Frampton Marsh RSPB

After leaving my car at Phil's we drove down to Frampton arriving around 10. We decided to try for the Turtle Doves first so Phil drove us down to the viewpoint. It was already very hot and there was obviously a significant heat haze.

We set our scopes up and waited. Phil checked out the reservoir while I concentrated on the dead tree in the far corner of the field. Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Collared Dove...but no TD. After around 20 minutes my perseverance paid off when a single bird flew into the dead tree and started to preen...

A heat haze shot!

After this success we drove past the visitor Centre to the far end of the reserve and parked up. We scanned the assortment of waders that were showing fairly well from the fence. The Ruff were VERY smart, I particularly liked this one...

There were also decent numbers of Black-tailed Godwits displaying their finery...

Phil then picked out a couple of Little Stints that soon disappeared amongst the many grass tussocks.

We then had a walk up onto the flood bank. Nothing of note was seen BUT we did see three Spoonbills at the far side of the Marsh.

After returning to the main car park we entered the central part of the reserve and entered a hide. We managed to pick out a couple of Common Sandpipers and a LRP. We'd been in the hide around 30 minutes when I noticed a small bird behind some reeds...a Black-necked Grebe! It was soon joined by a juvenile, the first I'd ever seen! We tried another hide which produced a smart pair of Great-crested Grebes.

On the way back to the car we had another opportunity to view the BNG fortunately the bird obliged...

Always a pleasure to visit this fine reserve...