Monday 27 July 2015

RSPB - Blacktoft Sands

Plans had been made for a full days birding outing. We went a little further afield than normal, but with full justification. Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve sits on the banks of the river Ouse at the start of the Humber estuary. It has been widely reported that there have been a pair of Montagu's Harriers on site for a while. Britain's rarest breeding bird of prey, and a real stunner at that. We were fortunate to see both the male and female in flight for some time. It wasn't close up and I didn't attempt any photography. It was just a joy to be able to watch it through the binoculars. Another lifer for me.

There were plenty of other birds on show too, with Spotted Redshanks, Ruff, Avocets and lots more. A great reserve that I can highly recommend and one that I'll be returning too.

This is not my image, but was taken by birder Dave Adamson. This is the male.

Little Egrets were in good numbers across all of the pools.


The Marsh Harriers were really active. I had the pleasure of watching several food passes between the males and females.


There were good numbers of Ruff in varying plumages. Here is one with a white head, and an Avocet and Teal for company.

Spotted Redshank. 

An Avocet coming in to land, with some of the many Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwits and Lapwing behind.

Avocets in flight.
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18 comments:

  1. eileeninmd27 July 2015 at 15:11

    Wow, awesome birds and sightings. Congrats on your rare Harrier lifer! They are all wonderful photos! Happy Monday!

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  2. Fun6027 July 2015 at 16:38

    Looks like you had a good day. Love the harrier photos.

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  3. Rohrerbot27 July 2015 at 21:07

    Nice waterbirds!!! Looks like a very productive outing!

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  4. Karren Haller27 July 2015 at 21:08

    I love the redshank with their long legs. Please stop by and linkup http://ohmyheartsiegirl.com/heartsie-girls-wordless-wednesday-25/

    Have a great day!
    Karren

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  5. This N That27 July 2015 at 22:52

    Love the Avocets with their black tipped wings..Wonderful action photos..Have a wonderful week..

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  6. NCSue28 July 2015 at 01:24

    Beautiful photos... as always!
    You're such a wonderful photographer. I always appreciate your visits, and I want to thank you for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/07/variations.html

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  7. Anonymous28 July 2015 at 03:11

    Always fun to see birds I'm not familiar with. You have quite an assortment here. The Avocets are eye-catching.

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  8. Rhonda Albom28 July 2015 at 13:44

    Nice. Love the flying and the reflections.

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  9. Sharon Wagner28 July 2015 at 15:25

    Another new bird for me. The Avocet.

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  10. Pat Ulrich29 July 2015 at 02:30

    Fantastic to see your local birds -- the avocets are gorgeous (and quite different in plumage than the American avocet I'm used to seeing)

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  11. Phil Slade29 July 2015 at 08:53

    That's a terrific list of birds for one place Adam. Seeing both Marsh Harrier and Monty's has to be a special day.

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  12. Phil Slade29 July 2015 at 08:53

    That's a terrific list of birds for one place Adam. Seeing both Marsh Harrier and Monty's has to be a special day.

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  13. Stewart M29 July 2015 at 10:53

    I can't believe this! I was there on my trip to the UK - I saw the Monty's as a very distant bird, and I assume that the rain of tides must have changed as there seems to be more water and more birds than when I was there! Got great scope views of Spotted RS in full breeding plumage - I almost fell off my hide seat when I found them!!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  14. Anonymous29 July 2015 at 17:57

    So many beautiful shorebirds and great captures. Congratulations on sighting the Montagu's Harrier.

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  15. Mary Howell Cromer29 July 2015 at 20:26

    All so beautiful, and yet the Harrier is really an amazing and handsome bird!

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  16. A Colorful World31 July 2015 at 03:47

    Beautiful birds...just LOVE the Harriers!

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  17. Rambling Woods1 August 2015 at 02:59

    Congrats on your lifer Adam..that is always exciting... I love the photos, but especially the last one.. in flight and clear as a bell... Wonderful... Michelle

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  18. NatureFootstep1 August 2015 at 22:29

    lots of beautiful birds. Both the Harrier and the water fowl Love all of them. :)

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