Recent Sighting Highlights 07/06/23
(scroll to end for Reserve News & Events)
Raptors
Barn Owl
Marsh Harrier
Buzzard
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Hobby
Osprey (flew east 31.05.23)
Water Fowl
Pochard (with brood)
Mallard (several broods)
Shoveler
Shelduck
Gadwall
Tufted Duck
Teal
Little grebe (ousefleet lagoon feeding chick)
Wigeon
Canada goose with goslings
Greylag goose with goslings
Mute swan (2 broods with 9 cygnets each)
Coot (with young)
Moorhen
Waders
Avocet
Snipe
Spotted Redshank
Redshank
Lapwing
Oystercatcher
Herons
Great White Egret
Bittern (several sightings in flight)
Spoonbill
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Passerines
Grasshopper warbler (singing)
Bearded tit
Meadow pipit
Skylark
Yellow wagtail
Kingfisher
Reed Warbler
Sedge Warbler
Willow Warbler
Cetti’s Warbler
Chiff chaff
Chaffinch
Wren
Long-tailed tit
Blackcap
Tree Sparrow
Blue tit
Great tit
Robin
Blackbird
Dunnock
Reed Bunting
Gold finch
Gulls & Water Birds
Greater Black-backed gull (flying north)
Lesser Black-backed gull (flying over ousefleet flash)
Black Headed gull
Cormorant
Hirundines
Swallow
Swift
House Martin
Sand Martin
Other
Cuckoo (occasional sightings)
Rook
Carrion Crow
Collared Dove
Stock Dove
Wood pigeon
Magpie
Pheasant
Butterflies
Brown Argus
Small White
Orange Tip
Speckled Wood
Peacock
Red Admiral
Mammals
Roe Deer
Weasel
Water Vole
Reserve News & Events
Despite the cold and wet start to spring compounded with north easterly winds there’s been some excellent birding since our last blog.
Although it was a couple of weeks ago now, we received reports of a Savi’s Warbler late one Saturday evening – confirmed on the following Sunday evening. These are notoriously difficult to spot and are a pretty rare addition to our year list! And at least 6 Glossy Ibis reported flying over towards Alkborough Flats (where they were reported roosting).
The marsh harrier breeding season has been amazing so far with some of the closest views of these reed bed specialists you’re likely to see anywhere in the country. Males have been hunting especially close to Reedling, Reception and First hides and there have been plenty of food passes too!
Here’s a few of our favourite recent pics.
Pochard with ducklings (Pic: P.Short)
Bittern (Pic: Andy H)
Sedge Warbler (Pic: P.Short)
Redshank (Pic: P.Short)
Great White Egret (Pic: Andy H)
Hobby (Pic: Andy H)
Barn Owl (Pic: P.Short)
Brown Argus (Pic: P.Short)
Hairy Dragonfly (Pic: D.Johnson)
50 Years of Blacktoft Open Weekend 17th & 18th June
We're throwing our gates open to celebrate 50 wild years at RSPB Blacktoft Sands - and everyone is welcome!
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th of June - 10am until 4pm
Activities for all ages and all abilities - FREE!
Come join us for a fun filled weekend of activities!
Spend the day exploring this historic and internationally important reserve at your leisure.
Whilst this event is suitable for accessibility visitors please be aware some areas of the reserve are not. Please check our website for further guidance.
More Details here: https://events.rspb.org.uk/blacktoftsands
Happy birding everyone
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