We’re pleased to be open again.
What's open at Blacktoft Sands?
Here's a quick summary:
Car park open
Trails open
Hides open
Toilets open
Reception remains closed for now, but we are working hard to open as soon as we can.
Refreshments/Cafe remains closed for now, but we are working hard to open as soon as we can.
We’re open daily 9am - 6pm Greeting point outside reception closes 5pm.
Normal entry fees apply to non-members (RSPB members free).
We all yearn for the day when we can sit or stand shoulder to shoulder sharing our experiences in nature. Hopefully that day is not too far off. Sadly, in recent times social distancing has prevented us from sharing our spaces with the people around us as we might have liked. Your health and wellbeing are paramount to all of us and we know how important it is to you. We must continue to wear our masks, wash or sanitise our hands - especially in our indoor areas - and protect each other by giving space. At Blacktoft Sands our hides will still have social distancing measures so please be mindful of others and try not to dwell too long if others are waiting. If you can, why not consider coming on our quieter days in the week? Whenever you come, it’s proven that 20 minutes in nature will help lift your mood, so we hope you will leave us feeling lighter, brighter and recharged!
While you’ve been away the wildlife has had a free undisturbed run of the reserve. With some birds this has made them somewhat skittish but for others they have forgotten there’s sometimes humans in the hides and have been coming much closer e.g. marsh harriers.
We’ve nick named this one droopy leg as he seems to fly around with one leg dangling.
Avocets have made their home it seems at Marshland hide alongside the black headed gulls.
Lapwings are also regularly seen.
This black headed gull was joined by an unusual visitor to Blacktoft – a turnstone!
Despite a difficult breeding season so far (April was very cold) there’s still new life around here’s a doting Canada Goose with young.
There’s lots of other water fowl around too. Widgeon, teal, gadwall, mallard, shelduck, tufted and pochard have been spotted across the reserve but especially at Ousefleet.
Mallard
Shoveler.
All looking resplendent in their summer plumage.
It’s great to see some of our smaller birds back (and of course some that never left). Sedge warblers, reed warblers and cettis warblers are of course very vocal at this time of year and a pleasure to listen to as you move around the site.
Sedge warbler
Tree sparrow
Reed bunting.
Other sightings so far this week include black tailed godwit, spoonbill (seen flying towards Alkborough), bittern and water vole. Whilst down at the grazing marsh skylarks, pied and yellow wagtails are taking advantage of the insects our grazing livestock disturb.
One of my favourite birds (other than marsh harriers) is the little grebe. Their russet red plumage at this time of year is spectacular and their whinnying call is quite eerie echoing across the marsh on a gloomy day.
Little grebe
Although the season has been a little delayed by the April cold snap its great to see some of our smaller critters coming to life.
Orange tips are fluttering around, but I’ve also seen peacock, tortoise shell and the odd speckled wood around. This small white was taking advantage of the dandelion flowers – a great early source of food!
Finally - it's taken a while - but we really do look forward to seeing you at the reserve.
Stay Well!
Daz