Our next presentation will be held on Friday 10th April 2026 in the Derby Room of Leigh Library.
Please see details above.
Pennington Flash Volunteers Update
Pennington Flash Volunteer Group, part of Leigh Ornithological Society were out in force on Wednesday planting the recently delivered whips of Blackthorn and Hawthorn. The whips are being placed along the dead hedging creating greater protection for local wildlife. With the breeding season just around the corner and Spring Holidays for schools it is important that we look after the nature on our local reserve.
L.O.S. Forthcoming Events - April 2026
Information regarding import dates for Leigh Ornithological Society for the month of April 2026
L.O.S. Fieldtrip to YWT Potteric Carr - Saturday 21st March 2026
We Will Be Back!
The March field trip took us once again across the Pennines into darkest Yorkshire, this time to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve Potteric Carr on the outskirts of Doncaster. With the reserve being new to the Society, the day would be one of exploration. As we headed across the Pennines we were greeted by thick fog, this dropped the temperature by 5C and would remain until lunchtime. Six hardy souls met on the car park at 9:30am as the reserve opened, Robin, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Greenfinch and Goldfinch provided the songs as we laced our boots in readiness for the day. We left the car park for the short walk to the Visitors Centre and café where we were greeted by two members of the Yorkshire Wildlife team. After a quick pit stop, with map in hand we headed into the reserve with fifteen hides, a similar number of waters and five miles of trail to explore.
Continuing along the Dragonfly Trail we soon came across our first hide named Cottage Drain, as we approached the hide a Buzzard gave great views as it passed over just above the tree tops. The hide at the point of a triangular water, exposed recently cleared bank sides with a reedbed approximately eighty yards in front. To our right a Wren was actively entering the base of a tree, probably its nest, in front a single Little Egret was fishing whilst the wildfowl consisted of ten Pochard, three Shoveler, a few Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Teal along with a pair of Lapwing. As we exited the hide a noisy pair of Greylag Geese passed over before we continued along the Dragonfly Trail towards the Pumphouse.
At the Pumphouse we crossed the Mother Drain, a water channel that runs the length of the reserve and beyond, this revealed several Chub under the railway which passed above. A sharp right turn brought us onto the tree lined Wetland Walk with railway to our right and an expanse of reed-lined waters to our left. We soon arrived at a hide named Duchess that overlooks Huxter Well Marsh, here we added Cormorant to the list, sat on its nest in the distance with a Little Egret in the same tree. In the reeds in front a Reed Bunting was also added as several Long-tailed Tits zipped about.
The fog had now lifted as we made our way to the next hide, Hawthorn Bank, along the same path bit overlooking a different but similar size water also in Huxter Well Marsh. Here we added Canada Goose, Great Crested Grebe and twelve Snipe spread over two islands along with Cormorant and a smattering of mixed wildfowl including several Shoveler. As there were several people in the hide, we continued to St Catherine’s hide located at the point of the same lake, here we took lunch whilst watching a Little Grebe fishing in front of the hide. Two Great Crested Grebes began displaying near the reedbed on the far side of the water but soon made their way across to the front of the hide seemingly to move the Little Grebe. A female Marsh Harrier then came into view hunting the far side reedbeds, waking all that previously slept below, a welcome addition to the days tally along with a Kingfisher that flew from the front of us, obviously hidden out of view whilst we ate our lunch.
As time was pressing, we continued to the next hide, Tofield, on the way the song of a Chiffchaff was heard from a bird high in the trees. This hide gave better views of the Cormorant stood on its nest with the Little Egret still perched below. Shelduck were added to the list as a pair preened in the water in front of the hide along with another fishing Little Grebe and several Pochard. We moved on to Roger Mitchell hide, the hide were the recently recorded Black-necked Grebes had been seen but unfortunately, we were out of luck as the same cast of characters were present. A move along to West Scrape hide didn’t produce anything new so we moved to the sight screen overlooking East Scrape, this was an overgrown area that soon produced the female Marsh Harrier hunting in front of us. The squeal of a Water Rail would be the last addition to the tally as we were at the furthest point of the reserve with only an hour or so before closing and several other hides to pass. We called in at Piper Marsh hide on our way back to reception, another pair of Lapwing the only birds of note.
We only managed to cover eight of the fourteen hides as the reserve closed at 4pm, the time is extended once the clocks go forward.
This is a reserve full of reedbeds with at least three Bitterns known to be on site along with Bearded Reedlings, unfortunately the luck was not with us today but we will be back and next time once the clocks have gone forward.
51 bird species, a Roe Deer and Grey Squirrel were seen during the day, an excellent total for a reserve bordered by railway and motorway.
The March field trip took us once again across the Pennines into darkest Yorkshire, this time to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve Potteric Carr on the outskirts of Doncaster. With the reserve being new to the Society, the day would be one of exploration. As we headed across the Pennines we were greeted by thick fog, this dropped the temperature by 5C and would remain until lunchtime. Six hardy souls met on the car park at 9:30am as the reserve opened, Robin, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Greenfinch and Goldfinch provided the songs as we laced our boots in readiness for the day. We left the car park for the short walk to the Visitors Centre and café where we were greeted by two members of the Yorkshire Wildlife team. After a quick pit stop, with map in hand we headed into the reserve with fifteen hides, a similar number of waters and five miles of trail to explore.
We exited the Visitor Centre onto a large decking area overlooking the first reed-lined water, here Coot, Cetti’s Warbler and Little Grebe were added to the list before we headed right, into the Discovery Zone to follow a winding trail through mature forest. Here we added several woodland birds including Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest and Chaffinch with Wren, Long-tailed Tit and Redwing added before we exited the Discovery Zone onto the Dragonfly Trail. Extensive work had recently taken place clearing the view to a slender stretch of water surrounded by trees to our left and a wet meadow, Loversall Carr, to our right. Several small passerines were flitting about the tree tops; these were quickly identified as Lesser Redpolls and a Coal Tit with a pair of Mallard on the wet meadow.
Continuing along the Dragonfly Trail we soon came across our first hide named Cottage Drain, as we approached the hide a Buzzard gave great views as it passed over just above the tree tops. The hide at the point of a triangular water, exposed recently cleared bank sides with a reedbed approximately eighty yards in front. To our right a Wren was actively entering the base of a tree, probably its nest, in front a single Little Egret was fishing whilst the wildfowl consisted of ten Pochard, three Shoveler, a few Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Teal along with a pair of Lapwing. As we exited the hide a noisy pair of Greylag Geese passed over before we continued along the Dragonfly Trail towards the Pumphouse.
At the Pumphouse we crossed the Mother Drain, a water channel that runs the length of the reserve and beyond, this revealed several Chub under the railway which passed above. A sharp right turn brought us onto the tree lined Wetland Walk with railway to our right and an expanse of reed-lined waters to our left. We soon arrived at a hide named Duchess that overlooks Huxter Well Marsh, here we added Cormorant to the list, sat on its nest in the distance with a Little Egret in the same tree. In the reeds in front a Reed Bunting was also added as several Long-tailed Tits zipped about.
The fog had now lifted as we made our way to the next hide, Hawthorn Bank, along the same path bit overlooking a different but similar size water also in Huxter Well Marsh. Here we added Canada Goose, Great Crested Grebe and twelve Snipe spread over two islands along with Cormorant and a smattering of mixed wildfowl including several Shoveler. As there were several people in the hide, we continued to St Catherine’s hide located at the point of the same lake, here we took lunch whilst watching a Little Grebe fishing in front of the hide. Two Great Crested Grebes began displaying near the reedbed on the far side of the water but soon made their way across to the front of the hide seemingly to move the Little Grebe. A female Marsh Harrier then came into view hunting the far side reedbeds, waking all that previously slept below, a welcome addition to the days tally along with a Kingfisher that flew from the front of us, obviously hidden out of view whilst we ate our lunch.
As time was pressing, we continued to the next hide, Tofield, on the way the song of a Chiffchaff was heard from a bird high in the trees. This hide gave better views of the Cormorant stood on its nest with the Little Egret still perched below. Shelduck were added to the list as a pair preened in the water in front of the hide along with another fishing Little Grebe and several Pochard. We moved on to Roger Mitchell hide, the hide were the recently recorded Black-necked Grebes had been seen but unfortunately, we were out of luck as the same cast of characters were present. A move along to West Scrape hide didn’t produce anything new so we moved to the sight screen overlooking East Scrape, this was an overgrown area that soon produced the female Marsh Harrier hunting in front of us. The squeal of a Water Rail would be the last addition to the tally as we were at the furthest point of the reserve with only an hour or so before closing and several other hides to pass. We called in at Piper Marsh hide on our way back to reception, another pair of Lapwing the only birds of note.
We only managed to cover eight of the fourteen hides as the reserve closed at 4pm, the time is extended once the clocks go forward.
This is a reserve full of reedbeds with at least three Bitterns known to be on site along with Bearded Reedlings, unfortunately the luck was not with us today but we will be back and next time once the clocks have gone forward.
51 bird species, a Roe Deer and Grey Squirrel were seen during the day, an excellent total for a reserve bordered by railway and motorway.
I hope to see you on the next field trip.
Keith Williams
Keith Williams
L.O.S. Fieldtrips Officer
L.O.S. Winter Trip to Norfolk - 2026
Eighteen members of Leigh Ornithological Society recently travelled to Norfolk for the annual Winter Field Trip. A four-day birdwatching tour included a visit to Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire as part of the itinerary. Day One took us to Barton Broad. The Norfolk Broads cover a protected area of 117 square miles, featuring over twelve miles of navigable waterways. There are sixty-three shallow water bodies known as “Broads” Barton Broad being one of the largest. The Norfolk Broads are home to seven significant rivers.
One of the highlights of the Field Trip was finding the Eastern Black Redstart on Day 2 of the trip on the sea front at Sheringham. Later in the day a Slavonian Grebe was present at RSPB Titchwell Marsh. Our group were unable to complete the first visit for Day 3 due to the collapse of the car park at Winterton on Sea due to coastal erosion and poor weather at the time of our visit instead, a short stop at Sea Palling before continuing to NWT Hickling Broad and a sighting of a single Crane. Two members of the group visited Waxham Beach, where they observed grey seals relaxing on the sandy shore.
Own arrangements were made for the return journey home, a group from the party added Ferruginous Duck to bring the total number of sightings for the trip to 114 species.
L.O.S. Fieldtrip to RSPB Marshside and Hesketh Out Marsh - 28th February 2026
Two Days in One!
With a couple of scarcities being recorded near Southport Marine Lake in recent days, we set off slightly earlier than normal to chance our arm on gaining views before meeting the group on the RSPB Marshside car park. However, prior to getting to Southport, it would be inexcusable to bypass the Gravel Lane Little Owls, so this would be our first port of call. A dank morning greeted us with low cloud and the threat of rain as we reached Gravel Lane, the Owls must have also realised this and stayed in bed as they were nowhere to be seen. Disappointed, but that is birding, we continued down Marine Drive and parked up behind KFC as one of our targets the Twite is regularly recorded on the marsh across from the KFC and in the nearby boat club grounds.
As we exited the car the rain commenced and with no initial sign of the Twite it was decided to scan the Marine Lake as the previous day a Snow Goose had been recorded roosting with a “gaggle” of Greylag Geese. Initially there was no sign of the Snow Goose or the Greylags but the Greylags soon began to appear from behind the southern most of the two islands. Not far behind a white goose appeared that was quickly confirmed as the Snow Goose, so one of the three targets ticked off. Other species added to start the days list included Reed Bunting, unfazed close Pink-footed Geese and a distant Marsh Harrier.
As the rain continued, we headed to the car park and waited for our fellow birdwatchers for the day, they soon arrived and after the usual debacle of getting a car park ticket we headed to Sandgrounder’s Hide to shelter from the rain but not before Sparrowhawk, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Little Egret were added to the list from the car park. The pool at the side of Sandgrounder’s Hide produced Tufted Duck, Teal, Oystercatcher and Cormorant but it was soon mentioned a good choice would be to scan the reserve from the dry of the hide, this was unanimously agreed and we moved the short distance into the relative comfort of the hide. A scan through the thousands of birds produced many Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank and a “congregation” of Golden Plover that soon became a “wing” as the nervous flocks lifted. As the birds circled three Dunlin were also picked out. Additional wildfowl contingent consisted of Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Wigeon, Pintail and Shelduck.
A scan of the posts around the reserve produced a female Kestrel, sat seemingly enjoying the rain. A call that a pipit had been seen to the left of the hide soon had binoculars scanning as the previous day a Water Pipit had been recorded in that area, though initially illusive the Water Pipit was picked up, an excellent day tick, that soon emerged from the grasses as it continued to feed near several Canada Geese. News soon got out and the hide filled with many arriving getting great views of the little gem in the Anthus family. The birds lifted again, including the Water Pipit, this time the tormentor was seen in the shape of a female Sparrowhawk as she made her way across the reserve to perch on a post to the right of the hide. A fellow birder put the group onto a single Common Snipe that had melted into the grasses on the island that the Water Pipit touched down on though the pipit was not seen again whilst we were there.
The weather apps showed a ten-minute break in the relentless rain so the opportunity was taken to head to Nel’s Hide with brief scans taken at Junction Pool Viewpoint and Halfway Viewpoint. Two Great Black-backed Gulls sat on the flooded reserve in front of Nel’s Hide showing the sheer size of the world’s largest Gull as a Lesser Black-backed rested alongside for comparison. The seemingly ever-present Buzzard was sat in its usual perch on a post down the right-hand fence line. Whilst watching the Buzzard another raptor came into view, this being a female Merlin that was tracked across the reserve before disappearing into the trees opposite. Five raptors in a couple of hours, not a bad start to the day even if it was raining. The rain started to lighten a little so we headed back towards the car park for lunch, the stroll revealed a Grey Heron, with a Pochard seen by a couple of the group who had remained at Sandgrounder’s Hide taking the days tally to well over the fifty mark.
Post lunch, the rain abated so we took the short stroll to the north side of the Sandworks and the viewpoint over the marsh. An initial scan with the binoculars revealed many Skylarks throughout the marsh gliding a foot or so above the grasses. It took a while but eventually a pair of Stonechat were located, along with a Reed Bunting and several Linnets. A quick check of the Birdguides App showed the long staying Smew was in front of the Junction Pool Viewpoint. The group was informed and we quickly headed to the screen located opposite the car park. An initial scan did not produce the bird but the now cloudless sky made all the bird’s black silhouettes as the sun is located in front of the viewpoint. A decision was made to head to the Halfway Viewpoint and look back towards the Junction Pool thus moving the suns position to our right-hand side. This turned out to be a great move as all the birds could be seen in full colour but still no Smew, then right on cue it flew in landing in a “rafting” of Tufted Duck in front of the Junction Pool Viewpoint. The Smew, a first winter male was in full sun albeit further away than we’d have liked, a move back to the Junction Pool Viewpoint to gain a better view, another great addition to the list, could the day get better.
As we returned to the old bus stop platform, a distant white bird was spotted along the hedge line towards the east side of the reserve. The telltale flight of a Barn Owl was heading our way; we sat on the grass bank to remove our silhouette and hopefully bring the owl closer. This worked a treat as it scoured the hedgerows and made its way towards us giving excellent views and photograph opportunities. From the raised area of the platform, you have views across the car park looking towards the east side of the reserve, this lofty look out gave us great views of a second ringtail Hen Harrier (or possibly the same one as earlier) and a third Merlin, this time a spectacular male. As the temperature was dropping and the sun lowering in the blue winter sky, it was time to call it a day but not before Tree Sparrow was added to the list as we neared the car park.
71 species, a Roe Deer and a Brown Hare were seen during the day, I think you’ll agree an excellent total for a day out in February, wet and miserable in the morning with brilliant sunshine throughout the afternoon.
I hope to see you on the next field trip.
Keith Williams
With a couple of scarcities being recorded near Southport Marine Lake in recent days, we set off slightly earlier than normal to chance our arm on gaining views before meeting the group on the RSPB Marshside car park. However, prior to getting to Southport, it would be inexcusable to bypass the Gravel Lane Little Owls, so this would be our first port of call. A dank morning greeted us with low cloud and the threat of rain as we reached Gravel Lane, the Owls must have also realised this and stayed in bed as they were nowhere to be seen. Disappointed, but that is birding, we continued down Marine Drive and parked up behind KFC as one of our targets the Twite is regularly recorded on the marsh across from the KFC and in the nearby boat club grounds.
As we exited the car the rain commenced and with no initial sign of the Twite it was decided to scan the Marine Lake as the previous day a Snow Goose had been recorded roosting with a “gaggle” of Greylag Geese. Initially there was no sign of the Snow Goose or the Greylags but the Greylags soon began to appear from behind the southern most of the two islands. Not far behind a white goose appeared that was quickly confirmed as the Snow Goose, so one of the three targets ticked off. Other species added to start the days list included Reed Bunting, unfazed close Pink-footed Geese and a distant Marsh Harrier.
As the rain continued, we headed to the car park and waited for our fellow birdwatchers for the day, they soon arrived and after the usual debacle of getting a car park ticket we headed to Sandgrounder’s Hide to shelter from the rain but not before Sparrowhawk, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Little Egret were added to the list from the car park. The pool at the side of Sandgrounder’s Hide produced Tufted Duck, Teal, Oystercatcher and Cormorant but it was soon mentioned a good choice would be to scan the reserve from the dry of the hide, this was unanimously agreed and we moved the short distance into the relative comfort of the hide. A scan through the thousands of birds produced many Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank and a “congregation” of Golden Plover that soon became a “wing” as the nervous flocks lifted. As the birds circled three Dunlin were also picked out. Additional wildfowl contingent consisted of Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Wigeon, Pintail and Shelduck.
A scan of the posts around the reserve produced a female Kestrel, sat seemingly enjoying the rain. A call that a pipit had been seen to the left of the hide soon had binoculars scanning as the previous day a Water Pipit had been recorded in that area, though initially illusive the Water Pipit was picked up, an excellent day tick, that soon emerged from the grasses as it continued to feed near several Canada Geese. News soon got out and the hide filled with many arriving getting great views of the little gem in the Anthus family. The birds lifted again, including the Water Pipit, this time the tormentor was seen in the shape of a female Sparrowhawk as she made her way across the reserve to perch on a post to the right of the hide. A fellow birder put the group onto a single Common Snipe that had melted into the grasses on the island that the Water Pipit touched down on though the pipit was not seen again whilst we were there.
The weather apps showed a ten-minute break in the relentless rain so the opportunity was taken to head to Nel’s Hide with brief scans taken at Junction Pool Viewpoint and Halfway Viewpoint. Two Great Black-backed Gulls sat on the flooded reserve in front of Nel’s Hide showing the sheer size of the world’s largest Gull as a Lesser Black-backed rested alongside for comparison. The seemingly ever-present Buzzard was sat in its usual perch on a post down the right-hand fence line. Whilst watching the Buzzard another raptor came into view, this being a female Merlin that was tracked across the reserve before disappearing into the trees opposite. Five raptors in a couple of hours, not a bad start to the day even if it was raining. The rain started to lighten a little so we headed back towards the car park for lunch, the stroll revealed a Grey Heron, with a Pochard seen by a couple of the group who had remained at Sandgrounder’s Hide taking the days tally to well over the fifty mark.
Post lunch, the rain abated so we took the short stroll to the north side of the Sandworks and the viewpoint over the marsh. An initial scan with the binoculars revealed many Skylarks throughout the marsh gliding a foot or so above the grasses. It took a while but eventually a pair of Stonechat were located, along with a Reed Bunting and several Linnets. A quick check of the Birdguides App showed the long staying Smew was in front of the Junction Pool Viewpoint. The group was informed and we quickly headed to the screen located opposite the car park. An initial scan did not produce the bird but the now cloudless sky made all the bird’s black silhouettes as the sun is located in front of the viewpoint. A decision was made to head to the Halfway Viewpoint and look back towards the Junction Pool thus moving the suns position to our right-hand side. This turned out to be a great move as all the birds could be seen in full colour but still no Smew, then right on cue it flew in landing in a “rafting” of Tufted Duck in front of the Junction Pool Viewpoint. The Smew, a first winter male was in full sun albeit further away than we’d have liked, a move back to the Junction Pool Viewpoint to gain a better view, another great addition to the list, could the day get better.
Time was now pressing so the decision was taken to head to Hesketh Out Marsh but not without first calling in at Gravel Lane to see if the Little Owls had awakened. On reaching the view to the barn a Little Owl could be seen on sentry duty albeit with the sun behind, another great tick for the day. We continued our journey to Hesketh Out Marsh passing two herds of Whooper Swans on the way, on parking up we headed firstly to the east side of the reserve.
A second Merlin of the day was spotted flying low across the reserve before landing on one of the many distant fence posts. Spotted Redshank and Little Grebe were the only new additions as we headed back past the car park and onto the west side of the reserve. On reaching the old bus stop platform the group scanned the marsh looking for new additions, the first of which was a pair of Curlew. A scan of the rear fields as we walked the old sea wall produced a Brown Hare and more herds of Whooper Swans, as we neared the far end a Great White Egret appeared on the reserve, the only one of the day. A little further on a hunting ringtail Hen Harrier gave great views albeit into the bright sun.
As we returned to the old bus stop platform, a distant white bird was spotted along the hedge line towards the east side of the reserve. The telltale flight of a Barn Owl was heading our way; we sat on the grass bank to remove our silhouette and hopefully bring the owl closer. This worked a treat as it scoured the hedgerows and made its way towards us giving excellent views and photograph opportunities. From the raised area of the platform, you have views across the car park looking towards the east side of the reserve, this lofty look out gave us great views of a second ringtail Hen Harrier (or possibly the same one as earlier) and a third Merlin, this time a spectacular male. As the temperature was dropping and the sun lowering in the blue winter sky, it was time to call it a day but not before Tree Sparrow was added to the list as we neared the car park.
71 species, a Roe Deer and a Brown Hare were seen during the day, I think you’ll agree an excellent total for a day out in February, wet and miserable in the morning with brilliant sunshine throughout the afternoon.
I hope to see you on the next field trip.
Keith Williams
L.O.S. Fieldtrips Officer
Eric Munro - Long time committee member of the L.O.S.
Eric was a keen cyclist, walker, and of course ornithologist. He was on the committee for many years and many of you would have had your newsletters delivered by him as he saw this as an opportunity for keeping fit upon his retirement.
Being and active member of Leigh Ornithological Society, Eric took part in many Field Trips and especially enjoyed our Winter Field Trips to Scotland and Norfolk.
We extend our sympathy to Eric's family and his many friends.
L.O.S. Forthcoming Events - March 2026
Information for our presentation and Field Trip for March 2026.
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Doris Critchley - Stalwart member of the L.O.S.
Jack and Doris moved to Wales to be near their daughter and after Jack’s death Doris moved back to Leigh so she could enjoy her “shows” she loved theatre and words and was a member of the Leigh and Atherton Writers; she penned many poems and short stories, we are very sad at her passing but remember her with pride as a long term and honorary member, a wonderful lady and a true friend to all.
She will be missed deeply by all L.O.S. Members. Condolences to Doris's family at this time.