Sighting Highlights W/C 13.02.23
(scroll to end for Reserve News & Events)
Raptors
Marsh harrier
Barn owl
Peregrine falcon
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Red kite (over Ouse)
Water Fowl
Russian white fronted goose (fields off reserve)
Whooper swan (fields off reserve)
Black swan (fields off reserve)
Barnacle goose
Pink footed goose
Golden eye
Pochard
Tufted duck
Wigeon
Teal
Shoveler
Shelduck
Gadwall
Mallard
Canada goose
Greylag goose
Coot
Moorhen
Waders
Common Crane (flying over tracking Trent)
Bittern
Water rail
Curlew
Black-tailed godwit
Dunlin
Lapwing
Redshank
Snipe
Oyster catcher
Passerines
Siskin
Cettis (seen and singing)
Fieldfare
Redwing
Stonechat
Tree sparrow
Reed Bunting
Great tit
Chaffinch
Blue tit
Long-tailed tit
Wren
Robin
Dunnock
Blackbird
Starling
Other
Greater black backed gull (tracking river Ouse)
Herring gull
Common gull
Black-headed gull
Pheasant
Carrion crow
Magpie
Reserve News & Events
The latest surge tides have brought an influx of water onto the reserve flooding the main trails (22/02/23). The pathways are likely to remain under water for the next few days. Whilst it’s not great news for visiting the reserve it’s much better for the lagoons and wetland areas. The inundation replenishes food sources like eels and fish into the lagoons and rehydrates wetland areas that have partially dried in the mild dry winter. It’s the natural cycle of a flood plain, it’s what it’s meant to do! Please check our social media feeds for the latest information.
Flooding main trail at Reception (Pic: P. Short)
Disturbance of schedule 1 birds like marsh harrier and other rare breeding birds can lead to heavy sanctions therefore we would remind visitors leading up to the main breeding season to observe clearing defined public rights of way and reserve trails. Please do not wander from these e.g. walking on top of the bank. Please be aware that dogs are not permitted on site (other than assistance dogs).
Star spots this week have been 3 common cranes flying over the reserve tracking along the Trent.
Common cranes flying over (Pic: Andy H.)
Just before the cranes these 3 spoonbills flew over as well.
Spoonbills (Pic: Dave Dennis)
Another fantastic spot this week is Russian white fronted goose ensconced amongst the greylag.
Russian white fronted goose (Pic: P.Short)
Dawn Chorus Exclusive Event – Saturday 18th March 7.30am – 10.30am
Join our experienced guides and enjoy exclusive early morning access exploring the sights and sounds of emerging spring at Blacktoft Sands.
Spend the first hour spotting marsh harriers as they rise from the reed beds or barn owls silently hunting with our experienced spotters. Then take in the rest of the reserve along with our guide helping you to spot, hear and enjoy the plethora of wildlife along the trails and on the lagoons from our numerous hides.
New to birding or looking to build your birding knowledge and ID skills then this is the tour for you!
Learn more about this unique wildlife rich reserve and landscape as we celebrate 50 years of Blacktoft, before exploring at your leisure for the rest of the day.
Enjoy:
Scan here for details.
https://events.rspb.org.uk/blacktoftsands
email blacktoft.sands@rspb.org.uk
Tel. 01405 704665
Happy birding!
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