An Early Autumn Visit to Frampton Marsh - Part 1

29th July 2021

Time for an early autumn visit to Frampton Marsh in the hope of photographing some waders.. I had hardly stepped out of the car when I was overwhelmed by the vast numbers of waders in the high tide roost right outside the window of the visitor centre. They were mainly Dunlin, but with a few summer-plumaged Knot thrown in. What a great start!!!

Also right in front of the visitor centre was a trio of Spoonbills which are becoming a more regular sight everywhere. Absolutely amazing birds which then went on a fly-round, and so elegant on landing.

Just below the sea wall a juvenile Shelduck was feeding on the flood, but more surprising was the presence of a rather dishevelled Brent Goose in July!! Fortunately it seemed to be quite healthy and able to fly, so just hadn't read the rule book.

Along the sea wall Common Terns were feeding on small fish in the shallows and photographing them was made easier by the brisk wind which slowed them down a bit. Just look at the markings on those juveniles.

Along the margin was a single Dunlin, Oystercatcher and Redshank. The Redshank was responding to calls from other Redshanks out on the marsh.

Out on the saltmarsh was a large brown bird which I assumed was a Curlew although a closer inspection showed that it was in fact a Whimbrel. I saw a few more birds after that and all were Whimbrel, not a single Curlew.

But the star bird along the sea wall today was this Wood Sandpiper which much of the time was a little too distant, but did come close enough a couple of times for some shots.

Well, what a fantastic morning at Frampton Marsh, so now on to the East Hide. Look out for Part 2 coming shortly.