The weather forecast did not look good for the visits to Blacktoft Sands on Friday 1st March and Far Ings Reserve on Saturday 2nd March. In fact Saturday dawned bright and sunny and, arriving at Blacktoft early, I was able to capture a very vocal Reed Bunting and an early Marsh Harrier.
By the time the party had all arrived the weather had deteriorated and most of the day was cold, showery and quite windy so we appreciated the excellent hides at Blacktoft getting many views of Marsh Harriers - at one stage very close as it ate prey and then drank in front of us.
In the late afternoon, the weather cleared to give a sunny end to the day along with great sightings of a Barn Owl, unfortunately scared off by a Marsh Harrier! and a Water Vole feeding right in front of the hide.
On Saturday, we visited Far Ings Reserve - a very scenic location right next to the Humber Bridge. The highlight undoubtedly was the Bittern which obligingly strode across the reed bed right in front of us. Some of us also spent time near the visitor centre photographing passerines near the feeding station.
Images by Dave McKay, Ann Miles
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