Blacktoft Sands RSPB

On the second day of the holiday we went to Blacktoft Sands RSPB. I wanted to see some rare waders and bearded tits. We were told to visit all hides by the wardens in the reception so we did. The first hide was quite good which produced a marsh harrier and some redshank. However, the second hide was the best. When we got there, we saw some waders in front of the hide which were ruff. I had never been that close to ruff before, so I got some photos. A bit later, we saw some bearded tits which I had never seen before. They were on the mud itself which I didn’t expect. I expected them to be on the reeds! They were very far off so no chance of a photo! They were lots of little grebes dotted around the ponds as well which was nice. One came really close, close enough for a good photo. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much more of interest except a single spotted redshank in amongst the common redshank and a green sandpiper. After that we went to Alkborough Flats. When we got there we saw there were waders there so we went to the hide. We immediately saw my favourite wader, the unmistakable avocet. I thought all the avocets had gone but I was wrong! We also saw a group of black-tailed godwits. We didn’t see much else until the end when a marsh harrier flew over and a hobby a bit later which I had never seen either. Just as we were leaving we saw 3 spoonbills fly on to the lake which was a great sight just as we left. A great end to a great holiday! Ruff Group of Avocets

Little Grebe Pair of Marsh Harrier