Blacktoft Sands RSPB

[andythomas]

I visited this reserve on 21st September after spending the morning at Fairburn Ings. This was my third visit to Blacktoft, my two previous visits being during the spring. The birds seen on this occasion were somewhat different.

Blacktoft Sands lies on the southern side of the Humber Estuary, to the east of Goole. It has the largest inter-tidal reedbed in England and saline lagoons overlooked by six hides.

The drought meant that the water levels on the pools were low which probably meant bird numbers were on the low side, but there were some quality birds present. Waders include Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Dunlin and Green Sandpiper. A Water Rail showed well walking in and out of the reeds, and a couple of Bearded Tits could be seen feeding on the ground in front of the reeds. A Marsh Harrier passed over a couple of times. In front of the Ousefleet Hide a flock of at least twenty Yellow Wagtails fed in amongst the cattle. Between the car park and the visitor centre a flock of about twenty Tree Sparrows were feeding in the field edge.

The last time I was there in the spring there were plenty of breeding Avocets and good views of a reeling Grasshopper Warbler.

--
Andy

[Doug]

You can sometimes see Barn Owl hunting over the fields from the hides in the late afternoon. It is a lovely reserve.

[Alf King]

Great site Blacktoft particularly if you can time your visit for around the high tide when the waders and ducks are forced onto the reserve.

You can guarantee Marsh harriers most of the year and hen harriers in winter, especially around roosting time. Water rail should be a regular sighting and even bearded reedling can be seen regularly with some patience. Reeling grasshopper warbler in spring is also a bonus.

Take a drink and some bitties and enjoy a grand day out.