Sighting Highlights 24/04 to 11/05/23
(scroll to end for Reserve News & Events)
Raptors
Marsh Harrier
Hen Harrier (06.03.23)
Hobby
Tawny Owl
Buzzard
Kestrel
Sparrow Hawk
Barn Owl
Water Fowl
Garganey (03.05.23 + 07.05.23)
Wigeon
Pochard
Shoveler
Shelduck
Gadwall
Teal
Mallard
Tufted Duck
Pink-footed goose (11.05.23 in summer plumage)
Canada goose (with goslings)
Greylag goose (with goslings)
Mute swan (10.05.23 – 9 cygnets)
Coot
Moorhen
Little Grebe
Water Rail (heard)
Waders
Black-tailed Godwit
Avocet
Greenshank
Redshank
Spotted Redshank
Lapwing
Curlew
Whimbrel (flew through 05.05.23)
Dunlin
Oystercatcher
Passerines
Wheatear (01.05.23)
Whinchat
Stonechat
Linnet
Yellow Wagtail
Skylark
Meadow Lark
Grasshopper Warbler (03.05.23)
Willow Warbler
Blackcap
Sedge Warbler
Reed Warbler
Whitethroat
Lesser Whitethroat
Cetti’s Warbler
Tree Sparrow
Dunnock
Chiff chaff
Reed Bunting
Song Thrush (27.04.23)
Chaffinch
Wren
Bearded Tit
Meadow Pipit
Robin
Great tit
Goldfinch
Blue tit
Blackbird
Bullfinch (29.04.23)
Gulls & Terns
Common tern
Greater black-backed gull
Lesser black-backed gull
Black-headed gull
Herons
Spoonbill (occasionally dropping in)
Bittern (regularly booming and seen in flight)
Grey Heron
Little Egret
Common Crane (seen along Trent 25.04.23)
Hirundines
Swift
Swallow
House Martin
Sand Martin
Other
Cuckoo (regular sightings and calling)
Stockdove
Wood Pigeon
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Pheasant
Butterflies
Tortoiseshell
Brimstone
Peacock
Red Admiral
Speckled Wood
Holly Blue
Orange tip
Reserve News & Events
The breeding season is hotting up with the first hatchlings of the season starting to appear. Greylag and Canada geese gosling are around and one of the three mute swan nests produced 9 cygnets taking to the water for the first time yesterday (10.05.23).
It’s great to have cuckoo back too. They have been in fine song and several sightings of them as they move around the reserve.
At the moment we’re getting some fantastic close-up sightings of marsh harriers including food passes. One male in particular has been hunting ranging in front of reedling, reception and first hide. It’s been fascinating to watch!.
The meadow is really coming into its own as well. It’s a fantastic display of colour and it’s only going to get better.
Here’s a few of our favourite pics from recent weeks!
Cygnets take to the water (Pic: P.Short)
Common tern (Pic: P.Short)
Cuckoo (Pic: P.Short)
Willow Warbler (Pic: P.Short)
Pink-footed goose in summer plumage (Pic: D.Johnson)
Barn Owl along hawthorn blossom (Pic: P.Short)
Yellow Wagtail (Pic: P.Short)
Cuckoo flower (Pic: P.Short)
Ragged Robin (Pic: P.Short)
Meadow Saxifrage (Pic: P.Short)
Germander Speedwell (Pic: P.Short)
…And Finally
Koniks with farrier (Pic: P.Short)
All six of the Koniks ponies had their annual foot check today and a look over from the vet. Pleased to report they are all in fine fettle and behaved impeccably!
One last thing before I go! Have I mentioned it’s our 50th Anniversary this year! 50 wild years at Blacktoft We’ll be celebrating and ‘throwing our doors open’ to young and old! Our open weekend is back with activities for all Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th June – more info to follow.
Happy Birding!
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