Recent Sightings Highlights 06.09.23

(scroll to end for Reserve News & Events)

Raptors

Marsh Harrier

Peregrine Falcon

Hobby

Barn Owl

Buzzard

Kestrel

Sparrowhawk

Merlin (30.08.23)

Waders

Little Stint (31.08.23)

Wood Sandpiper (01.09.23)

Greenshank

Redshank

Spotted Redshank

Ruff

Snipe

Lapwing

Curlew

Green Sandpiper

Common Sandpiper (29.08.23)

Water Rail

Dunlin

Knot (flew over)

Black-tailed Godwit

Ringed Plover (flew over)

Waterfowl

Pintail

Teal

Wigeon

Tufted Duck

Mallard

Gadwall

Pochard

Shoveler

Mute Swan & cygnets

Moorhen

Coot

Greylag Goose

Canada Goose

Herons

Bittern (most days)

Great White Egret

Little Egret

Passerines

Kingfisher (along drainage ditch)

Siskin (30.01.23)

Bearded Tit

Tree Sparrow

Yellow Wagtail

Goldfinch

Long-tailed Tit

Greenfinch (30.08.23)

Cetti’s Warbler

Chiff Chaff

Reed Warbler

Wren

Robin

Great Tit

Sedge Warbler

Meadow Pipit

Blue Tit

Blackbird

Reed Bunting

Gulls and Waterbirds

Cormorant

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Black-headed Gull

Hirundines

Swallow

Sand Martin

House Martin

Others

Stock Dove

Wood Pigeon

Feral Pigeon

Collared Dove

Magpie

Carrion Crow

Pheasant

Butterflies, Moths and Insects

Migrant Hawker

Brown Hawker

Common Darter

Ruddy Darter

Speckled Wood

Large White

Small White

Red Admiral

European Hornet

Mammals & Others

Koniks Ponies

Otter

Weasel

Water Vole

Roe Deer

Grass Snake

Reserve News & Events

Autumn surge tides came early this year, coinciding with the super moon. A high water table and high tides brought an influx of water onto the reserve making the trails down to Singleton hide and Marshland hide impassable for a day. The joys of being on a flood plain. It’s not great for visitors but brilliant for the habitat, replenishing food stocks in the lagoons. You’’ll be pleased to hear that the water levels have all but subsided and the pathways should be clear by tomorrow (07.09.23).

Main Trail                   (Pic P.Short)

It's always fantastic to see enthusiastic young people on the reserve, they are the future for nature and conservation after all. So it was great to see 10 year old violet visit with her grandparents last week before she heads back for the new school year.

It always an honour to showcase their pictures but Violet’s made a few of us oldies green with envy. Here’s just a few of my faves. Well done again Violet really excellent stuff and thanks for sharing them with us.

Bittern                                                (Pic Violet)

Goldfinch                                          (Pic Violet)

Common Darter                                (Pic Violet)

European Hornet with food            (Pic Violet)

Grey Heron               (Pic Violet)

Bee on teasel head                   (Pic Violet)

Greenshank                                      (Pic Violet)

Ruff                                                    (Pic Violet)

Spotted Redshank                          (Pic Violet)

Wonderful Waders and Wetlands Walk

Start: 26th September 2023 09:30 - 12:00

Wondering about waders? Baffled by brown birds? Join our expert guide as we demystify the marshes and shine a light on the superb autumn wildlife here!

This walk is ideal for those new to birdwatching or those who simply wish to take the next steps on your birding journey.

Our experienced guide will take you around our tranquil trails and hides to explore their fantastic inhabitants. Find out about the birds currently visiting, how to spot them and where to look.

Limited binocular and spotting scope hire will be available (charged extra to ticket)

  • Please Note:
  • This guided walk will last for approximately 2.5 hours – please arrive 15 minutes before the event is due to begin.
  • All the wildlife that visits RSPB Blacktoft Sands is just that, wild. Whilst our expert guide will do their best to spot the wildlife you are keen to see, we cannot guarantee any specific species sightings
  • Yorkshire weather can be unpredictable. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear to be outside in all weather.
  • Dogs are not permitted at any time (except assistance dogs)
  • Whilst the main trails/hides are accessible for people with mobility issues one trail is more challenging (please check https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-blacktoft-sands-2 for full details)

For more information contact:

blacktoft.sands@rspb.org.uk

01405 704665

Happy birding everyone Blush

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