At Blacktoft Sands

With a forecast of sunny spells and showers, and relentless wind, I headed to Blacktoft Sands, the RSPB reserve at the confluence of the Ouse and the Trent at Humberhead Levels. The reserve has six hides, plus the visitor centre, with views towards wetlands by the river Ouse. Today, there were many waders and ducks about, and of course the ever-present Marsh Harriers, at some point four could be seen quartering the reserve. The harriers flushed the birds on the wetlands several times, sending flocks of Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwit into the sky. Two Buzzards, a Kestrel and a Peregrine were also present. Amongst the waders, the Black-tailed Godwits and Lapwing were the most abundant, with some Redshank, Spotted Redshank and Ruff. Plenty of Teal and Wigeon, with some Shelduck, Gadwall and Shovelers completed the duck assortment. Fieldfares fed on the fields at the other side of the flood bank.

Marsh Harrier over the reedbed.

The view towards Alkborough.

There was a pair of Little Grebes on each of the pools. This pair thrilled several times. The individual on the left appears to be holding a stickleback, having trouble swallowing it.

Two discreetly stunning species, the Gadwall, a grey and brown duck that up close shows a beautifully scaly plumage, and the Black-tailed Godwit.

a pair of Marsh Harriers did a little bit of aerial courtship, coming together several times in the air, in preparation of the food passes that they'll do later in the year.

Four Spotted redshank roosting on the island in front of Xerox hide.

A Buzzard on a fence post.

At Ousefleet, I was very entertained by the Konik ponies, used at the reserve for conservation grazing of the saltmarsh and reedbeds. Two of them galloped towards the rest and they greeted each other.

 A call alerted these Black-tailed Godwits, which were sleeping a moment before, they raised their heads, watching attentively. A few Ruff were also present.

Black-tailed Godwit resting on one leg.