Recent Sightings & Highlights 21.06.24 – 03.07.24
(scroll to end for Reserve News and Events)
Raptors
Marsh Harrier
Barn Owl
Hobby
Peregrine Falcon
Buzzard
Sparrowhawk
Waders
Spotted Redshank
Wood Sandpiper (23.06.24)
Black-tailed Godwit
Common Redshank
Green Sandpiper
Lapwing
Avocet
Water Rail + Juvenile
Curlew
Passerine
Cuckoo (heard 25.06.24)
Tree Sparrow
Bearded Tit
Common Whitethroat
Reed Bunting
Chiff Chaff
Wren
Cetti’s Warbler
Sedge Warbler
Blackbird
Robin
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Starling
Goldfinch
Linnet
Pied Wagtail
House Sparrow
Skylark
Meadow Pipit
Blackcap
Dunnock
Willow Warbler
Stonechat
Reed Warbler
Yellow Wagtail
Chaffinch
Yellow Hammer
Hirundines
Swift
Swallow
House Martin
Water Fowl
Pochard
Shoveler with young
Wigeon
Teal
Tufted Duck
Mallard with young
Gadwall with young
Shelduck
Greylag
Mute Swan
Little Grebe with young
Gulls & Water Birds
Greater Black-backed Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Black-headed Gull
Cormorant
Herons
Bittern
Great White Egret
Spoonbill (occasional feeding)
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Others
Raven (flying over)
Stock Dove
Carrion Crow
Rook
Magpie
Pheasant
Mammals
Konik Ponies
Water vole
Weasel
Hare
Roe Deer
Butterflies & Insects
Ruby-tailed Wasp
European Hornet
4 Spotted Chaser dragonfly
Common Darter dragonfly
Red Admiral
Speckled Wood butterfly
Ringlet butterfly
Meadow Brown butterfly
Buff Ermine
Common Footman moth
Common Wave moth
Mottled Rustic moth
Scalloped Oak moth
Chilo Phragmitella moth
Reserve News & Events
As the seasons change here at Blacktoft so does the wildlife. Ok, we have our year round birds like Marsh Harriers and Tree Sparrows which are always a joy to see but you never quite know what’s going to appear like the recent wood sandpiper that dropped in. But for me one of the highlights just now are the number of chicks, fledglings and juveniles around. The breeding season this year has been somewhat strange too. Some species seemed quite early and are now well into their second broods, others were late breeders and some have been continual breeders. A quick look on Reedling lagoon this morning revealed coot ‘chicks’ at various stages from very new to almost independent. Some species have had a difficult breeding season like marsh harriers, probably due to tidal flooding just as they began nesting. Whilst others have faired much better, like tree sparrows and bearded tits. That said it was great to see the first marsh harrier fledglings take to the skies over the last couple of days. We’ve had brief sightings of them as they stretched their wings but seemed to have gained the confidence of flight as winds have picked up a little.
One of the questions we get asked in reception at this time of year is ‘why haven’t you cut the reeds back in front of the hides?’ The answer is really pretty simple – breeding season is still happening and there’s every chance birds are still nesting. The other relevant consideration is the taller reeds are a haven for insects, caterpillars and moths which are a vital food source for young birds. Insect numbers have declined by 50% since the 1970’s and this season has been especially difficult due to unseasonally low temperatures – I’ve certainly noticed this with the number of moths caught in the trap! So it’s vital we provide this type of habitat for as long as breeding birds need it.
The other question we get asked a lot at the moment is ‘why are the water levels so high in the lagoons?’ Well, so far this year the reserve has flooded 3 times, which means there’s lots more water around than in previous years, and, with rising sea levels, this is likely to continue into the future. Of course we also have to consider the number of young water fowl still using them too. By keeping the water levels up to the lagoon edges there’s plenty of space to escape the aerial predators (like marsh harriers) and it discourages the ground based predators (like foxes) giving the young a decent chance of survival.
Join me on a Monday morning for more mothing adventures. I’ll be recording throughout the summer months ahead. It’s completely free to come and see although donations are more than welcome!
Here's a few of our favourite recent pics!
Shoveler brood (Pic P.Short)
Chaffinch juvenile (Pic D.Johnson)
Mallard chick (Pic D.Johnson)
Sedge Warbler juvenile (Pic D.Johnson)
Marsh Harrier juvenile (Pic P.Short)
Coot with juvenile (Pic D.Johnson)
Marsh Harrier male (Pic D.Johnson)
Spoonbill (Pic D.Johnson)
Black-tailed Godwits (Pic P.Short)
Redshank (Pic D.Johnson)
Green Sandpiper (Pic D.Johnson)
Spotted Redshank (Pic D.Johnson)
Avocet (Pic P.Short)
Water Rail (Pic D.Johnson)
Reed Bunting (Pic D.Johnson)
Great White Egret (Pic P.Short)
Grey Heron (Pic D.Johnson)
Reed Warbler (Pic P.Short)
Fox Cubs (Pic P.Short)
Toadlet (Pic D.Johnson)
Ruddy Darter (Pic P.Short)
Ringlet (Pic D.Johnson)
Dusk Discoveries: Exclusive After Hours Access at Blacktoft Sands
Thursday 22 August 2024 7pm – 9.30pm
Experience the magic of Blacktoft Sands on this relaxing evening walk with our expert guides. Listen to even song as we help spot marsh harriers coming in to roost, barn owls coming out to hunt or even waders settling in for the night.
Discover the delights of the marsh as sun sets. This walk is perfect for those wanting to build their ID skills or people new to watching wildlife.
Learn more about this unique wildlife rich reserve and landscape as we celebrate more than 50 years of Blacktoft.
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.
Full accessibility statement available here:
https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/blacktoft-sands/facilities
Contact: blacktoft.sands@rspb.org or 01405 704665
Happy birding everyone.
Keep up to date with all the latest from Blacktoft Sands: