Friday 25 July 2014

Year Listing

I had a phone call from my owling buddy Paul in the week, saying that he was having a few days off, and that when he had finished decorating the kitchen for Dame Gaynor [Pauls wife] he was at a loose end....... so, after a brief discussion it was decided we would head for Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire so Paul could add a few ticks to his year list. On Thursday at 6am, we were on our way. A quick brekki stop in Boston at Macky D's, then on to the marsh. On arriving and walking down the track you could see that the return migration for the waders had really started - there were hundreds of Black-tailed Godwits. We picked up a Ruff - a year tick for Paul - before heading for the 360 hide to hopefully get a few photographic opportunities. There were lots of waders about - Avocets and a few chicks, Greenshank and Redshank, L.R Plover - all new ticks for Paul - and over 40 Little Egrets. Whilst talking to a couple of mates we bumped into on our way to the next hide, Paul picked up a Glossy Ibis in flight - a nice bird, but sadly not a new tick for him. The next hide was much of the same, so back to the centre for a coffee. The warden there pointed us in the right direction for Turtle Dove not far away, so off we went in search of them. More or less as soon as we got there, Paul picked up on a bird in flight and it did the right thing and landed in clear view for us, down an hedgerow - too far for any images, but we did find another Turtle Dove as they called to each other. I can't remember the last time I saw Turtle Dove in the UK! It was then a short drive to Frieston Shore. The water levels here were really low and not much about - mostly Oystercathers and a few Avocets.  I did pick up a small wader across the far side, which turned out to be a Knot.  Paul picked a little flock of 6 Common Sandpipers and  I found a Whimbrel flying towards us, though it never landed near the hide. We did see it on another couple of occasions in flight though. We also saw  Marsh Harrier and Kestrel here -  the first and only raptors of the day; also 3 Green sandpipers appeared from nowhere and flew over the embankment to feed. As it was low tide, what we thought was a scrape being a bit sparse,  turned out to be a good couple of hours, and all in all a good day out! We had getting on for 50 species, and Paul added a few ticks to his year list. Below are few images from the day
Avocet Chick

Action shot Black-tailed Godwit

Black-tailed Godwit with a snack

Lapwing

Redshank


Ruff
Hope you have enjoyed your visit!!!

4 comments:

  1. Great photos Col - I really like the Black-tailed Godwit in flight.

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  2. A great day buddy, I really enjoyed it. A great set of images you managed too.

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    1. Great day mate really enjoyed it, quite pleased with some of the images, cheers

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