Black-winged Stilts at Frampton Marsh

25th July 2023

Black-winged Stilts have always been scarce visitors to our shores but are now appearing more often and this year there are at least three pairs breeding in the UK that I am aware of. Two of these pairs are at Frampton Marsh so time to see how they are getting on.

Both pairs have been successful and raised chicks. One brood could not be located when we were there, although the adults were visible in front of the visitor centre. The other family were still together by the small car park, although now the chicks are independent the adults were fairly mobile.

There were three chicks and one came reasonably close on one occasion allowing a few shots to be taken.

The adults werer absolutely stunning and appeared totally unconcerned by our presence and at times were feeding just 20 yards away.

This one is checking out a potential threat above.

As the adults were fairly mobile it was possible to get a few flight shots.

Well, what fabulous birds and now time for a look at the rest of the reserve so watch this space.