Paul Trowell - The Birds of the Arnside and Silverdale Natural Landscape
The Birds of the Arnside and Silverdale Natural Landscape
The Arnside and Silverdale Natural Landscape is famous for its stunning scenery and varied landscapes which contain a diverse variety of bird species, and other stunning wildlife. The area is famous for the RSPB Leighton Moss reserve, and the RSPB estuary hides at Crag Foot. It is not only these two famous reserves we need to discuss because a wide variety of bird species are also found throughout the varied habitats of the Natural Landscape, as well as the reserves of the Landscape Trust, Natural England and National Trust.
Estuary Hides or commonly known locally as the Eric Morecambe complex
This area consists of two lagoons constructed on the locally named “saltings”, or more commonly known throughout the UK as a salt marsh on the RSPB reserve. The hides on the sea wall are a prime spot to watch waders and an important site for many passage waders. In summer and autumn these can include Common and Green Sandpipers, Spotted Redshank, and often over 1,000 Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits. Lower numbers of Bar-tailed Godwits are often seen. The rare Pectoral Sandpiper has also been recorded not only at the estuary hides but at Leighton Moss as well. There is also a regular autumnal gathering of Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Greenshank and Dunlin.
One success story has been the ever-increasing numbers of breeding Avocets in the summer. Over the last few years Avocets eggs have been predated by Black-headed Gulls. These gulls breed in large numbers on the islands at the saltmarsh. In the summer of 2023, these gulls suffered badly from bird flu, which fortunately did not spread to the Avocets. Many hundreds of Black-headed Gulls died and many others were sick. Due to the lower numbers of breeding gulls the Avocet eggs were not predated to the same extent as in previous years, which enabled many Avocet chicks to survive the first for many years.
Ringing and particular TAG ringing in France has enabled a better understanding of the movement of these Avocets. A TAG is a thin strip of plastic which sticks out horizontally from the bird’s leg. This TAG has a short number on it which is easily read with binoculars or a scope. This avoids having to re-capture a bird to follow its migratory pattern. One Avocet has travelled from France 14 times to breed at this complex, and has become famous in French and North Lancashire ringing circles. It has also been recorded at many locations throughout the UK. The rare Mediterranean Gull bred in 1997 and is now seen more commonly at the site. Similarly TAG ringing of this species as well has enabled a better understanding of the movement of these birds.
Little Egrets and Great White Egrets are now common, especially in autumn when they can be seen by day feeding on the pools not only at this complex but also the dykes of the grazing marshes throughout the area. Spoonbills are also visiting the site more frequently. The saltmarsh to the rear of this area is a good place to see Greylag Geese, and over wintering Wigeon. A small number of Shelduck frequent the pools, and Lapwings are common on the edges and islands.
Leighton Moss RSPB main reserve
Lying close to the north-east corner of Morecambe Bay, this is one of the RSPB’s premier reserves. Its attractions include breeding Marsh Harriers and Bearded Tits. Bitterns are successfully breeding on the reserve and in the winter months their numbers are supplemented by migrants. This spring seven males have been booming and approximately six or seven pairs breed each year. A variety of wildfowl is found especially in the winter when several species of ducks are found including Teal, Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Pochard are present. The population of Gadwalls has increased in recent years together with visiting Goldeneye and Goosanders. Recently (winter/spring 2024) a pair of Lesser Scaup have be seen on the lower hide pool, with a flock of Tufted Duck. Lesser Scaup are a rare visitor from North America.
Bittern’s are difficult to see as is the Water Rail, but both become bolder if the pools freeze over. Water Pipits are occasionally found around the muddy edges, near Lilian’s hide, and in the winter Siskin and Lesser Redpoll feed on the alder trees towards the Lower hide. Snipe are common on the edges of the pools.
Bearded Tits can be found in the substantial reedbeds and have bred in the area for many years. They can be seen more easily when they come to the “grit trays”. The bird’s diet changes to seed during winter (due to a lack of insects). The Bearded Tits eat grit which allows them to grind down the hard seeds. In the summer the reedbeds are home to breeding Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers. In 2009 there was an influx of Cetti’s Warblers and this species has continued to thrive. These secretive birds are more often heard than seen as they often lie low in the reed and undergrowth. More commonly Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler are also seen with lower numbers of Reed Bunting.
At dusk up to 50 Little Egrets and Great White Egrets roost in the trees at the Island Mere which is viewable from the Public hide on the causeway. This island can be found on the Leighton Moss web site and brochure given to people visiting the site. It is not uncommon for Cattle Egrets to be seen in the area, but is rare at Leighton Moss. Other fish eaters such as Herons and Cormorants are very common.
There is an autumn roost of up to 100,000 Starlings attracting hunting Sparrowhawks and Peregrine Falcon, as well as Marsh Harriers and the occasional Merlin. The Hobby is a regular summer visitor taking advantage of the large supply of dragonflies. Common Buzzard, Barn Owl and Tawny Owl are resident species. Ospreys are also seen frequently flying over Leighton Moss from their nesting site at Foulshaw Moss. A few pairs of Great Black-backed Gulls nest at the site particularly on the nesting platform installed for Ospreys.
Summary of other Natural Landscape reserves in the area - Landscape Trust, Natural England and National Trust Reserves
There are a number of nest box schemes, managed by volunteers. There are nine nest box schemes within the National Landscape, with around 475 nest boxes. The box schemes are designed to increase the local populations of Great Tit, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, Marsh Tit and occasionally Coal Tit. Blue Tit and Great Tit are by far the commonest species. A few Coal Tits nest every year but they mainly prefer the conifer woods. Marsh Tits are something of speciality, and a small number use our nest boxes every year, but many nest in lower holes in dead or old trees. The Nuthatch is a relatively recent colonist of the area and again numbers have increased helped by the installation of nest boxes. As a consequence of current woodland management strategies, holes in trees are limited, and to some extent because of species composition. Present woodland strategies do not allow fallen or old trees to stay in situ, reducing the number of available holes. Species composition refers to the identity and relative abundance of species in a particular ecosystem or area. In these areas the shortage of nesting sites is the main factor controlling the population of the five species that nest exclusively in holes, and the most important way we can help these species is to provide nesting sites.
Other species found in these woodlands are Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Many Blackcap and Chiffchaff over-winter in the area, and all three species breed in the area.
The rare Hawfinch is found not only seen at Sizergh Castle, but Gait Barrows and Coldwell Horseshoe (made up of the Coldwell Parrock, Coldwell Meadows and Coldwell reserves). In winter large flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares feed on the plentiful supply of berries found throughout the area. Waxwings are occasionally seen feeding on Rowan tree berries. In winter a flock were spotted in Arnside, but disappeared once the supply of Rowan berries was exhausted.
Tawny Owls do very well in the Natural Landscape reserves and are also found in many gardens, and some reserves have owl boxes which are frequently used. Woodcock is seen at Eaves Wood and Warton Crag especially when the males are “roding”. This is the male’s aerial display in spring as they fly over best breeding habitats with slow, flickering wingbeats. This species is uncommon and hunting, especially in Europe has contributed to its decline. Deer browsing has reduced the shrub layer in the Natural Landscape and as a consequence has increased predation of this species. Peregrine Falcons have traditionally nested at Warton Crag.
In winter Fell End reserve is favoured by several hundred Teal. In summer Greylag Geese and Lapwings nest on the islands for protection. Visiting Leighton Moss Marsh Harriers and Foulshaw Moss Osprey’s have been seen flying over the site. Common Sandpipers have been seen whilst on their migratory path. In the winter months smaller number of Shoveler, Gadwall, Shelduck, and Tufted Duck are seen. In the summer Little Grebe nest at the reserve. Both Little and Great White Egret’s frequent these sites.
Lower Kent Estuary, Sandside, Arnside, Silverdale and Jenny Browns Point
These areas are important for wader roosts, and diving ducks such as Eider Duck and occasionally Common Scoter. The area is also prime viewing for watching “skiens” of Pink-footed Geese and Whooper Swans on their winter migrations. A “skien” is a the classic “V” formation geese and swans adopt when migrating, because it is much more efficient way of flying with the birds behind the front bird able to fly with less effort due to the flow of air over the wings.
Carnforth marshes and inland reaches of the River Keer
Some parts of this area are just outside the National Landscape boundaries but it is worth mentioning because in the past the Juncus-dominated inner saltmarsh has been good for Jack Snipe. Juncus is a genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants, commonly called rushes. There is a wader roost, and in cold weather the slag banks may attract Twite and Snow Bunting.
The inland reaches of the River Bela
This is a favoured spot for Little Egret especially on the Beetham stretch of the river. Also, Kingfishers have historically nested on the banks of the river near the waterfalls next to the paper mill. Large flocks of Canada Geese often graze on the surrounding banks of the river. At times Goosanders feed on the river, and a few years ago a Glossy Ibis took up residence on the river banks for several days.
Climate and habitat change – winners and losers
There are some great success stories such as the increase of egrets. However, there are some particularly sad stories. Recent and ongoing surveys show that the Yellow Wagtail and Grey Partridge have suffered in the last 20 years. Both species have just about disappeared from the Natural Landscape and surrounding areas. Loss of habitat, a change in farming methods and climate change are all contributory factors. There has also been a worrying decrease in the numbers of Spotted Flycatchers in the area.
It is not all bad news, we have seen increases in Bearded Tits, Bitterns, Marsh Harriers and Cetti’s Warblers at Leighton Moss. There have also been success stories with more common species. Marsh Tits thrive really well in the Natural Landscape as do Bullfinches and Goldfinches. However, this winter (2023/2024) there have been reduced numbers of Goldfinches reported on the feeders in people’s gardens. Nuthatches have become a Natural Landscape specialist as well. The numerous nest box schemes within the area also have ensured good numbers of Nuthatch and Marsh Tit.
Last year some juvenile Siskins were seen on the road between Slackhead and Fell End. Traditionally Siskins come to this country in winter from Scandinavia. However, a few are known to stay and travel to Scotland to breed. It will be of interest to see if this species breed more extensively in this area in the future. Both Siskins and Lesser Redpoll are attracted to not only my garden feeders during the winter in Slackhead, but many resident feeders in the winter.
In conclusion the Arnside and Silverdale Natural Landscape is a special place for birds: The large number of species found is due to the many diverse habitats i.e. woodland, wetland, saltmarsh and quarries.
Please contact paultrowell@btinternet.com if you would like to assist with the Natural Landscape nest box scheme.
Avocet
Avocet with chicks
Avocet with chicks
Black headed Gull
Black Tailed Godwit
Gadwall
Nesting Black Headed Gulls