The Frozen East … Winter Bites & Xmas Opening
(Christmas Opening plan at end)
At last the temperatures have dropped and winter is truly upon us. At the time of writing the lagoons are frozen over but at least the freezing fog has lifted, no sign of snow in this area yet though.
All that said it does make for an atmospheric time at Blacktoft and you never quite know what might appear from the gloom.
Pete managed to spot this Mediterranean Gull passing over a day or so ago.
Mediterranean Gull (Pic: P. Short)
Another great spot in the fog from Pete, no doubt using his ‘magic bins’ were these 2 barnacle geese passing over.
Barnacle geese (Pic: P.Short)
Perhaps the star spot in recent days was this majestic goosander which dropped in for a brief 10 minute visit at singleton hide.
Goosander (Pic: Andy H.)
It’s definitely been a great time for raptor spotting. Of course, the harrier roost continues at a pace. The highest count (from one of our regulars recently) was 22 in the air at one time (beating my measly 18). In amongst all this action the highlights have been hen harrier and barn owls. I say barn owls (plural) because there’s been more than one. Thanks to the sterling efforts of regular contributor Andy for these great shots.
Ring Tail Hen Harrier (Pic: Andy H)
Barn Owl (Pic: Andy H)
Marsh harrier (Pic: Andy H.)
What would a Blacktoft blog be without a marsh harrier shot? This one was coming in to rest a while taking advantage of some rare sunshine.
Buzzards are still a regular feature too.
Buzzard (Pic: D.Johnson)
This one decided to rest a while on a sign adjacent to the Ouse at the back of our office.
Buzzard at reserve (Pic: D.Johnson)
Kestrel and sparrow hawk have been regular sightings as well. This beauty perched in front of reception for quite a while last Sunday but kept his back to us.
Kestrel (Pic: D.Johnson)
Another of my favourite recent spots is this marvellous kingfisher. It seems to have taken up residence of late with regular sightings darting along the drainage ditch or hovering over singleton lagoon (when the water’s not frozen of course).
Kingfisher (Pic: Andy H.)
One of the questions we regularly get asked in the winter months is “are the bearded tits still here?”
The simple answer is yes. Not that they are the easiest of spots mind. They tend to search out the oldest and densest areas of the reed bed in the winter months. Pete captured these this morning as he surveyed the reed bed.
Bearded Tit (Pic: P.Short)
Male Bearded Tit (Pic P.Short)
Of course their main diet at this time of year is seeds. They’ll also take some grit to help digest them.
Lots of birds use grit as a digestion aid in the winter including reed buntings. They are a regular sighting along the pathways pecking away, flitting between the trees and the reed seed heads.
Another ‘staple’ here at Blacktoft are of course our tree sparrows, regularly sighted around the picnic and toilet block areas. A pleasant (if refreshing) walk around the pathways will always have it’s little but usual thrills. Winter is a great time to listen to robins singing or watching blue and great tits flitting around. A tonic for the soul.
The humble blackbird is another beauty to behold, if a little skittish. Their shrill warning calls often catch us by surprise but at this time of year they are much easier to spot through the sparse leaved trees. You’ll often see the bright yellow beaks of the males or their black silhouette and shrill cries as they fly away. Just occasionally you’ll catch them skipping through the grassy areas hoping to find the odd bug or, like this one, taking advantage of the dwindling berries.
Blackbird (Pic: D.Johnson)
Blackbirds are members of the thrush family, as are redwings and fieldfares, both of which are flocking around the reserve in their hundreds if not thousands.
Redwing (Pic: P.Short)
Fieldfare (Pic: P.Short)
In between distant displays of starling mini murmuration the redwings and fieldfares have been delighting us with their flocking antics. As I walked along Ousefleet trail yesterday I spooked some nearby fieldfare. It was amazing to see the ‘domino’ effect as fieldfare/redwing sprang from the tree line in front of me for hundreds of feet.
It’s only in the last week that the lakes have frozen over. Before that their was still lots to see out and around the lagoons. Here a few of the highlights.
Red shank on grazing marsh (Pic: D.Johnson)
Shelduck (Pic: D.Johnson)
Shoveler (Pic: D.Johnson)
Snipe (Pic: D.Johnson)
Teal (Pic: D.Johnson)
Little grebe (Pic: D.Johnson)
Lapwing (Pic: D.Johnson)
Meanwhile – out over the river confluence there’s been impressive numbers of lapwing and golden plover taking to the skies. Pete was out working at Island Farm a day or so ago and was lucky enough to come across these group of whoopers.
Whoopers on Trent (Pic: Pete Short)
Looking to the skies it’s also great to see good numbers of pink footed geese still moving around. It’s a very different story to 25 years ago when there would be very few if any wintering on the Humber. Increased numbers of wintering birds have almost certainly benefitted from better protection of roost sites around the estuary over the years.
Pink footed geese (Pic: P.Short)
The Ever Changing Landscape
Being a typical ‘townie’ I used to find the cold of winter hard going. But now that I’ve spent a few winters out in the countryside and nature I’ve definitely learnt to appreciate them much more (although I should probably invest in some better thermals!). But winter does play it’s part. The cold weather is great for the meadows. It stops it growing and helps control the more aggressive species, allowing more delicate species to emerge unhindered.
Horseshoe meadow (Pic: P.Short)
The ever changing weather offers some spectacles over the landscape too.
Rainbow from Marshland pathway (Pic: D.Johnson)
Misty roe deer on bank in early light (Pic: D.Johnson)
Sunrise over reed bed (Pic: P.Short)
Sunrise over meadow (Pic: D.Johnson)
Even the Koniks have donned their winter coats!
Koniks around Ousefleet (Pic: P.Short)
Well it’s almost time to wrap this edition up – but before I do I thought I’d share this piece of rare wildlife with you (I could be in trouble for this hehe)
Here’s a lesser spotted Stuart (assistant warden) as he surveyed widgeon on the river Ouse.
Stuart (Pic: D.Johnson)
Happy birding everyone !!
It’s not too late to book …
Pull on your winter togs and join us for an exhilarating experience watching harriers leave their overnight roost.
Get exclusive early access to the best views of amazing raptors as they rise from the reeds, at the heart of the Humber.
This VIP event is a must for photographers and new enthusiasts alike. Our friendly and experienced guides will help you spot, identify and capture magnificent wildlife as it emerges. Take in the amazing sunrise vista across the marsh, weather permitting of course!
Check here for details :-
https://events.rspb.org.uk/blacktoftsands
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