September Rain Dance
So here we are, meteorological autumn (which started Sept 1st) according to the met office. When it comes to water, times are hard!
Whilst the warden team continue to work hard to keep water on marshland, townend and ousefleet lagoons else where on the reserve it remains very dry. It’s been the joint warmest summer on record, 4 of the last 5 warmest years occurring since 2003, and the driest year since 1976. Most notably the East of England and East Anglia have been some of the worst affected areas in England.
Whilst it’s been tough for us humans the bird life has been pretty impressive. Here’s a round up of what’s been featuring this week!
This weeks star bird (and on site as of 05.09.22) is curlew sandpiper, with 3 around late last week.
Curlew Sandpiper (Pic: P.Short)
This morning it was in amongst 38 dunlin so not the easiest bird to spot but very satisfying non the less.
Dunlin on marshland (Pic: D.Johnson)
There’s still a good variety of waders around, mostly at marshland and ousefleet lagoons, including blacktailed godwits.
Blacktailed godwits (Pic: P.Short)
A few avocets have been hanging around too.
Avocet (Pic: P.Short)
Spotted redshank (Pic: P.Short)
As well as ‘ordinary’ redshank.
Ruff (Pic: D.Johnson)
Lapwing (Pic P.Short)
Little egret at Ousefleet lagoon (Pic: D.Johnson)
Other sightings that have been camera shy include snipe, ringed plover and water rail.
As we move away from the water and around the reserve there’s been plenty of other action, especially over the grazing marsh.
Pete snapped this whinchat a couple of days ago but they have been appearing regularly there.
Whinchat (Pic: P.Short)
It’s always worth while looking to the ground around the koniks ponies. I was very pleased to see 8 yellow wagtails feeding close to them.
Yellow wagtail by koniks pony (Pic: D.Johnson)
Reed warbler, pied wagtail, long tailed tits, goldfinches, and cettis warblers (calling) have also been noted flitting amongst the reed and trees.
There’s been a large number of hirundines, mainly house martins, flashing across the reed beds and over the flood bank this week too. They’ll be feeding up before their long migration back to Africa.
Juvenile swallow (Pic: Andy)
Swallows have been joining the party too – congratulations to regular contributor Andy for capturing this one on the fly – not an easy task!
Raptor wise it’s been pretty good too.
Of course our faves marsh harrier have been showing well across the reserve (often spooking the waders! This youngster was hunting over ousefleet flash.
Marsh harrier over Ousefleet (Pic: D.Johnson)
Sparrow hawk landing at Ousefleet (Pic: D.Johnson)
The sparrow hawks continue to use Ousefleet as their base.
A peregrine falcon has continued to hunt around the reserve, spotted this morning heading towards townend and buzzards are also a regular feature.
Water fowl highlights include solid reports of pintail but have mainly been teal, widgeon, gadwall and mallard. An interesting bit of news came from regular Andy (who captured it on camera) about a larger female marsh harrier trying to drowned a shoveler. Quite a large bit of prey for a ‘marshy’. Just to put everyone’s mind at rest the shoveler survived it’s ordeal and was around this morning.
Marsh harrier bothering shoveler (Pic: Andy)
In other news from the reserve it was great to see Gary The Birding Biker visit the reserve recently. It was great to see him and catch up with his 2022 green birding adventure so far. If your going to Spurn Migration Festival 9th, 10th & 11th September be sure to say hi. Sadly he missed the pectoral sandpiper but you can catch up with his exploits here:
http://bikingbirder2016.blogspot.com/
Gary Prescott aka The Birding Biker with assistant warden Stuart.
As mentioned at the top of this blog its been dry. But that’s meant the team have been able to get into some of the drier places easier. You’ll notice some of the hard work they’ve put in reed cutting ready for some impending high tides that will (hopefully) bring some water onto the lagoons. Also a big thanks to Dave & Paul our residential volunteers last week for their exceptional hard work and interesting pics.
Residential volunteers Dave (left) Paul (right)
Paul pulling reed runners (Pic: Dave)
Here’s Paul pulling reed runners, essential work so that reeds don’t overtake the lagoon. Check the length of them!
Reed management in front of Singleton (Pic: Dave)
Assistant warden Julie improving the view in front of singleton.
If you fancy spending a week or more on one of our reserves supporting nature and the RSPB check out information on our website:
https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering-fundraising/volunteer/residential-volunteering/
Finally, as the nights draw in you’ll notice our closing times change. Throughout September our reception hide will be open as usual from 9am until 5pm. The reserve and carpark will remain open until 8pm (but likely to change as dusk falls earlier). Keep up to date with all the latest news from Blacktoft on our social media!
facebook.com/RSPBBlacktoftSands
twitter.com/Blacktoft_Sands