12.02.24 Flood Update & Recent Sightings
(scroll to end for Reserve News and Events)
*Flood Update* Following last nights hide tide some of the pathways are partially flooded. Wellington boots will be required to access Reedling and Marshland hides. Ousefleet is accessible via alternative route and access to Singleton hide is as normal. Please adhere to signage on site. As we are expecting more high tides tonight we'll review tomorrow. Please check our Facebook & X(formerly Twitter) pages for latest updates here:
Raptors
Marsh Harrier
Buzzard
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Barn Owl
Waders
Curlew
Black-tailed Godwit
Snipe
Dunlin
Lapwing
Water Rail
Passerines
Bearded Tit
Bullfinch
Tree Sparrow
Water Pipit
Meadow Pipit
Stonechat
Siskin
Kingfisher
Song Thrush
Mistle Thrush
Skylark
Fieldfare
Redwing
Cetti’s Warbler
Long-tailed Tit
Goldcrest
Reed Bunting
Goldfinch
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Chaffinch
Pied Wagtail
Wren
Blackbird
Robin
Starling
Dunnock
Water Fowl
Whooper Swan
Pink-footed Goose
Shelduck
Shoveler
Wigeon
Teal
Gadwall
Tufted Duck
Pochard
Mallard
Mute Swan
Graylag Goose
Canada Goose
Little Grebe
Moorhen
Coot
Gulls and Waterbirds
Black-headed Gull
Greater Black-backed Gull
Cormorant
Herring Gull
Herons
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Others
Carrion Crow
Wood Pigeon
Magpie
Pheasant
Stock Dove
Mammals
Konik Ponies
Weasel
Roe Deer
Grey Squirrel
Reserve News & Events
It’s been a busy few weeks for the warden team recently. They’ve finished the reed cut and the regulars amongst you will have noticed that Singleton hide was recently closed during the week for essential repairs (for a total of 8 days). The team discovered lots of issues with the main supports and under flooring supports and have pulled out all the stops to ensure Singleton is safe and secure for the immediate future. Not all the reserve teams have the skill and ability for this type of structural work and I for one am very grateful for their amazing efforts. Amazing work everyone!
The recent milder weather (since my last blog) means that the lagoons are no longer frozen over but as I write there’s lots of water about. A spate of high tides at the beginning of this week (12.02.24) has meant that parts of the pathways have flooded. Further high tides are likely to bring in more water and could result in us having to close the main trails for safety reasons. Although not great for visitors we are on a flood plain here and it is a natural process. Of course we’ll be keeping everyone informed through our social media channels. Links at the top of this page and below (click the icons).
As we dive headlong towards spring its been brilliant to see some of the bird behaviours change. Male and female marsh harriers are beginning to show more interest in each other, ducks and swans are head bobbing together and there’s been an influx of coots, some of which have been very aggressive to each other and surrounding ducks!
It was great to see a high flying skylark singing away a few days back from ousefleet trail and our friendly robins have been much more vocal. One of my favourite spots in the last few days was a song thrush in full voice at the back of our office.
Snowdrops in bloom (Pic D.Johnson)
Buds on tree (Pic D.Johnson)
Here’s a few of our favourite recent pics:
Black-tailed godwits (Pic D.Johnson)
Dunlin (Pic D.Johnson)
Snipe (Pic D.Johnson)
Marsh Harrier (Pic D.Johnson)
Barn Owl (Pic M.Painter)
Teal (Pic D.Johnson)
Whooper Swans (Pic D.Johnson)
Mute Swan (Pic D.Johnson)
Pochard (Pic D.Johnson)
Wigeon (Pic D.Johnson)
Meadow Pipit (Pic D.Johnson)
Blue Tit (Pic D.Johnson)
Dunnock (Pic D.Johnson)
Goldfinch (Pic D.Johnson)
Long-tailed Tit (Pic D.Johnson)
Dawn Chorus Exclusive Access at Blacktoft Sands
Start: 21st March 2024 07:30 End: 21st March 2024 10:30
Join our experienced guides and enjoy exclusive early morning access exploring the sights and sounds of emerging spring at Blacktoft Sands.
Spend the first hour spotting marsh harriers as they rise from the reed beds or barn owls silently hunting with our experienced spotters. Then take in the rest of the reserve along with our guide helping you to spot, hear and enjoy the plethora of wildlife along the trails and on the lagoons from our numerous hides.
New to birding, or looking to build your birding knowledge and ID skills then this is the tour for you!
Learn more about this unique wildlife rich reserve and landscape as we celebrate more than 50 years of Blacktoft, before exploring at your leisure for the rest of the day.
Enjoy:
Please note:
This guided walk will last for approximately 3 hours - please arrive 15 minutes before the event is due to begin.
Yorkshire weather can be unpredictable. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear to be outside in all weather.
Whilst the majority of the reserve is very accessible for all, Ousefleet trail may not be suitable for seated or limited mobility visitors. Please check our accessibility website for full details -
www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-blacktoft-sands-2
Contact: blacktoft.sands@rspb.org.uk or 01405 704665
Happy birding everyone
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