RSPB Frampton Marsh

A late April visit to RSPB Frampton always offers so much. With waders on the move, warblers arriving and the first juveniles leaving the nest, it is an exciting time. There were a few birds that were high on the list to see. A returning Black-winged Stilt that fledged from here last year was the main target and was picked up quite quickly despite the rain that was coming down. 

Close to the car park and in the lagoons were a Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Lapwings, and several Yellow Wagtails. What a great start, without putting in any effort. It almost felt like cheating. Usually you have to walk some distance and then also get lucky in finding your birds. Not at Frampton! There was even a Spoonbill that was awake and actually moving towards us rather than away. That is not normally the scenario with this bird. 

First year female Black-winged Stilt.

Spoonbill

Yellow Wagtail

Juvenile Lapwing

My first Swift sighting of the year, is always a great moment.

Black-winged Stilts - RSPB Frampton

Some weeks ago there was quite a lot of movement around the country from Black-winged Stilts. This is a wading bird that had avoided me on quite a number of occasions over recent years, but a bird that is becoming more regular in numbers each year. 

With reports of 3 birds at RSPB Frampton a few weeks ago, it was easy enough to pop in on my way home from Norfolk and try my luck. It was a good walk on a gloomy morning to the hide and area that they were reported in, and it wasn't long before I picked out the first 2 birds. The scope was required but well worth the closer view. The third bird then appeared from nowhere and crossed the reeds in front of us. Superb views of a great bird.

It was also recently confirmed that the pair decided that they liked where they were and set up a nest and have not hatched 4 young. A first for Lincolnshire, and also a life tick for me with this bird.