Went today just to try out the new camera and lenses.
Tried it out with the usual birds at first and they have made a few changes to the reserve. They Have added a pond near the hide at the reserve centre which is a nich touch. They have planted a feeder in the pond but none of the birds seemed too keen to try it out just now.
Went for a walk on one of the trails and had a Sparrowhawk fly over my head. Too many tree branches to get a shot. Those sparrowhawks are fast.
There...

It seems unreal that a year has passed since the first forum outing to Fairburn Ings last September. Reliving happy memories of that weekends great birding, I was eagerly anticipating this years trip.

RSPB Blacktoft Sands

I set off on Friday the 24th from a dark, dank and dreary Blackpool at 5.30am and courtesy of British rail, arrived at Brough near Hull just before 10am where John picked me up for the drive to RSPB Blacktoft Sands.

The reserve sits at...

I am absolutely knackered, shattered, and speechless.
First of all. A big thank you to Clydebirder without whom we would never have noticed a lot of the birds or even recognised.
The weather was not at it's kindest but we didn't get caught out in a lot of rain. That was the plus.
First stop, Blacktoft Sands. At the moment, I cannot remember much of what we saw, I'll have to get a loan of Alanjns notes as I forgot to bring a pen to take notes.

Blacktoft sands...

Jackdaw
Reed Bunting
Buzzard
Stock Dove
House Sparrow
Dunnock
Willow Tit
Robin
Rook
House Martin

Widgeon
Ruff
Peregrine Falcon
Knot
Wren

that's 65 today! More than Fairburn Ings!

Retired to the Sloop Inn for a pint and a bite to eat!

Tufted Duck
Pochard
Shelduck
Bar Tailed Godwit
Ringed Plover
Pied Wagtail
Goldcrest
Turtle Dove
Collared Dove
Chiffchaff

that's our 50 up now...