Waders and warblers at Blacktoft

 

The weather was better than forecasted with some pleasant dry and bright interludes in between the heavy showers of rain.

Marshland was the place to be wader wise. 

The curlew sandpiper remained at the far end of the lagoon, while the green sandpipers, lapwings, ruff, spotted redshanks, common sandpiper, redshanks, avocets and snipe came a bit closer. Several curlews flew downstream, following the route of the Ouse and a single whimbrel was with them. A spoonbill also flew over. A barn owl was perched in a tree near the barn owl box. An adult and a juvenile water rail were often seen as they walked around the edge of the reed bed. The waders were often disturbed by hunting marsh harriers and a peregrine.

One of the 3 mute swan families decided to move from Reedling lagoon to 1st lagoon.

During the week one of the swan families decided to walk along the footpath to Singleton hide and had a rest outside the hide!

Lots of small bird activity. A flock of about 50 goldfinches were flying about and Stu counted one flock of 18 young ones. Tree sparrows, reed buntings, meadow pipits, great and blue tits were also busily feeding.  Cetti's warblers were singing and I saw 3 individuals. Blackcaps and a garden warbler were also singing and I also saw chiffchaff and willow warbler.

At least 18 little egrets on the reserve, with 14 on Townend lagoon and a great white egret was also present. On August 4th there were 4 great white egrets on the reserve, a new record.

Despite the weather I managed to get 51 birds on my day list.