AS AUTUMN approaches one of RSPB Leighton Moss’s most secretive residents is coming out of hiding – the bearded tits.

These rare birds need reedbed to thrive in and Leighton Moss is the biggest reedbed in the North West. During the spring and summer months, the bearded tits eat insects, but at this time of year they switch their diet to seeds giving visitors a chance of spotting them.

Alasdair Grubb, assistant warden at RSPB Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay nature reserve, said: “Bearded tits gather most mornings through October, creating a great opportunity for people to come along and see these otherwise elusive birds.”