Trip report: Blacktoft Sands RSPB, March 2006

Our second trip of the year started with many bleary eyes, the clocks having gone back in the early hours of the morning.  Thirty-one managed the early start but sadly two failed to attend. The RSPB were holding a "Mother's Day" open day with entry to the reserve being free to all non-members. Luckily, this did not cause any problems with just the normal amount of visitors to the reserve for this time of year. 

Although bird numbers were down compared to normal, the number of species was nearly as good as normal with 76 species seen in total.  Good views were had, by most, of both the Bitterns and Marsh Harriers with excellent close-ups of the male harrier.  A real highlight for some was the singing Cetti's Warbler; a lifer for some of us. Although elusive, some also managed to get Bearded Tit, two redhead Smew, a Peregrine, Common Buzzard, Scaup and Water Rail. 

With the addition of some unseasonably warm weather, the trip was quite a success. Special thanks must go to Stephen Fryer for his donation of the raffle prizes. 

As a quick postscript, enduring the lost hours sleep paid off as Blacktoft was heavily flooded on the following weekend. 

The habitat - and so much of it... 

All on the alert

Avocets... 

and a Bittern

Superb views of Marsh Harrier