Recent Sightings & Highlights 05.06.24 – 20.06.24 - Charlie's Blacktoft Blog - Blacktoft Sands

xDarrenx

20 Jun 2024

Recent Sightings & Highlights 05.06.24 – 20.06.24

(scroll to end for Reserve News and Events)

Raptors

Peregrine Falcon

Marsh Harrier

Hobby

Red Kite

Kestrel

Sparrowhawk

Buzzard

Barn Owl

Waders

Spotted Redshank

Green Sandpiper

Lapwing

Avocet

Water Rail + 4 Chicks

Oyster Catcher

Redshank

Ringed Plover

Curlew (flying through)

Passerines

Cuckoo (heard)

Corn Bunting (flying north)

Whitethroat

Tree Sparrow (lots of juveniles)

Bearded Tit

Blackcap

Yellow Wagtail

Cetti’s Warbler

Reed Bunting

Reed Warbler

Sedge Warbler

Skylark

Meadow Pipit

Linnet

Chaffinch

Blue Tit

Great Tit

Long-tailed Tit

Pied Wagtail (with fledglings)

Wren

Dunnock

Goldfinch

Greenfinch

Robin

Blackbird

Starling

Chiff Chaff

Stonechat

House Sparrow

Hirundines

Swift

Swallow

Sand Martin

House Martin

Water Fowl

Shoveler with brood rare breeding bird in UK

Mallard lots of chicks

Gadwall with chicks

Tufted Duck

Wigeon

Teal

Pochard

Shelduck

Greylag

Canada Goose

Mute Swan

Little Grebe with chicks

Moorhen

Coot lots of chicks

Gulls & Water Birds

Cormorant

Black-headed Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Herons

Bittern (including juveniles)

Spoonbill (occasional feeding)

Little Egret

Grey Heron

Great White Egret

Others

Stock Dove

Pheasant

Carrion Crow

Magpie

Wood Pigeon

Mammals

Konik Ponies

Fox (vixen with cubs)

Water Vole

Roe Deer

Squirrel

Butterfiles, Insects & Reptiles etc.

European Hornet

Blue Tailed Damselfly

Spotted Wood Butterfly

Peacock Butterfly

Ringlet

Meadow Brown butterfly

Privet Hawk Moth

Yellow Shell Moth

Common Darter Dragonfly

Puss Moth

Reserve News & Events

Well, we made it to the summer solstice (20^th June). Let’s hope we see a rise in temperatures to reflect the time of year. Northerly winds have dominated in recent weeks and it’s been evident that insect numbers have been low. Hopefully as temperatures increase we’ll see a rise in insect numbers – I saw my first common darter dragonfly this morning!

Last Sunday was a busy one for the reserve wardens and our amazing volunteer crew as we staged our annual Open Day. A massive thank you to all for the hard work you all put into make the day so enjoyable . This year’s theme was Humber Wetlands. We had some great sightings on the guided walks including juvenile bitterns which have recently fledged. It was great to see so many people at the event and especially from our local communities. Sadly the weather was a little on the cold side so our moth trap opening wasn’t as spectacular as last year. I’ve noticed numbers have been well below my average for this time of year – hopefully that will improve soon. Perhaps one of the most spectacular moths seen was discovered on the meadow meanders led by John – they managed to find a privet hawk moth. I haven’t had chance to check our records yet but suspect it might be a first for the reserve.

Earlier in the week the Koniks ponies had their regular pedicures. Foot care is massively important for them and gives us a chance to get up close and check them over. Thankfully they are doing as well as ever and looking forward to getting back out into the marshes doing what they do best.

Join me on a Monday morning for more mothing adventures. I’ll be recording throughout the summer months ahead. It’s completely free to come and see although donations are more than welcome!

My highlight this week has most definitely been the 2 x Spotted Redshank in summer plumage feeding around Marshland lagoon – they are such an elegant wading bird.

Here's a few of our favourite recent pics!

Farrier and pony (Pic P.Short)

Spotted Redshank (Pic D.Johnson)

Male Marsh Harrier (Pic D.Johnson)

Shoveler with brood (Pic P.Short)

Whilst shoveler are a pretty common sight (especially in winter) they are a rare breeding bird in the UK so it was really pleasing to have 2 broods around the reserve. We think 1 brood may have left site but the other brood has made singleton hide it’s home. A rare chance to see shoveler chicks in the UK.