A pair of bitterns nested at the reserve for the first time last year
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High tides have forced the closure of a nature reserve in East Yorkshire after it was submerged under a foot of water.
The RSPB took the decision to close Blacktoft Sands as further high tides were expected on Thursday night.
The effect of the flooding on wildlife habitats will be assessed once the water recedes but no serious long-term damage is expected.
At 15.9ft (4.85m), the Environment Agency confirmed the tide on Wednesday was 3ft above the normal level.
Remain closed
Low pressure over the North Sea caused a surge of tidal water to travel down the north east coast, hitting the Humber in the early evening.
It is thought the reserve, near Goole, will have to remain closed to the public until the weekend.
The RSPB has recorded more than 270 species of bird at Blacktoft Sands.
Last year, a pair of rare bitterns nested on the reserve for the first time.
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