Weekend in Yorkshire - 16th to 18th September 2011

Travelled to Yorkshire for an RSPB Skua and shearwater cruise, of which more later. An early start on Friday morning and I reached the RSPB Reserve at Blacktoft Sands by 9am. Had visited once before but a new hide has been built that was  excellent with close views of numerous Snipe, Ruff, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Dunlin, Black Tailed Godwits and Teal. Weather was breezy and damp but I enjoyed a productive 3 hours or so in this hide. Elsewhere on the reserve water levels were low and birds scarce although a group of Tree Sparrows were on the feeders.

A spotted redshank attempting to swallow a fish provided some entertainment as well as some nice shots