A SECRETIVE breed of bird has
started to come out of hiding at the RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve in
Silverdale.
Bearded reedlings, also known as
bearded tits, are uncommon but are thriving in the largest reedbed in North
West England.
Earlier this year, following
stormy weather that flooded the reserve, it was feared the bearded reedling
population may have declined.
However, through ringing studies,
where young birds have colour coded leg rings fitted, staff at the nature
reserve have found that it has been another good year for these secretive
birds.
Kevin Kelly, Visitor Operations
Manager at RSPB Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay nature reserve said: “We have
caught or seen nine adult males and ten adult females so far this summer. We
have also fitted colour rings to 22 baby birds and nine other young bearded
tits.
"This shows that there have
been plenty of successful breeding attempts despite the challenging weather
conditions last winter.”
He added: “Autumn is the best
time of year to come and see these iconic reedbed residents, as they venture
out onto special grit trays. We put the trays out for them to stock up on grit
which helps them digest reed seeds - their main food source during the cold
winter months.”
Visitors can look for bearded
reedlings at Leighton Moss any day in October but for the best chance to see
these rare birds feeding on the grit trays, take a walk down the Causeway
between 9.30am and 12pm.
For more information on other
wildlife and events at Leighton Moss, visit www.rspb.org.uk/leightonmoss.
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