Sightings Highlights W/C 27/02/23
(scroll to end for Reserve News & Events)
Raptors
Hen harrier (ringtail)
Short eared owl
Merlin
Barn owl
Marsh harrier
Buzzard
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Water Fowl
Whooper swan
Russian white fronted goose
Golden eye
Canada goose
Grey lag goose
Shelduck
Wigeon
Teal
Gadwall
Mallard
Shoveler
Pochard
Tufted duck
Coot
Moorhen
Little grebe (nest building)
Waders
Bittern (seen and heard booming)
Avocet
Golden plover (flying through)
Ruff
Black tailed godwit
Dunlin
Redshank
Snipe
Grey heron
Passerines
Tree sparrow
Bearded tit
Cettis warbler
Stonechat
Kingfisher
Fieldfare
Redwing
Reed Bunting
Starling
Blackbird
Great tit
Blue tit
Robin
Wren
Pied wagtail
Chaffinch
Water pipit (flying around Ousefleet)
Other
Black headed gull
Magpie
Carrion crow
Pheasant
Wood pigeon
Reserve News & Events
Please note that the reserve has dried out and all hides open as normal. You’ll notice the team have repaired some of the pathways with new limestone as some areas were partially washed away. Thankfully that seems to be the worst of the watery effects and easily remedied.
As we drift further into spring we’ll start opening reception hide again during the week starting from 1st April. Pop in for a hot drink and snack and let us know what fantastic wildlife you’ve seen.
Although the cranes have not been spotted on the reserve or surrounding fields there have been reports of them still in the area. Hopefully a sign of things to come!
Spectacular views of marsh harrier courtship and sky dancing has been a particular highlight over the last week or so.
Here’s a few of our favourite pics this week!
Russian white fronted goose (Pic: D.Johnson)
Bittern (Pic: Andy H)
Short eared owl (Pic: P.Short)
Tree sparrow (Pic: P.Short)
Kittiwake (Pic: Andy H.)
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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