Just a reminder that the reserve opens 9am to 5pm - last entry at 3.30pm. Please bring a face mask with you for use in the hides and toilets and also it is recommended that you bring your own hand sanitizer.
We’re constantly monitoring the latest government guidance and will update any changes via our blog posts here, facebook and twitter.
It’s been an awfully long time !!
I’ve been away for far too long through illness and furlough. I’ve missed almost a year of seasons at Blacktoft. I love to see the change throughout the year but we’ve all been in the same boat. Personally I’ve missed seeing marsh harrier food passes, bittern food flights and the ever flitting hirundines. Not to mention the sounds of spring, like robins singing and cettis warblers loudly announcing their presence.
But I’m back in time for the splendours of autumn. The thing about autumn is the stark contrasts it provides. On two recent visits to the reserve the mood couldn’t have been more diverse. On day one the sun was out and dappling through the ever changing trees highlighting fantastic array of autumnal colours, on day two overcast dark and slightly creepy with corvids crowing in the background. The reserve has an eerie beauty on these days and my thoughts harken back to bygone days and the sheer vastness of the marsh. Sadly nowhere near as expansive now.
Autumn Colours
Another great indicator of autumn for me is the spectacle of migration. Seeing skein after skein of pink footed geese honking in a “classic V” returning from Iceland and Greenland for the winter always amazes me. And just this morning Pete reported seeing thousands of geese gulls and starlings heading out to gorge on surrounding farmland whilst golden plover were returning from night feeding.
Pink Footed Geese on Humber Mud
Of course the reason they are here is the luscious Humber mud. It’s a lifeline for a plethora of species, especially wild fowl and waders searching for larvae, crustaceans and small fish. There’s still plenty of chances to see this spectacle across the Humber. At a recent count Pete reported over 40 thousand on the Humber!
Little Egret Feeding
It was interesting to spend a few minutes watching this little egret feeding close to the margins at Townend hide recently. I noted it’s technique of gently placing it's bright yellow feet and shaking them to disturb and feel it’s prey before darting it’s head into the water.
Keep your eye on facebook and twitter for possible upcoming video!
This time of year we’re graced with decent numbers of dabbling ducks and other wildfowl. Teal and wigeon continue to show strongly across the reserve but especially at Ousefleet
Fowl at Ousefleet
When I was there a Marsh Harrier flew over and spooked the residents – another great autumn spectacle seeing more than a thousand birds take to the skies at once, mostly settling back down soon after.
I don’t why (I know a man who probably does) but mallard seem less numerous so far this year. They are around but certainly don’t seem as conspicuous. Maybe it’s just me or maybe they are finding richer pickings elsewhere.
Mallard Reaching For Seed
Who’s knows there’s always a chance of garganey mingling amongst the flocks.
While I was down at Ousefleet it would be a shame not to look in on the Koniks – I was thrilled to see Pete’s video on twitter of them running together. They are just showing the slightest hint of a thickening coat ready for winter.
Koniks
Meadow Pippit Near Poo
On to waders – Yes I also missed the fleeting visit from the lesser yellowlegs by about 3 days hehe. The highlights for me so far was this Spotted Redshank preening in the margins at Townend hide.
Spotted Redshank Preening
Other sightings include :-
Redshank
Snipe
Dunlin
Recent sighting of little stint have been seen amongst the small flocks of dunlin, you could drop lucky!
Another joy for me returning to work is seeing my first flock of fieldfare this year.
Field Fare Across Horseshoe Meadow
As I walked back towards the carpark I scared this flock off across horseshoe meadow, alighting on a distant tree.
Brave Fieldfare
This brave solitary one stayed where he was … I had to employ extreme zoom!!
Other sightings include charms (yes this is the collective noun I looked it up!) of goldfinches, tree sparrows and reed buntings.
Common Darter
There’s still a few of these little charms about too. Common darters are often seen as late as November with historical reports into December! Although not their primary source of food common darters are important for merlins, fingers crossed!
The thing I’ve missed most being away from the reserve – Marsh Harriers … It would be remiss of me to leave them out ! … apologies for quality – but this is the best I got with a new to me camera !
Pete sighted a Hen Harrier a couple of yesterday morning (21st) – bins to the skies everyone!
Coming Up
For all the latest news and information be sure to follow us on facebook and twitter :-
facebook.com/RSPBBlacktoftSands
@Blacktoft_Sands
Look out for me upcoming blog “What I did this summer”!
We’re always striving to bring you more content check out our social media for upcoming weekly roundup videos (safe working permitting).
Stay safe and be mindful of each other
Daz.