Thursday 7 April 2011

Black-tailed Godwits

We are lucky in the Peterborough area to have The Nene Washes RSPB reserve on our doorstep. This site is a nationally important one for breeding wading birds such as the Common Snipe and the Black-tailed Godwit. Each year these birds breed on this area of managed floodland and pasture which gives people a chance to view these amazing birds at quite close quarters.

Digiscoped using Canon Powershot A640 and Kowa TSN-883 x30


The Black-tailed Godwit is a large wader with a long, straight bill, long black legs and a long neck. In Spring the head, neck and breast are chestnut red, with the belly being white with dark bars and the back is mottled grey/brown.

By 1855 this bird had stopped breeding in Britain, but in 1952 nesting started at the Ouse Washes and then some birds of the Icelandic race began nesting in Scotland. The RSPB have given this bird special protection and consequently a few more breeding colonies have become established. In 2002 around 50 pairs nested in Britain, mostly on the Nene and Ouse Washes (both RSPB reserves). The bird does, however migrate to this country in the winter, indeed the estimated numbers that do over-winter are around 12,000 in Britain and 8,000-10,000 in Ireland. In Europe this birds numbers are declining due to land drainage.

12 comments:

  1. Great shots John, that scope is working well. The Blackwit is so colourful now and you caught it nicely amongst the green grass background

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Roy, yes I am very pleased with my `scope and to think I nearly got rid of it!
    There were a few more `orange` birds, but they were too far away.
    J

    ReplyDelete
  3. I wonder whether the coastal area they are going to flood not too far from me will attract such birds - I hope so though it will take a few years to establish.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi John,
    These birds are attracted to coastal areas, especially estuaries, so hopefully you will be able to see them on your patch soon!
    J

    ReplyDelete
  5. I wonder how on earth that bird came to be named 'godwit'. It sounds like some kind of medieval superstiton!
    Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi John,
    Just found your excellent blog, excellent pics, will def visit again!! You have been added!
    Feel free to check out my blog too!
    Cheers
    Dave

    http://iow-birder.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. Excellent captures John.
    John.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi bazza,
    To be truthful, I have no idea, but you`re right, it does sound like something out of the middle ages!
    J

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Dave,
    My thanks go to you for those kind words! Be prepared for a visit to your blog from myself soon!
    J

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really love the idea that a snipe and a godwit exist on this planet. The names really make me giggle, and your photos are a true delight!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Rebecca,
    I don`t know what you mean ;).
    Thankyou for your kind words.
    J

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment on my humble blog.