Bakewell Bird Study Group visit to Blacktoft Sands – Thursday 14 November 2024, 10.15 to 14.00

Summary

Situated on the south bank of the River Ouse where the waterway widens into the Humber estuary, this reserve is renowned for its reedbeds. It was a rather grey day and many of the birds were only seen well through binoculars or scope.  Flocks of Redwing and a few Fieldfare and Tree Sparrows were seen near the Visitor Centre, as were a group of three Roe Deer.  Otherwise, most sightings were from the six hides, each with views over one of various lagoons with their reedbeds.  A Marsh Harrier was seen frequently, sometimes perched in an isolated small bush or tree that broke the skyline.  Snipe were seen from several of the hides, skulking, half-hidden in tussocky grass.  Towards the end of our stay, Stewart Abbott, our minibus driver, identified a Bearded Tit that flew rapidly across a water channel in the reeds.

Members participating:    11

Bird list (32 species seen and/or heard)

Little Grebe Pheasant Redwing
Cormorant Water Rail Cetti’s Warbler
Mute Swan Snipe Bearded Tit
Wigeon Common Gull Long-tailed Tit
Gadwall Stock Dove Blue Tit
Teal Woodpigeon Great Tit
Mallard Dunnock Magpie
Shoveler Robin Carrion Crow
Tufted Duck Stonechat Starling
Marsh Harrier Blackbird Tree Sparrow
Kestrel Fieldfare  
Lagoon and reedbeds – Martyn Grandy

Lagoon and reedbeds – Martyn Grandy

Roe Deer – Martyn Grandy

Roe Deer – Martyn Grandy

Gadwall – Martyn Grandy

Gadwall – Martyn Grandy

Mute Swan (immature) – Chris Byrne

Mute Swan (immature) – Chris Byrne

Wigeon – Martyn Grandy

Wigeon – Martyn Grandy

(possibly) White Fibrecap mushroom – Chris Byrne

(possibly) White Fibrecap mushroom – Chris Byrne

Yellow Fieldcap mushroom – Martyn Grandy

Yellow Fieldcap mushroom – Martyn Grandy