Avocet on the shore pools in March

Leighton Moss RSPB reserve in Silverdale attracts over 100,000 birdwatching visitors a year, attracted by the wealth of birdlife inhabiting the reedbeds, freshwater lagoons and surrounding woodland habitats.

Whilst the reserve provides excellent facilities at the Visitor Centre with information, shop and tea room, it is possible to see a great variety of birdlife all around the AONB.

Morecambe Bay is the largest expanse of inter-tidal mudflat in the UK and provides a vital feeding area for many waders and wildfowl species, such as Oystercatcher, Redshank, Curlew and Shelduck. Hundreds of thousands of birds, such as Knot, Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwit, pass through the Bay in winter and long-distance migrations every year, when they rely upon tiny shell-fish of the inter-tidal muds to maintain their tremendous journeys and reach Arctic breeding grounds in good condition.

The best times to see waders is when the incoming tides push them close into the shore and they can be viewed from places such as the RSPB Eric Morecambe and Allen Pool shore hides, from Jenny Brown's Point, Silverdale shore and the Kent estuary from Arnside.

Birds of prey indicate a healthy food-chain and healthy environment, and many can be seen in the AONB. Buzzard are commonly seen and heard over many of the AONB woodlands, along with dashing Sparrowhawk and hovering Kestrel. Peregrine are resident all year round, nesting at Warton Crag Local Nature Reserve and can often be seen chasing flocks of waders out in the Bay.

In springtime, Marsh Harrier arrive to display-flight over the reedbeds at Leighton Moss and Hawes Water and passing migrant Osprey may also be seen where ever there may be fish to catch.

The reedbeds at Leighton Moss is a special home for unusal birds such as Bittern and Bearded Tit, where they can be elusive, but the lucky and patient visitor can be rewarded with great views. 

In the winter months, an amazing sight around sunset time are the tremendous flocks, or 'murmurations' of starlings that swoop and swirl around above the reedbed prior to vanishing into the reeds to roost for the night. As well as being a spectacle - the sound of many thousands of wings beating in unison can add drama and impact to this regular evening show.

For further information on birds and recent sighting, have a look at the website of the Lancaster & District Birdwatching Society.