White-rumped Sandpiper and Lesser Yellowlegs at Frampton Marsh

29th September 2023

Lots going on at Frampton so time for another visit to what is fast becoming the best reserve in the country. Normally we do a complete circuit including the sea wall but today all the action was centred on the Reed Bed and 360 Hides. Down the track the sunflowers had now gone to seed and were attracting 50+ finches with a high percentage of juvenile Goldfinches.

In the 360 hide there were hundreds of small waders but most fairly distant. However occasionally a few would stray a little closer like these Dunlin.

There were also a few juvenile Ringed Plovers...................

.......................and Ruff.

There were also a few Little Stints, but only one came close enough for some shots.

There were over 30 Curlew Sandpipers spread across the site and eventually they too ventured close enough for some shots. I love that apricot hue across the breast.

Over in front of the Reed Bed Hide a juvenile Black Tern was entertaining the crowds. They fly and dart very fast, especially with the wind behind them so quite tricky to photograph and it took several hundred attempts to get this collection, but great fun.

So finally back to the 360 Hide for the two stars of the show starting with the Lesser Yellowlegs. Quite distant a lot of the time but flighty so came closer on occasions.

Here is a size comparison with a Black-tailed Godwit.

What a fantastic bird.

And then on to today's co-star, the White rumped Sandpiper. Again very distant at first but the whole flock kept getting spooked so eventually came closer.

Here is a size comparison with a Little Stint...................

........................and a Ringed Plover...........................

.......................and a Dunlin.

Well, that day will take some beating and that's without the Merlin which will tell its own story. Watch this space!!!!!