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Birding and Nature Group – RSPB Frampton Marsh, September 2019
Despite the torrential rains on Sunday, the weather was perfect on Monday morning, as 14 members of the group assembled in the RSPB Visitor Centre, at 10:00am. After signing in, and viewing over the reed beds, the naturalists made their way south-east, along the trail: taking in the open farm fields, with Skylarks singing high up in the heavens; whilst down in the grass verges, Roesel’s Bush Crickets, and Long-winged Coneheads were heard stridulating their individual sounds.
At the bend, turning left, and a short walk north, the favourite 360 Hide was reached, and it was in here that the group spent much of their time; telescopes and binoculars finding species such as: Black-Tailed Godwits, Redshank, flocks of Teal, Greylag Geese. However, the highlights from this hide were a small group of the lovely duck, the Shoveler: sifting with their massive ‘spatula’ bills in the water, searching for food. And a fabulous Curlew Sandpiper; observed feeding along the shore-line.
Leaving the 360 Hide and carrying on a short ramble north, to another very popular hide: the Reedbed Hide. From here the ‘piece de resistance’ of the morning was sighted – we had excellent views over the saltmarsh of two Avocets in company with two Spoonbills; both pairs busily sweeping their bills side to side, as they sought insects in the shallows. Other species added to the notebooks included: Ringed Plover, female Sparrowhawk, Ruff (male and female), and large flocks of Lapwing, and Golden Plover, which provided great pleasure; as the flocks suddenly took off together, and flew over the onlookers. A wonderful picture of nature to finish with! All in all, Pat Dale logged 25 species.
The satisfied group (including two welcome new members), then headed 3 miles towards Boston; to enjoy a pub lunch at the ‘Spirit of Endeavour’ restaurant.
Philip Rudkin
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