Recent Sightings Highlights 08.01.24
(scroll to end for Reserve News and Events)
Raptors
Hen Harrier
Marsh Harrier
Barn Owl
Buzzard
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Waders
Jack Snipe
Snipe
Dunlin
Golden Plover (over estuary)
Curlew
Redshank
Lapwing
Water Rail
Bar-tailed Godwit
Black-tailed Godwit
Passerines
Water Pipit
Bearded Tit
Blackbird
Blue Tit
Bullfinch
Cetti’s Warbler
Chaffinch
Coal Tit
Dunnock
Fieldfare
Goldcrest
Goldfinch
Great Tit
Green Finch
Kingfisher
Linnet
Long-tailed Tit
Meadow Pipit
Pied Wagtail
Redwing
Reed Bunting
Robin
Skylark
Song Thrush
Starling
Stonechat
Tree Sparrow
Wren
Yellowhammer
Water Fowl
Whooper Swan
Pink-footed Geese (on adjacent fields)
Greylag Geese
Canada Geese
Wigeon
Teal
Shelduck
Shoveler
Gadwall
Pochard
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Mute Swan
Little Grebe
Coot
Moorhen
Herons
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Gulls and Waterbirds
Black-headed Gull
Common Gull
Cormorant
Greater Black-backed Gull
Others
Carrion Crow
Collared Dove
Wood Pigeon
Jackdaw
Magpie
Pheasant
Mammals
Otter
Weasel
Roe Deer
Konik Ponies
Grey Squirrel
Reserve News & Events
Happy New Year to all and welcome to 2024 at Blacktoft Sands. What an amazing start we’ve had to the year. It was great to see so many visitors on New Years Day to start off their year lists in style and it didn’t disappoint. The highlight of the day has to be fantastic views of a male Hen Harrier as it hunted over the reed beds in the early afternoon sun. Other stars of the day include barn owl, bullfinch, kingfisher and goldcrest.
To date (08.01.24) we’ve recorded 72 species so far – around 56 on the 1st January alone!
Barn owls have been showing really well in the late afternoons as they hunt the reed beds. Marsh harrier activity has been great too with up to 25 birds coming in to roost. Some of the females have been interacting during the day as well as they begin to vie for territory.
It’s that time of year again. Please be aware our warden and volunteer team will be out in the reed beds undertaking our annual reed cut. This is an essential part of Blacktoft’s habitat management. It helps provide a mosaic natural environments for all manner of birds, mammals and insects helping wildlife to thrive on the Humber.
Community Talks in 2024
One of the services we’ve always been able to offer are our community talks. Of course during the pandemic we’re weren’t able to reach out into communities in the traditional ways.
We’re pleased to say that we are now able to offer community talks again. No matter how big or small your group is, we’d be happy to come and present to you! We are able to travel to you (or present online) extolling the virtues of the Humber and beyond. All we ask is a small donation to help us cover travel costs etc.
To find out more contact:-
blacktoft.sands@rspb.org.uk
01405 704665.
Here’s a few of our favourite recent pics.
Cormorants (Pic D.Johnson)
Hen Harrier (Pic P.Short)
Barn Owl (Pic D,Johnson)
Male Bullfinch (Pic D.Johnson)
Dunlin below lapwing (Pic D.Johnson)
Snipe (Pic D.Johnson)
Little Grebe (Pic D.Johnson)
Tufted Duck (Pic D.Johnson)
Up Coming Events
Saturday 20th January 7.30am - 10am
Saturday 10th February 7.30am - 10am
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!
Enjoy:
Please note:
This guided walk will last for approximately 2.5 hours - please arrive 15 minutes before the event is due to begin.
Yorkshire weather can be unpredictable. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear to be outside in all weather.
Whilst the majority of the reserve is very accessible for all, Ousefleet trail may not be suitable for seated or limited mobility visitors. Please check our accessibility website for full details -
www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-blacktoft-sands-2
Contact: blacktoft.sands@rspb.org.uk or 01405 704665
Happy birding everyone
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