The Lincolnshire Bird Club

10.00 - 2.00pm

incl:

Spotted Crake - excellent views to the left at the edge of reeds from Marshland Hide c. 1.00pm
Water Rail - 2 (1 'intimidating' the Spotted Crake)

Wood Sandpiper - in front of Marshland Hide
Green Sandpiper
Ruff
Black - tailed Godwit
Greenshank
Redshank
Dunlin
Common Snipe
Golden Plover - 4 flew over
Shelduck
Grey Heron
Marsh Harrier - cc
Sparrowhawk
Bearded Tit - 2
Reed Bunting
Tree Sparrow

Freddy

Are the water levels perfect for attracting the birds now?you saw a good selection on your visit.
Is there any work planned soon?i.e they were thinking of developing access to the wet field at the Goole end of the reserve?

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Viking says Keep Ahaad

Eric,

As you know, part of Blacktoft's conservation management action plan is to lower water levels in summer, exposing mud for feeding waders. The water levels on 30 August were such that there were very good numbers of waders around. The levels meant that some waders were close to the hides, including the Wood Sandpiper which fed unconcernedly only c15-20m. in front of Marshland Hide.

I didn't visit the Ousefleet Hide end of the reserve (towards Goole) as I have always found it a relatively bird-free zone in the summer and early autumn months before more flooding takes place.

I can't provide any information as to development plans there but I haven't picked up any pointers in conversations with Blacktoft staff.

Regards,

Freddy