Jul 292012
Another day spent at Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire, one of the RSPB’s finest reserves.
Only an hour or so drive from home and a place I really enjoy visiting. The reserve always has great potential and you never know what you might find here. A recent White-rumped Sandpiper and a good variety of waders was enough to spark our interest. However, the day turned out to be a little disappointing. Very few waders really, several hundred Icelandic Black-tailed Godwit, many still in summer plumage, plenty of Avocets but only 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 2 Ruff, 1 Green Sandpiper and a Whimbrel of note.
The summering Black-necked Grebe still present, as were 3 moulting Little Gull. We last saw this bird in full summer plumage back in May. What was very striking was the distinct lack of butterflies in the warm morning sunshine. Only Gatekeeper & Meadow Brown seemed to be in any numbers. One Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Ringlet , 2 Green-veined White and 1 Small Skipper. Usually in July, the Knapweed & Thistles are covered in skippers. This years poor summer has really taken its toll on our butterflies. The spectacular Chicory plant was in full flower, the first time I’ve seen this plant in a wild state.
One splendid scene was around 30 – 40 juvenile House Martin gathering together on a dead Sea Buckthorn bush. A great photo opportunity to study their plumage, as juveniles show prominent white tips to their tertials with contrasting brown and blue coloration to the upper-parts.
A pleasant day but lacked a few good birds.
House Martin
House Martin
House Martin
House Martin and 1 Sand Martin
Meadow Brown
Chicory
Avocet
Sedge Warbler
Reed Warbler – Still feeding young.
