Recent Sightings Highlights 15.08.23
(scroll to end for Reserve News & Events)
Raptors
Marsh Harrier + juveniles
Peregrine Falcon
Hobby
Barn Owl
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Waders
Spotted Redshank
Ruff
Avocet
Common Redshank
Water Rail + juveniles
Lapwing
Snipe
Green Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper
Black-tailed Godwit
Greenshank
Dunlin
Curlew
Waterfowl
Shelduck (juvenile)
Wigeon
Teal
Shoveler
Gadwall
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Pochard
Canada Goose
Greylag Goose
Mute Swan
Little Grebe
Coot
Moorhen + juveniles
Herons
Great White Egret (up to 4)
Bittern
Spoonbill
Little Egret (up to 22)
Passerines
Bearded Tit
Tree Sparrow
Long-tailed Tit
Goldfinch
Willow Warbler
Blackcap
Reed Warbler
Sedge Warbler
Cetti’s Warbler
Robin
Blackbird
Wren
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Chaffinch
Chiff Chaff
Dunnock
Starling
Stonechat
Meadow Pipit
Yellow Wagtail
Pied Wagtail
Gulls and Water Birds
Cormorant
Black-headed Gull
Common Gull
Greater Black-backed Gull
Hirundines
Swallow
Swift
Sand Martin
House Martin
Others
Stock Dove
Carrion Crow
Pheasant
Wood Pigeon
Magpie
Butterflies, Moths & Insects
Ruby Tailed Wasp
European Hornet
Gatekeeper
Wall Butterfly
Speckled Wood
Peacock
Meadow Brown
Large White
Small White
Red Admiral
Ruddy Darter
Common Darter
Brown Hawker
Azure Damselfly
Flea Beetle
Old Lady Moth
Large Yellow Underwing
Roesel’s Buch Cricket
Mammals
Koniks Pony
Roe Deer
Weasel
Stoat
Water Vole
Pipistrelle Bat
Reserve News & Events
It’s been a busy few weeks recently. As well as the great display of waders on offer at the moment, the sharp eyed amongst you will have noticed the hard work (and temporary closure) of Reception Hide. Wooden hides don’t last forever, especially on a flood plain, but we’re lucky to have an intrepid and incredibly hard working Warden Team at Blacktoft. They’ve pulled out all the stops (despite the shocking weather) to replace the structural supports underneath and rebuild the entrance somewhat, so a massive thank you to them all. They’ve ensured reception will thrive long into the future!
Speaking of hard working and dedicated individuals we’re blessed to have a fantastic team of volunteers at Blacktoft too. We can’t begin to tell you how grateful are to them. Some of most of them have been with us for many years. They help us with everything from hide maintenance and cleaning to providing an amazing welcome for everyone that visits us. We love to celebrate their achievements so it was an absolute privilege to present Martin Redfern with his (slightly overdue) 5 year Swift Long Service Award.
Martin Redfern & Daz Johnson
Here’s a rare picture of me presenting Martin with his award.
The Warden/Vol team took a short break from the major hide repairs to help us celebrate from left to right Gareth Tate (Warden), Heather Wilson (Asst Warden), Martin Redfern (Volunteer), Simon Clayton (Volunteer), Dean Arksey (Asst Warden), Kathy Chilton (Residential Volunteer).
If you’d like to know more about becoming a volunteer here at Blacktoft drop us a line at:
Blacktoft.sands@rspb.org.uk
Darren.johnson@rspb.org.uk
Or find out more about volunteering with the RSPB here:
https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering-fundraising/volunteer/
Here’s a few of our favourite recent pics.
Great White Egret (Pic: P.Short)
Little Egrets (Pic: D.Johnson)
Spotted Redshank (Pic: D.Johnson)
Green Sandpiper (Pic: D.Johnson)
Ruff (showing wing) (Pic: D.Johnson)
Moorhen & Juveniles (Pic: D.Johnson)
Rescued Pippistrelle Bat (Pic: D.Johnson)
The rain took it’s toll on this little fellow. Asst Warden Stuart found the poor wee thing shivering in the rain in front of the door at first hide. He scooped it up in his glove and took it into the hide to dry and get warm before releasing underneath the hide where it roosted. Well done Stuart!
Happy birding everyone
Keep up to date with all the latest from Blacktoft Sands: