...
As we approached Leighton Moss RSPB reserve
(
for a map of the area), we passed the sign leading to the Leighton Moss
estate, to find that they were having a falconry exhibition and flying
display in an hour. This estate has the largest collection of birds of
prey in northern England, and is open Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from
May through September. We decided to take a quick tour of the house (see
title photo above) and then waited for the falcons... The two falconers
gave us an excellent display of the flying styles of several birds, including
having the Harris's Hawk fly directly above the heads (about 1 foot away)
of the seated audience. The downdraft from the wings was pretty powerful! |
Barn Owl |
Kestrel |
Harris's Hawk |
| After the flying exhibition, we wandered back to the mews, to view the other falcons on display. Here are some pictures of a few of them. No ticks for these birds (unfortunately)! |
Common Buzzard |
Any ideas???? |
Common Kestrel |
Eurasian Eagle-Owl |
Saker Falcon |
Wahlberg's Eagle |
| We then proceeded to Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve itself, where we spent a few hours scoping out the marsh from the nature centre and visiting one of the closer hides (they have six). Although we didn't manage to see or hear one, the reedbeds of Leighton Moss are one of the last strongholds of the Bittern in England. |
 |
With the assistance of some very helpful birders, we managed to find Reed Warbler, Reed Buntings, and Bearded Tit (Parrotfinch) in the reeds as well as a wide variety of waterfowl and our first Marsh Harrier of the trip. These two friendly robins in the parking lot encouraged some picture taking! Then, on to Rutland Water. |  |
Back to Loch
Garten and the Abernethy Forest, Scotland
|