Recent Sightings & Highlights 07.11.24 – 04.12.24
(scroll to end for Reserve News and Events)
Raptors
Marsh Harrier
Sparrowhawk
Kestrel
Peregrine
Buzzard
Barn Owl
Water Fowl
Whooper Swan
Mute Swan
Goldeneye
Pink-footed Goose
Wigeon
Teal
Shoveler
Gadwall
Mallard
Canada Goose
Tufted Duck
Little Grebe
Moorhen
Waders
Curlew
Redshank
Spotted Redshank
Dunlin
Golden Plover (over estuary)
Water Rail
Snipe
Jack Snipe
Common Sandpiper
Black-tailed Godwit
Lapwing
Passerines
Water Pipit
Kingfisher
Bearded Tit
Tree Sparrow
Stonechat
Greater-spotted Woodpecker
Green Finch
Goldfinch
Chaffinch
House Sparrow
Long-tailed Tit
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Dunnock
Reed Bunting
Fieldfare
Redwing
Song Thrush
Mistle Thrush
Starling
Blackbird
Meadow Pipit
Wren
Pied Wagtail
Goldcrest
Robin
Cetti’s Warbler
Linnet
Gull & Water Birds
Greater Black-backed Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull
Cormorant
Herons
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Great White Egret
Others
Carrion Crow
Rook
Pheasant
Wood Pigeon
Feral Pigeon
Magpie
Mammals
Water Vole (early November)
Stoat
Koniks Ponies
Muntjac Deer
Roe Deer
Hare
Fox
Squirrel
Reserve News & Events
November and early December has been a busy time on the reserve. Late November saw the closure of Singleton Hide for 3 days as contractors with an amphibious machine, called a Truxor, went out into the lagoon to cut the reeds and re-define the viewing channels. They also cut the reeds over one of the islands and expanded the views around the edges. Whilst this was happening the warden team were coppicing the trees around the hide entrance and using the materials to replace the screen to the left of the hide – minimising disturbance on the lagoon. That’s not the reason why they have coppiced the trees though. Coppicing is a pruning technique which promotes re-growth.
The team have also been busy coppicing around the toilet block, again to promote new growth into the future. That’s not the only reason, we regularly assess tree safety and their health. Some of the trees behind the toilets were encroaching on the building and were in very poor health or dead.
Of course this is the best time of year to complete these jobs. They will bring advantages into the future for wildlife and for people.
The festive season is just a stones throw away. Here’s our opening hours:-
Christmas Eve Reserve & Facilities Open 9am – 4pm
Reception Closed
Christmas Day Reserve & Facilities Closed
Boxing Day Reserve & Facilities Closed
Thurs 26th & Reserve & Facilities Open 9am – 5pm
Fri 27th Reception Closed
Saturday 28th Reserve & Facilities Open 9am – 5pm
Reception Open 9am – 4pm
Sunday 29th Reserve & Facilities Open 9am – 5pm
Monday 30th onwards normal winter opening will resume.
We’ll be opening Reception on New Years Day – get your year list off to a great start then join us for a warm up by the log burner!
Here’s a few of our favourite pics.
Spotted Redshank on Humber (Pic P.Short)
Reed Bunting (Pic D.Johnson)
Whooper Swans (Pic J.Gray)
Wren (Pic D.Johnson)
Song Thrush (Pic D.Johnson)
Mute Swan (Pic D.Johnson)
Shelduck (Pic D.Johnson)
Bearded Tit (Pic P.Short)
Snipe (Pic D.Johnson)
Blackbird (Pic D.Johnson)
Tree Sparrow (Pic D.Johnson)
Chaffinch (Pic D.Johnson)
Whooper Swan (Pic J.Gray)
Marsh Harrier (Pic D.Johnson)
Stonechat (Pic D.Johnson)
Koniks Ponies (Pic D.Johnson)
Up Coming Events - *1 Space Left*
Sunrise Marsh Harrier Exclusive Early Access
Saturday 18th January 7.30am – 10am
Get exclusive early access to the best views of amazing raptors as they rise from the reeds, at the heart of the Humber.
Pull on your winter togs and join us for an exhilarating experience watching harriers leave their overnight roost.
This VIP event is a must for photographers and new enthusiasts alike.
Our friendly and experienced guides will help you spot, identify and capture magnificent wildlife as it emerges from the reed bed, before taking you on a personal tour around the reserve.
Take in the amazing sunrise vista across the marsh, weather permitting of course!
To book or for more information contact:-
https://events.rspb.org.uk/blacktoftsands
blacktoft.sands@rspb.org.uk or 01405 704665
Happy birding everyone.
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