Recent Sightings Highlights 27/11/23

xDarrenx

27 Nov 2023

Recent Sightings Highlights 27/11/23

Raptors

Hen Harrier (male and ringtail)

Marsh Harrier

Kestrel

Sparrowhawk

Barn Owl

Peregrine (11.11.23)

Waders

Grey Phalarope (last report 19.11.23)

Redshank

Golden Plover (over estuary)

Dunlin

Curlew

Jack Snipe

Snipe

Water Rail

Passerines

Redwing

Fieldfare

Kingfisher

Greater Spotted Woodpecker

Skylark

Goldcrest

Bull Finch

Meadow Pipit

Bearded Tit

Stonechat

Long-tailed Tit

Cetti’s Warbler

Brambling

Tree Sparrow

Starling

Yellow Hammer

Dunnock

Blue Tit

Great Tit

Goldfinch

Reed Bunting

Robin

Blackbird

Wren

Green Finch

Pied Wagtail

Water Fowl

Bewick Swan (brief view before leaving to feed on fields)

Whooper Swan (passing through)

Mute Swan

Pink-footed Goose

Pintail

Teal

Wigeon

Shoveler

Shelduck

Tufted Duck

Mallard

Gadwall

Pochard

Greylag Goose

Canada Goose

Little Grebe

Moorhen

Coot

Herons

Bittern

Little Egret

Great White Egret

Grey Heron

Gulls and Waterbirds

Greater Black-backed Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Cormorant

Black-headed Gull

Herring Gull

Others

Stock Dove

Collared Dove

Woodpigeon

Carrion Crow

Magpie

Pheasant

Mammals

Koniks Ponies

Roe Deer

Watervole

Reserve News & Events

As we drift into late autumn and winter please note our reception centre has moved to winter opening hours. Whilst the reserve is open 7 days a week (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day) Reception will only open on Saturdays and Sundays. There is full access to all the hides now the water has subsided from recent floods.

Please note our opening time remains the same at 9am although closing times do vary at this time of year as dusk times vary. At the moment the reserve, car park and facilities close at 4.30pm. As light level times get later of course we’ll open later but please keep an eye on our social media channels and googling for up to date opening hours.

We’re also pleased to announce a new offer from the RSPB. People between the ages of 16 and 24 can now access RSPB reserves, including Blacktoft, for free. We love to encourage young adults to engage with nature and experience the fantastic landscape here at Blacktoft. Unfortunately, we cannot extend this offer to our events program which we’ll be kickstarting in January with early morning exclusive access to enjoy harriers coming out of roost. Watch this space for more details or check our social media and events page here.

https://events.rspb.org.uk/blacktoftsands

Congratulations to volunteer John who was recently awarded his Swift Award for 5 years service volunteering at Blacktoft Sands. John has been invaluable to our work here. Not only does he cover our reception centre giving all our visitors a fantastically warm welcome but he regularly joins our work parties helping to manage the habitat. Thanks again for all your hard work John – it doesn’t go unnoticed and we appreciate all you do for nature.

From Left to right Mike (volunteer) Kathy (volunteer) Heather (assistant warden) Stuart (assistant warden) John (volunteer) Gareth (warden) Neil (volunteer) Dean (assistant warden).

Here’s a few of our favourite recent pics.