Tuesday 11 July 2017

Blacktoft Sands

After time with the Bee-eaters we headed back up the motorway to Blacktoft Sands arriving about 12. We ate some lunch surrounded by Tree Sparrows and bees at the picnic tables before heading onto the reserve proper.

A Four-banded Longhorn Beetle flew in front of us and landed on a fence.


Right off we could hear Sedge Warblers around us and spotted a couple as we walked along the paths. Along with a few Reed Bunting and a Dunnock singing away.



Just before I clicked a Sedge Warbler was sitting right here!!

From the hides we saw a Greenshank, Redshank, Ruff, Green Sandpiper, Little Egret, Teal, Shovelers, Shelduck, Heron, Little and Great Crested Grebes amongst others. My husband saw a couple of Bearded Tits but I couldn't get on them (that along with yet another blinding headache after a day using optics means I really need to schedule a new eye test!).


We watched the Marsh Harriers, one passing food to another, they can be seen from most of the hides but the best views of the day were from the Singleton Hide.


We saw Butterflies galore and lots of Beetles all over the grass. My daughter spotted a Caterpillar moving at quite a speed next to the path - a Peacock Butterfly I think.


Meadow Brown


Clouded Border Moth



Small Tortoiseshell


Ringlet 


 Essex Skipper (black on the end of the antenna)?


Meadow Brown


Peacock Butterfly Caterpillar?


Soldier Beetles


Comma 

This Woodpigeon actually made me physically jump when it flew up out of the undergrowth next to path on the way to the Ousefleet hide!


We spent a little time watching Reed Warblers flying backwards and forwards from the viewing screen next to the hide.

The sun was high and very hot and we had to leave around 4, I was flagging a bit in the heat to be honest. It was good to get the air con on in the car!

We finished the day with dinner at a friends, spending the early evening sat in their garden watching Swifts and Buzzards overhead. Then we were treated to these Sundogs above the houses. Pretty much a perfect way to end our rather long day!




8 comments:

  1. I've never been to Blacktoft Sands but it sounds like it would be worth a visit from the range of species you saw!

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    1. It is, there's always plenty to see. We've spent full days there before!

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  2. You do find some great reserves Pam - sounds like you had a super day with so many wildlife sightings. Love the sundogs :)

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    1. We did, I do love it here :) The sundogs were amazing, unfortunately the photos don't do them justice! They lasted ages and we had a rainbow like one above our heads too.

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  3. I am envious of your bird list for the day!! I would give an eye tooth to see a Great Crested Grebe! Awesome butterflies! Finally a cool down here in Colorado some rain fell!!

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    1. It's a great place to go for a range of species! The Great Crested Grebes are quite common here, but they're always lovely to see! Glad it's cooled down a little for you, the heat must be overpowering!

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  4. Another great day out, not done as much Birdwatching this year so it's nice to see what you are finding. Blacktoft Sands is on my list of places to go.
    Called a Golden acre park after been at Adel church, the gardens are stunning at the moment,well worth a trip.
    Amanda xx

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    1. It's a great place to go!

      Oh yes it's been a while since I was there, maybe we could arrange that meet up one weekend? xx

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