Blacktoft Sands, near Ousefleet on the river Ouse

Blacktoft Sands

Dropped by this superb RSPB reserve Sunday morning on the way back from Yorkshire and was pleasantly surprised by the viewing facilities available.

There is a large reception hide with plate window and five more comfortable hides all with opening glass or plastic viewing ports and a couple with two floors, birds can be seen even in the worst of weather. All of the hides bar one are approached by level pathways and ramps and are easy to access with wheelchairs.

The site also has male, female and disabled toilets, overall a great place to visit.

On the day of my visit the weather was overcast and very windy, so a lot of the birds were huddled together to shelter, most being out of reach of my 500mm lens, but still saw a wide variety, including a couple of firsts for me. A good scope would be an advantage for the more distant subjects.

• Marsh Harrier
  
• Redshank
  
• Ruff
  
• Little Egrets huddling
  
• Variety of sheltering birds
  
• Teal