Bearded Beauties

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Spent this morning at the excellent Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve near Goole with the hope of seeing a few species that i've never seen before, specifically Hen Harrier/ Merlin and Bearded Tits

After visiting a few of the hides and seeing a couple of Marsh Harrier, Snipe, Black Tailed Godwit and plenty of different species of duck I eventually got to the hide furthest away from the centre (Ousefleet), It looked quite quiet in front with small numbers of duck species and a single Marsh Harrier above the reeds, so I thought i'd make my way back to the centre again, on leaving the hide a number of small birds flew past me making the very distinctive Pinging calls, so i shot back into the hide in time to see a small flock go down into the reeds, the guy who i'd be-friended(andy from nr York) that day also heard them and followed me 30 seconds later back into the hide. They then showed very well sitting right on the top of some reeds around 50 yrds away, the orange colour and moustaches showing up really well, then after half a minute or so of sitting there 6 took off and headed away

Was a fantastic sighting for me, and one that has made my year

[almostnormal]

Originally Posted by Lincs Yellowbelly

Spent this morning at the excellent Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve near Goole with the hope of seeing a few species that i've never seen before, specifically Hen Harrier/ Merlin and Bearded Tits

After visiting a few of the hides and seeing a couple of Marsh Harrier, Snipe, Black Tailed Godwit and plenty of different species of duck I eventually got to the hide furthest away from the centre (Ousefleet), It looked quite quiet in front with small numbers of duck species and a single Marsh Harrier above the reeds, so I thought i'd make my way back to the centre again, on leaving the hide a number of small birds flew past me making the very distinctive Pinging calls, so i shot back into the hide in time to see a small flock go down into the reeds, the guy who i'd be-friended(andy from nr York) that day also heard them and followed me 30 seconds later back into the hide. They then showed very well sitting right on the top of some reeds around 50 yrds away, the orange colour and moustaches showing up really well, then after half a minute or so of sitting there 6 took off and headed away

Was a fantastic sighting for me, and one that has made my year

wow! i love bearded tits, and have spectacularly failed to see them at nearly every reserve that has them! makes it so much cooler when you do see them though!

[Ollie]

A great sighting Lincs Yellowbelly, what a thrill. One of our most handsome birds I think. Just might have to pop over to Blacktoft myself next week when I'm on holiday
Roger

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Originally Posted by Ollie

A great sighting Lincs Yellowbelly, what a thrill. One of our most handsome birds I think. Just might have to pop over to Blacktoft myself next week when I'm on holiday
Roger

I never realised how good the place was, top site should be really good on the high tides