SMILEY FACE

Decided as it was yet another grey day with a good chance of rain we would catch the train to Silverdale.  So we checked the train was running and caught the 9:17 train.  We like to catch the train if we're not going anywhere else, partly to keep the services running (if you don't use it you'll lose it) and to be just a tiny bit eco friendly.  We were at RSPB Leighton Moss by 9:45.  

It was lovely an quiet at this time.  Had a nice gentle walk on down to the Causeway hide, on the way there we spotted this relatively new area they have opened up and I thought it look like a smiley face  - what do you think?  We spent a good while in the Causeway Hide laughing the antics of the moorhens chasing each other.  There were also 3 swans, several cormorants, various ducks and lots of other birds.  We heard the squeals of birds and several booms from the Bitterns.  Apparently they are 7 there at the moment.  Of course we didn't see any but it was lovely to hear them, they sounded so close at one point too.  

Then sauntered back and spent some time at the hide just outside the cafe where enjoyed watching a lot of the small birds.

Then went into the cafe for Brunch and coffee.  A bit more time at the nearby small bird hide then caught the 12:17 train home.

We were lucky with the weather, the occasional spot of rain but really just very grey, chilly misty with a breeze. 

Trains were on time in both directions (hallelujah) and on the way back I managed to get a photo of Arnside Tower from the train window (see extras).  I've been meaning to do that for ages but usually can't get a seat on that side of the train, but no problem with that today.

As we alighted at Kents Bank station we spotted two very close egrets (who of course flew off as soon as I raised the camera) the wind had picked up and we could feel moisture in the air.

Just a lovely morning. What else to do on a day when you can't see very far - the birds weren't bothered about the weather so why should we be.

That's all for now, do take care everyone, stay safe and I will see you all tomorrow.