A Stilt Sandpiper was discovered at RSPB Frampton Marsh, Lincolnshire during this past week (22nd Aug). I was away on holiday in Dorset and so was keeping my fingers crossed it would stay until my return. So today, Sunday 26th August, I managed to get across to Frampton and was able to see this rare visitor from North America.
Looking like a large Curlew Sandpiper, the Stilt Sandpiper is one of the rarer North American waders to visit our shores. It was difficult to pick out amongst the huge flock of Black-tailed Godwits, with which it was feeding. Every so often it would come into view, albeit briefly. As the flock began to disperse, it became easier to view, until a Merlin flew over the marsh and put the whole flock into a flying frenzy. Fortunately, after a few anxious minutes, the bird returned with a hundred or so Godwits and began feeding again. It was never close enough for anything more than a record photograph.
Stilt Sandpiper – RSPB Frampton Marsh, Lincolnshire – Above 5 images – Tony Davison©
Snipe – RSPB Frampton Marsh, Lincolnshire – Tony Davison©
Black-tailed Godwits – RSPB Frampton Marsh, Lincolnshire – Tony Davison©
Lapwing – RSPB Frampton Marsh, Lincolnshire – Tony Davison©
