It was a grey day when we visited Alkborough Flats in Lincolnshire on Saturday 24th October. However the large flock of Avocets were quite spectacular, when every so often a Marsh Harrier would flush the flock. There can often be up to a 1000 birds on the flats, along with other waders such as Black-tailed Godwit and Lapwing, all helping to make a spectacular sight. We also had a few Bearded Tit, around 6 Marsh Harrier and a couple of Spotted Redshank. On our journey back we called in at the RSPB Reserve at Blacktoft Sands. In late afternoon sunshine, that lit up the reserve in stunning colours, two very obliging Barn Owl were hunting the reed beds. Also numerous Marsh Harrier and a single Merlin and Sparrowhawk came into roost and well over 5,000 Pink-footed Geese, flew over in many skeins, bringing the day to a spectacular close. Oh by the way, if you didn’t know, “Cobbler” is an old name for Avocet! – No year ticks though!
Avocet – above four images – Alkborough Flats, Lincolnshire – Tony Davison©
Black-tailed Godwit – Alkborough Flats, Lincolnshire – Tony Davison©
Lapwing – Alkborough Flats, Lincolnshire – Tony Davison©
Very good.