26.02.24 Recent Sightings Highlights
(scroll to end for Reserve News and Events)
Flood water levels have now subsided and access is open to all trails at the reserve as normal.
Raptors
Ringtail Hen Harrier x 2
Peregrine Falcon
Marsh Harrier
Sparrow hawk
Kestrel
Barn Owl
Buzzard
Red Kite
Waders
Avocet
Curlew
Black-tailed Godwit
Dunlin
Lapwing
Snipe
Passerines
Kingfisher
Bearded Tit
Tree Sparrow
Meadow Pipit
Skylark
Siskin
Cetti’s Warbler
Chaffinch
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Red Wing
Fieldfare
Starling
Song Thrush
Blackbird
Goldfinch
Pied Wagtail
Dunnock
Long-tailed Tit
Wren
Robin
Water Fowl
Whooper Swan
Pink-footed Goose
Pochard
Wigeon
Teal
Gadwall
Shelduck
Tufted Duck
Shoveler
Mallard
Grey Lag Goose
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Little Grebe
Coot
Moorhen
Gulls and Waterbirds
Black-headed Gull
Greater Black-backed Gull
Common Gull
Cormorant
Herons
Bittern (seen and heard booming)
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Others
Carrion Crow
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
Stock Dove
Magpie
Pheasant
Mammals
Konik Ponies
Water Vole
Weasel
Roe Deer
Reserve News & Events
Well, it’s definitely been an eventful couple of weeks since I last blogged here. Recent tidal floods forced us to close since the pathways were under deep water. I’ve said it before here, it’s not great for visitors when these tidal flooding events happen but it is good for the habitat. It helps to replenish food stocks in the lagoons e.g. sticklebacks. Another downside to flooding is the damage it causes to the pathways. A great big thanks to the warden team for the repairs they made to ensure everyone can now get around the reserve safely.
Whilst flooding is not so great a better piece of news is the welcome return of the almost infamous “Blacktoft Dangler”. This male marsh harrier has been gracing us with his presence for at least the last five years. So called because he flies with one leg dangling, he is a very successful breeder usually serving more than one female/nest. He’s already been seen mating with one female. Pic below.
Spring is almost upon us too – we’ve seen signs all around the reserve. Not just in the flora although there are lots of buds and catkins appearing on the trees and betony plants appearing in the meadow. Male and female marsh harriers are taking much more interest in each other, coots have been seen mating and pochard have been gathering and pairing up – the latest report this morning was 10 males and 6 females on marshland lagoon.
Another first in recent days, after several sightings, was the sound of a booming bittern from singleton hide. Let’s hope for another successful breeding season on the Humber!
Here’s a few of our favourite recent pics:
‘Big Sky’ landscape Ousefleet (Pic P.Short)
Male Marsh Harrier (Dangler) (Pic Andy H.)
Bittern (Pic Dave D.)
Siskin (Pic P.Short)
Avocet (Pic P.Short)
Buzzard (Pic P.Short)
Ringtail Hen Harrier (Pic Dave D.)
Pochard (Pic P.Short)
Tree Sparrow (Pic P.Short)
Tufted Duck (Pic D.Johnson)
Wigeon & Snipe (Pic D.Johnson)
Lapwing (Pic D.Johnson)
Water Vole (Pic Jill H.)
Konik Ponies (Pic P.Short)
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
Keep up to date with all the latest from Blacktoft Sands: