I arrived at Leighton Moss at 8.00am and made my way to the public hide, it was still dark due to the low cloud so photographing anything was going to be problematic. As I waited for the promised sun to arrive a kingfisher passed in front of the hide and disappeared into the reedbed to my right.

In the distance out of the gloom two Marsh Harriers appeared on the left hand side of the hide heading for the main reserve. As they passed I took some record shots.

The shots are very grainy

Suddenly two Otters appeared in the middle of the lake on the far side of the small island

I have tried several times to photograph Otters at Leighton Moss and never been successful, nothing has changed really.

They are too far away, grainy and have no detail to be anything else but record shots, (bad ones that is).

I watched the two Otters rolling and slashing around before climbing out onto the bank and play fighting before disappearing into the reedbeds.

 By now it was 9.30am time for the Beaded Tits.

It’s always a challenge due to the suns position and the back drop of the reedbeds being too close to the subject.

After a few shots I left for the Allen and Eric Morecambe hides on the salt marsh, hopefully my luck will change and I will get some shots.

However by this time the wind, as per weather forecast was very strong making taking any good photographs impossible so it’s back to main reserve and try the feeding station for the Marsh Tits.

Plenty of coal Tits around the feeding station providing some good images

Eventually the Marsh Tits turned up and I was able to get some shots.

Sometimes thing go Tits up in a good way.

RSPB Leighton Moss Info:

Leighton Moss is the largest reedbed in north-west England, and home to some really special birds such as breeding bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers. You might see deer too, not to mention butterflies aplenty!

Choose from a selection of trails and hides, most of which are suitable for wheelchairs, and get right to the heart of the reedbed. Or take the nature trail alongside two coastal lagoons to see lots of wading and water birds (ask in the visitor centre for more details).

Children will love finding out more about the reserve from the displays in the visitor centre and you can also enjoy a home-made meal and a drink in the tea room.

Opening Times

The reserve and visitor centre are open daily all year round (except 25 December). The reserve is open from dawn to dusk and the visitor centre from 9.30 am to 5 pm (to 4.30 pm during December and January)

Entrance Charges

Free to the visitor centre and cafe. Admission to hides and nature trails: £5 adults, £3 concessions, £1 children, £10 family. Free to RSPB members and those who come by public transport or on bike!