Recent Sightings Highlights 24.07.2023
Raptors
Marsh Harrier + juveniles
Peregrine Falcon
Hobby
Barn Owl
Red Kite
Sparrowhawk
Kestrel
Buzzard
Water Fowl
Garganey (female)
Pochard
Grey Lag
Tufted Duck
Shoveler
Teal
Wigeon
Mallard
Shelduck
Mute Swan + cygnets
Coot + Juveniles
Moorhen
Little Grebe
Waders
Wood Sandpiper (last record 12.07.23)
Common Sandpiper
Green Sandpiper
Spotted Redshank
Redshank
Greenshank
Avocet
Curlew
Black-tailed Godwit
Dunlin
Ruff
Lapwing
Snipe
Herons
Great White Egret
Little Egret + juveniles
Bittern (occasional flight)
Grey Heron
Spoonbill (flying over)
Passerines
Tree Sparrow
Bearded Tit
Skylark
Blackcap
Reed Warbler
Reed Bunting
Long-tailed Tit
Chiff Chaff
Cetti’s Warbler
Goldfinch
Whitethroat
Wheatear
Lesser Whitethroat
Sedge Warbler
Wren
Robin + juveniles
Linnet
Stonechat
Meadow Pipit
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Blackbird
Dunnock
Starling
Pied Wagtail
Green Finch
Gulls and Water Birds
Black-headed Gull
Cormorant
Greater Black Backed Gull
Hirundines
Sand Martin
House Martin
Swallow
Swift
Others
Wood Pigeon
Stock Dove
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Pheasant
Butterflies & Dragonflies
Meadow Brown
Red Admiral
Gatekeeper
Painted Lady
Large White
Small White
Red-eyed Small Damselfly
Four Spotted Chaser
Banded Damoiselle
Azure Damselfly
Blue-tailed Damselfly
Common Darter
Black-tailed Skimmer
Reserve News & Events
What a difference a year makes! This time last year we were sweltering in temperatures in the high 30’s degrees and staring at cracked earth where lagoons should have been. So far this month we’ve had our fair share of rain and it looks like it will carry on for a little while longer at least. As always at this time of year Ousefleet flash has dried up and is busy becoming a grassy scrubland. During this time it becomes a hunting ground for sparrowhawks and marsh harriers. It’s a natural process of the land here but it does mean there’ll be a plentiful food source for many of the dabbling ducks over autumn and winter when it refloods. In the meantime the lagoon next to the hide (viewed from the viewing screen) is still wet and it was great to see little egret hunting away there and little grebes feeding young. Over on the grazing marsh stonechat, skylark and meadow pipit have been prevalent, with the occasional yellow wagtail appearance.
Marshland has been very active with a good variety of waders. Wood sandpiper has been dropping in from time to time (last record 12.07.23) but it’s been very entertaining with a great supporting cast. Spotted redshank, common and green sandpiper, black-tailed godwit, avocet, snipe and ruff have all been showing well (and demonstrating differing states of plumage). In the meantime it’s been great to see so many little egrets, they seem to have had a good breeding season with juveniles appearing on site too.
It's been heartbreaking to see the news coming out of Bempton Cliffs this week regarding the Avian Flu outbreak amongst the kittiwake population there. Avian flu is still very prevalent amongst many of our bird populations and we cannot over state the impact it is having on our bird life here in Yorkshire, the UK and across the world. This is, without doubt, the largest ever outbreak in the UK and globally. Whilst many of us are aware that the black-headed gull population has been particularly hit it is not isolated to a small number of species – over 70 species have tested positive since 2021. Our heart goes out to our colleagues and friends at Bempton – we know the hard work they put in year on year for wildlife. If you’re planning a visit there (and there’s plenty of reasons why you should) please be understanding they are doing everything they can to keep wildlife and people safe.
Here at Blacktoft we continue to monitor the situation. The risk to humans is low. Nevertheless, don't touch or remove dead or dying birds, keep dogs under control and report dead birds to Defra/DAERA.
More information here:-
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/
Here’s a few of our favourite recent pics.
Residential Volunteers David & Paul (Pic: David)
It was great to have returning residential volunteers David and Paul with us for a couple of weeks recently. We’re honoured that they chose to come back to Blacktoft and their contribution over the fortnight was brilliant. Whilst here (and around the Humber Estuary) they managed to spot an amazing 98 species. Find out more about residential volunteering here:-
https://volunteer.rspb.org.uk/residential-opportunities#date=2023-08-05&duration=14&flexibility=3&display=grid&s=date_advertised&o=desc&willing_to_share=false&type=short_term
Fledgling Tree Sparrow (Pic: P.Short)
Juvenile Wheatear (Pic: P.Short)
Juvenile Robin (Pic: P.Short)
Juvenile Marsh Harriers (Pic D.Johnson)
Juvenile Blue tit (Pic Andy H)
Wood Sandpiper (Pic: P.Short)
Ruff (Pic: D.Johnson)
Above: Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Ruff, Lapwing, Redshank.
Great White Egret (Pic: Andy H)
Yellow Wagtail (Pic: P.Short)
Barn Owl (Pic: D.Johnson)
Hobby (Pic: Andy H)
Painted Lady (Pic: D.Johnson)
Small Red-eyed Damselfly (Pic: P.Short)
The Small Red-eyed Damselfly (above) was the first recorded here at Blacktoft!
Birding for Beginners Summer Exclusive
Monday 7th August - 09.30 to 12.00
Wondering about waders? Baffled by brown birds? Join our expert guide as we demystify the marshes and shine a light on the superb summer wildlife here!
This walk is ideal for those new to birdwatching or simply wish to expand your nature knowledge. Our amazing guide will take you around our tranquil trails and hides to explore their fantastic inhabitants.
Find out about the birds currently visiting, how to spot them and where to look.
Limited binocular and spotting scope hire will be available (charged extra to ticket)
Please Note: ·
For further information contact:
blacktoft.sands@rspb.org.uk
01405 704665
Happy birding everyone
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