RSPB Blacktoft Sands

RSPB Blacktoft Sands

05/10/2014

Blacktoft Sands

In a look for a bit of a different day me and Adele ventured south to RSPB Blacktoft sand our first visit to the reserve and were quite impressed with the people we met and the hides all facing away from the sun providing good visibility during the day.

A favourite hide was the Marshland hide which proved great views of Snipe (at least 40+), Ruff, Dunlin and the little star of the day a Pectoral Sandpiper which was very distant but viewable through scopes and decent binoculars. Other good waders seen were Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank and Redshank.

On the Wildfowl side, there were Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveller, Widgeon, Tufted, Shell and Teal Ducks, two flocks of Pink footed Geese overhead and a number Little Grebe dotted about

Throughout the day from all hides Marsh Harriers scanned the reed beds without coming really close, but still great to see.

Flitting about from the hides but not close where a group of Goldfinches, a pair of Stonechat, Yellow and Pied Wagtails and the great sight of at least 2 groups (into the teens) of Bearded Tits.

Unusually to us as well were Polish Wild Ponies around the scrapes instead of cattle to keep the reeds and grass at bay and form excellent feeding beds.

All in all a great few hours on site with the added bonus of a quick stop at Numbernholme on the way back to Scarborough to see at least 10 Red Kites, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrel and a number of Green Woodpeckers

Ruff

Snipe

Pectoral Sandpiper

Stonechats

Polish Wild Ponies