17 Jan 2024

(scroll to end for Reserve News and Events)

Please note that our Blacktoft reserve website is currently not fully working and has an issue that will take some time to repair. Please ignore any information on it for now and check our Facebook and X pages (as well as here) for all the latest information.

The reserve is OPEN as usual!

Raptors

Marsh Harrier

Hen Harrier (Ringtail)

Barn Owl

Buzzard

Kestrel

Sparrowhawk

Waders

Jack Snipe

Black-tailed Godwit

Dunlin

Lapwing

Golden Plover (over estuary)

Curlew

Redshank

Snipe

Water Rail

Passerines

Bullfinch

Bearded Tit

Kingfisher

Coal Tit

Stonechat

Skylark

Mistle Thrush

Song Thrush

Long-tailed Tit

Gold Crest

Tree Sparrow

Cetti’s Warbler

Dunnock

Meadow Pipit

Wren

Reed Bunting

Goldfinch

Fieldfare

Redwing

Starling

Pied Wagtail

Great Tit

Robin

Blackbird

Water Fowl

Whooper Swan

Pink-footed Goose

Wigeon

Teal

Shelduck

Shoveler

Tufted Duck

Gadwall

Mallard

Greylag Goose

Canada Goose

Mute Swan

Little Grebe

Moorhen

Coot

Gulls and Waterbirds

Greater Black-backed Gull

Black-headed Gull

Common Gull

Cormorant

Herons

Little Egret

Grey Heron

Others

Collared Dove

Carrion Crow

Magpie

Pheasant

Wood Pigeon

Mammals

Konik Ponies

Otter (with 2 kitts)

Weasel

Reserve News & Events

It’s a chilly and wet start at Blacktoft this week. Monday saw a small surge tide draw some of the ‘wet stuff’ onto the reserve hampering progress with the reed cut. The warden team have switched tack and moved on to coppicing while the reed bed dries somewhat. The joys of habitat management. Please be aware when visiting that there are some parts of the pathway to Marshland hide which are covered and will need wellingtons to cross.

Whilst the water levels have been less than ideal we’ve still had some great birds around. Up to 10 whooper swans have been roosting on Marshland and a group of bullfinches have been keeping us entertained. It was great to see a large flock of dunlin feeding around Ousefleet flash joined by around 20 blacked-tailed godwits and a good quantity of shelduck. Of course the marsh harriers have been a great source of entertainment.

Here at the RSPB we work closely with all our partners around the Humber Estuary protecting species and enhancing habitats for important wildlife. We’re working closely with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust on Spurn peninsula protecting little tern, ringed plover and oyster catcher. Could you help? We’re looking for volunteers to help us monitor breeding attempts, human disturbance and predators at this internationally important site!

Find out more :-

https://volunteer.rspb.org.uk/opportunities/56791-species-protection-humber-beach-nesting-bird-warden-2023-11-28

Or contact liam.andrews@rspb.org.uk

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.

Bearded Tit (Pic P.Short)

Whooper Swans (Pic P.Short)

Dunlin (Pic D.Johnson)

Black-tailed Godwit (Pic D.Johnson)

Redwing (Pic P.Short)

Marsh Harriers (Pic D.Johnson)

Lapwing (Pic P.Short)

Oyster Catcher (Pic P.Short)

Meadow Pipit (Pic D.Johnson)

Barn Owl (Pic D.Johnson)

Pink-footed Geese over Ousefleet sunrise (Pic P.Short)

Koniks Ponies (Pic D.Johnson)

Staff Reed Cutting (Pic P.Short)

Sunrise Marsh Harrier Exclusive at Blacktoft Sands

Saturday 10^th February

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!

Enjoy:

Limited availability for a more personal experience.
Expert knowledge and experience.
Sights, sounds and smells of mid winter.
Access to binoculars and spotting scopes where required.
Refreshments at our visitor centre afterwards (hot drinks included in price).

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