Plan today was onto Blacktoft Sands firstly (Montagus Harrier) and then onto Twyford Woods for Grizzled Skipper when it was warmer
Arrived Blacktoft Sands about 11am after a visit along one of the farm tracks in the nearby fields near to Blacktoft, this is where I picked up Corn Bunting, Yellow Wagtails, Skylark, Reed Buntings and Common Whitethroat
On to the reserve first birds seen are usually the Robins, Pheasants, Tree Sparrows, Woodpigeons and Wrens around the car park and Bird table
After the introduction to check RSPB membership at the centre and a brief summary of where things were, I was off and running and soon watching my first Sedge Warbler of the day, my first hide of the day was Townend Hide where I enjoyed Avocets, Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Swallow, Marsh Harriers but no Montagu’s Harrier to be seen
From around the reserve also seen were Little Egret, Swift, House Martin, Sand Martin, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Grey Heron and Shelduck
On then to Twyford Woods arriving 2 hours over due to traffic, on site the first butterfly encountered was a Dinky Skipper, nice but not the target species. Along walk ensued to get to the butterfly glades but on the way Common Whitethroat, Garden Wabler, Goldcrest, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff, Common Buzzard and Cuckoo could al been seen or heard
On at the glade Dinky Skipper was the first butterfly seen again but it wasn’t long when a Grizzled Skipper showed up, bit of a tatty one, but non the less my first, it wasn’t long before more were encountered and photos were taken. Common Blue Butterfly were about along with Small White, and Large white, Green veined White and Peacock
Grizzled Skipper
Robin at Blacktoft Sands
Huddsbirder 