Recent Sightings Highlights 14/12/23
(scroll to end for Reserve News and Events)
Raptors
Hen Harrier
Marsh Harrier
Barn Owl
Merlin
Buzzard
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Waders
Jack Snipe
Snipe
Dunlin
Golden Plover (over estuary)
Curlew
Redshank
Lapwing
Water Rail
Passerines
Water Pipit
Fieldfare
Redwing
Kingfisher
Brambling
Meadow Pipit
Greater Spotted Woodpecker
Goldcrest
Bullfinch
Tree Sparrow
Long-tailed Tit
Bearded Tit
Goldfinch
Green Finch
Stonechat
Pied Wagtail
Chaffinch
Cetti’s Warbler
Wren
Starling
Reed Bunting
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Robin
Blackbird
Dunnock
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
Great White Egret
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Gulls and Waterbirds
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Cormorant
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull
Others
Stock Dove
Wood Pigeon
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Pheasant
Mammals
Otter
Weasel
Fox
Hare
Roe Deer
Koniks Ponies
Grey Squirrel
Reserve News & Events
As we drift towards the end of another year, I wanted to give some personal thanks to all those who have helped us celebrate another fantastic year at Blacktoft – especially as it’s been our 50th anniversary year. Some of my highlights this year have been the official opening of Reedling Hide, it’s been brilliant and humbling to hear the comments made by so many of our visitors about it. For me the wildlife highlights of the year have been the superb sharp tailed sandpiper, grey phalarope and once in a lifetime views of bittern (I’ve been trying for 5 years to get the classic neck stretch photo and managed it in abundance on one occasion.)
Your continued support has also been humbling to me too. The whole team here at Blacktoft work incredibly hard to maintain this hugely important landscape for wildlife so that we can all enjoy it. It brings me great joy to pass on all of your kind comments to the team. I especially appreciate those of you who have sent in wildlife photo’s (long may it continue). They never cease to amaze me.
Before I move on to other news I want to wish you all the happiest of holidays however you choose to celebrate (or not) and I hope to see you all in 2024.
Christmas and New Year Opening Times
Reserve:-
Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day
All other days the reserve, carpark, toilets and hides will be opening as usual.
Reception:-
Open Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and New Years Day
(I hope to see you all starting your year lists in style!)
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.
Barn Owl (Pic Andy H)
Great White Egret (Pic D.Johnson)
Male Hen Harrier (Pic Andy H)
Marsh Harrier (Pic D. Johnson)
Stonechat (Pic Andy H)
Whooper Swans (Pic D.Johnson)
Long-tailed tit (Pic D.Johnson)
Mallard reflections (Pic D.Johnson)
Otter (Pic B.Bishop)
Koniks in winter coat (Pic D.Johnson)
Red Arrows over estuary (Pic D.Johnson)
Up Coming Events
Saturday 20th January 7.30am - 10am
Saturday 10th February 7.30am - 10am
(Pic Andy H)
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
All that remains is for us to wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy New Year
Happy birding everyone
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