Back on the Sands

Back at Blacktoft

It seems I must start this blog as I have others with an apology for the lack of writing here. I’ve been away with some long term health issues which are now, thankfully, resolved. I’ll be bringing updates on what’s happening at Blacktoft and around the Humber on a much more regular basis in future.

So let’s not hang around!

Passage waders have been starring at the reserve this week. Impressive numbers of black tailed godwits (over 300 at one point) have been wowing us with their mix of of plumage, demonstrating the difference between summer and winter coats.

Black tailed godwits (D.Johnson)

Other species include spotted and regular redshanks.

Spotted redshank (D.Johnson)

Snipe have been particularly visible too, looking amazing in the summer sun. These were hanging out with green sandpipers!

Snipe & Green Sandpiper (D.Johnson)

One of my favourite things to see at Blacktoft and (around the Humber) are curlew. There were three of them hanging around at Marshland Hide earlier – they’ve been present all week so far! This one took flight as the godwits were spooked by a marsh harrier floating through.

Curlew in flight at Marshland Hide (D.Johnson)

Other birds that have, so far, been camera shy include wood sandpiper, green sandpiper, green shank, dunlin and a smattering of ruff at various points around the reserve.

There’s a decent number of lapwings around at the moment too. These two (youngsters I think) were having a slight spat with each other.

Lapwing at Marshland Hide (D.Johnson)

Around the Humber Pete managed to capture a nice flock of golden plover whilst monitoring at Whitton Island.

Golden plover (P.Short)

In other news!

Sadly the cranes haven’t been seen on site since last Thursday (28^th July), but they have been spotted on on harvest scrub fields across from the reserve so never say never!

Spoonbills have also been regular ‘drop ins’. One was seen this morning and I managed a photograph of one peeking out from behind an island at singleton hide the other day.

Pete managed to spot this group along the shoreline at Whitton Island.

Spoonbills at Whitton Island (P.Short)

It’s been fantastic to see flocks of long tailed tits chattering along the hedgerows and amongst the willow trees too. There seems to be a good number of young amongst them. Whilst I’ve been manning reception a fair bit it’s been great to see reed warbler juvs chasing their parents for food in the ditch margins and there’s a good number of sedge warblers around too. Gold finches are appearing along the pathways searching for fallen seeds as well.

One of my favourite birds (I have a few I have to admit) are the bearded tits. They’ve been showing really well at the reed edges hopping out on to the muddy areas, this one was amongst a brood with parents and young at first hide – apologies for pic quality I was in reception hide and it was a bit distant. Keep your eyes peeled for water rail too!

Bearded tit at first hide (D.Johnson)

Whilst there’s been some unseasonal widgeon at the reserve and a few teal as well, we were excited to see garganey appearing. There were two spotted at townend hide and another at singleton hide yesterday this one stayed around today (Weds 3^rd Aug.)

Garganey at Townend Hide (D.Johnson)

Whilst out on his wondering at the grazing marsh Pete managed to spot around 8 whinchat and a stonechat with reports coming in of yellow wagtail taking advantage of the waste from the koniks ponies (it attracts a lot of insects which things like meadow pipits love).

Whinchat on grazing marsh (P.Short)

Speaking of insects this large hoverfly is called a Pellucid Hoverfly (Volucella pelluceus), its larvae live in the nests of social wasps, bumblebees and eats waste products and bee larvae.

Pellucid Hoverfly (P.Short)

Out and about on my short rambles I’ve seen a plethora of butterflies too, including speckled wood, painted lady, tortoise shell, ringlets, large and small whites, small skippers and commas but Pete shot the gatekeepers.

Gatekeepers on fleabane (P.Short)

Keep your eyes open for dragonflies too. I’ve spotted black tailed skimmer, southern hawker, common darter, and the odd ruddy darter. I’m not certain (it shot past me at speed and disappeared) but I think a golden ring was around the picnic area/toilet block too. I had a little hunt around but sadly couldn’t confirm it.

Well that’s it for now

Daz