cold with more snow - problems on the farm with frozen pipes and bursts. Not pleasant working in sub-zero temperatures all day. Having to ration central heating oil as don't know if we will be able to get a delivery before Christmas! Luckily it came the day before Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day - no water outside - only water in farmhouse cellar - all water to be carried outside to water livestock.
Late Dec. a pair of Jays seen visiting the bird feeder. What beautiful birds.
JANUARY 2011
Here we are at the start of another New Year. The Wood Peckers are already drumming in the woods. I saw my first Goldfinch on the feeder that I have seen for many months feasting on the niger seeds. The Snowdrops are through in the orchard and it's been snowing again but it has not stuck.
Well, I'm up to date now and ready to welcome the happenings of nature that this New Year has to offer although I hope we have seen the end to the snow!
PLAYING CATCH UP AGAIN!
Rest of June 2010 Sightings
Five Little Egret seen from Lower Hide at Dusk. Woodcock seen on edge of Reserve, just below Farm.
Peregrine showing well at Warton Crag.
Red-Hellibourine close to flowering on Arnside Knot.
Commom Shrew noted at Gait Barrows.
Three Otter seen playing in the water at dusk near Lower hide.
Red Stag seen below the farmhouse in field down to the Moss.
Many froglets seen on the path and young Coots on the mere.
The weather has been hot and sunny this month and the farm needs rain as everywhere is looking burnt.
JULY 2010
6th July - Lower hide 7.30 a.m. - 2 Otter seen swimming and playing in front of hide. Also Marsh Harriers present.
Gait Barrows NNR - High Brown Fritillaries seen flying, Grayling, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Blue tailed Damselfly and Common Darter.
Warton Crag - Adult female Peregrine and 2 fledged young seen.
7th July - Beautiful Red hind seen drinking in the Moss up to its belly in water - seen from main dyke bridge - not many water holes in woods as these will be dried up due to the hot weather and lack of rainfall.
24th July - Osprey seen on dead tree on Moss eating fish.
28th July Rocky the baby Rooster arrived to look after my girls.
Young stoat seen on causeway in early afternoon. Evening - otter seen fishing on far side of pool at Lower Hide plus roost of 15+ egrets in large dead tree seen from Lower Hide.
29th July - Osprey seen flying over Moss and several deer seen grazing in field alongside path to Lower hide in the early evening.
30th July - FOX STRIKE in the Hen enclosure - 8 of my lovely girls killed including my favourite hen Maria. Mr. or Mrs. Fox had pushed in under the gate like a limbo dancer to do their worst.
The carnage was heartbreaking and the survivors were absolutely traumatised. My poor girls.
Rest of June 2010 Sightings
Five Little Egret seen from Lower Hide at Dusk. Woodcock seen on edge of Reserve, just below Farm.
Peregrine showing well at Warton Crag.
Red-Hellibourine close to flowering on Arnside Knot.
Commom Shrew noted at Gait Barrows.
Three Otter seen playing in the water at dusk near Lower hide.
Red Stag seen below the farmhouse in field down to the Moss.
Many froglets seen on the path and young Coots on the mere.
The weather has been hot and sunny this month and the farm needs rain as everywhere is looking burnt.
JULY 2010
6th July - Lower hide 7.30 a.m. - 2 Otter seen swimming and playing in front of hide. Also Marsh Harriers present.
Gait Barrows NNR - High Brown Fritillaries seen flying, Grayling, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Blue tailed Damselfly and Common Darter.
Warton Crag - Adult female Peregrine and 2 fledged young seen.
7th July - Beautiful Red hind seen drinking in the Moss up to its belly in water - seen from main dyke bridge - not many water holes in woods as these will be dried up due to the hot weather and lack of rainfall.
24th July - Osprey seen on dead tree on Moss eating fish.
28th July Rocky the baby Rooster arrived to look after my girls.
Young stoat seen on causeway in early afternoon. Evening - otter seen fishing on far side of pool at Lower Hide plus roost of 15+ egrets in large dead tree seen from Lower Hide.
29th July - Osprey seen flying over Moss and several deer seen grazing in field alongside path to Lower hide in the early evening.
30th July - FOX STRIKE in the Hen enclosure - 8 of my lovely girls killed including my favourite hen Maria. Mr. or Mrs. Fox had pushed in under the gate like a limbo dancer to do their worst.
The carnage was heartbreaking and the survivors were absolutely traumatised. My poor girls.
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