There is a calming hush that greets you the moment you step onto the grounds at Blacktoft Sands, located near the banks of the Humber Estuary. In January, with the sun riding low in a crisp winter sky, our local RSPB group arrived to explore this wetland tapestry of reedbeds, lagoons, and marshland. Armed with binoculars, telescopes, and an eagerness to spot the elusive bearded tit, we embarked on a day of quiet wonder.
First Impressions and a Mindfulness Trail
One of the first things I discovered was the Self-Guided Mindfulness Trail. The reserve’s welcome board encouraged us to pause, notice our surroundings, and focus on the healing sensations of simply being in nature.
“Remember, above the clouds there is always clear, calm, blue sky.”
This short directive captured the essence of the trail perfectly. Although today the sun was shining brightly, it served as a good reminder that even when obscured by clouds, the tranquility of the sky beyond, like our own inner stillness, remains a constant source of peace. It reinforced the idea that time spent in nature is not just about the thrill of spotting rare species; it’s about allowing nature to wash over you.
We began our walk by gazing across Horseshoe Meadow, watching some moorhens chase each other and letting our eyes drift from the crisp grass to the serene winter sky. The air was still after the previous day’s storm, setting a relaxed, contemplative tone for the day ahead.
After checking in at the visitor centre, we searched for the bearded tits that had been spotted earlier close by. However, apart from a few Blue Tits, Great Tits and Tree Sparrows flitting about in their endless search for seeds, there was no sign of them. Although disappointed, we remained hopeful for another opportunity later in the day.
On our way to the Ousefleet hide, we stopped at the end of the path before the final turn and looked across to where we had seen a large flock of geese land to see Greylag Geese on the ground, with Pink-footed Geese taking to the air and some Meadow Pipits foraging in the foreground.
Ousefleet Hide and the Impact of Storm Éowyn
Our first formal birdwatching hide was the Ousefleet hide and screen, where we scanned the horizon for movement. The reeds glowed golden in the morning light, waving gently in the breeze. With little wildlife activity, I couldn’t help but wonder if nature was still recovering from Storm Éowyn.
The highlight here was definitely a female marsh harrier (distinguished by its white head) flying gracefully along the top of the reeds and then right infont of us above the water.
Marshland and Xerox Hides: A Hub of Activity
Moving on, we stopped at the Marshland hide before reaching Xerox hide, which turned out to be one of the most active spots in the reserve during our visit. Large flocks of wildfowl had gathered, and as we paused for lunch, something spooked them. Suddenly, the whole pond erupted into the skies, including:
- Shoveler
- Teal
- Wigeon
- Pochard
- Mallards
- Coot
- Tufted duck
- Gadwall
- Snipe
Gradually, the birds began to settle again, providing ample opportunities for observation.
With toes and fingers chilled from the brisk January air, a couple of us made a welcome stop at the Reception hide to warm up. A wood-burning stove provided cozy relief, and the friendly RSPB staff offered tips on where bearded tits had last been spotted.
First and Singleton Hides
Rejuvenated, we ventured onward to the First Hide next to the Reception Hide and then the Singleton Hide, which flank the opposite side of the reserve from where we had started. Here, we spotted more swans and mallards and watched a cormorant fly past.
Eventually, most of the group departed in pursuit of rumored swan sightings at another reserve on the way home. We lingered a little longer, scanning the reedbeds in hope. Our patience paid off when a kingfisher flashed into view, an electric-blue streak darting above the water before vanishing into the reeds. The moment was fleeting but memorable, a jewel-bright reminder of the hidden wonders these habitats hold.
Winding Down at the Reception Hide
As the afternoon waned, we circled back to the Reception hide for a welcome cup of hot chocolate. We compared sightings and stories with other birders, exchanging tips on the best vantage points. From the windows of this wonderful visitors’ centre, despite having no running water or electricity, the fire kept both visitors and staff warm, offering a lovely view across the water. We were blessed with another glimpse of kingfishers zipping by.
The centre also boasts a great collection of bird field guides and magazines. We took the opportunity to pore over reference books such as The RSPB Handbook of British Birds by Peter Holden and Tim Cleeves and received a recommendation to check out the Collins Bird Guide app.
A Final Visit to Ousefleet Hide
Our day concluded with one last visit to the Ousefleet hide. A group of lapwings swooped in with their characteristic flickering flight, while male teals displayed their striking green facial patches. Near the hide’s edge, a wren busily foraged, soon joined by a robin, both bobbing and darting with inquisitive energy.
As the sun slipped toward the horizon, never high in the sky on a midwinter’s day, we reluctantly packed our gear. A blackbird and a crow bid us farewell from the car park, as if rounding off the day’s final sightings checklist.
Although we never did glimpse our elusive bearded tit, even though some of our wider group spotted one (they can be wonderfully secretive!), it was impossible to feel disappointed. The occasional bursts of bird calls, the glow of winter sunlight over the water, and the camaraderie of fellow birdwatchers reaffirmed why we visit places like Blacktoft Sands. The day’s lesson was about more than just spotting a particular species; it was a gentle reminder that nature offers continual opportunities to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate life beyond our daily routines.
From the Self-Guided Mindfulness Trail to the warmth of the Reception hide, and from the lively flocks of geese overhead to the fleeting flash of a kingfisher’s feathers, Blacktoft Sands provided a perfect blend of quiet introspection and thrilling wildlife encounters. As we drove away, we carried with us that sense of calm, like the clear blue sky behind winter clouds, knowing that these marshes, reeds, and hidden birds would always be here, ready to welcome us back whenever we return.
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