A Two Stint Day at Frampton Marsh 17th August

17th August 2024

It's three weeks since my last visit so time to see what has changed at this magical site. My usual first port of call is the viewing area just west of the visitor centre, but today it was totally devoid of any birds close in so I carried on up the main track. I was looking out for insects which were actually few and far between, but I did manage to come across this poser of a male Common Darter so I gave in.

Not much along the track as many of the pools were drying out which was attracting a number of Meadow Pipits after the flies.

Out in front of the Reed Bed Hide were 20 Spoonbills. Quite amazing these days you can mention 20 Spoonbills without any reaction!!

The Spoonbill with a pink bill is a juvenile.

And here is a youngster begging food from its mum.

Duck numbers were still very low and mainly consisted of a few Mallard, some juvenile Shelducks and some early returning Wigeon. All the adult Shelducks had disappeared.

There was a good variety of waders, starting with the Lapwings and plenty of youngsters around.

And here is an adult and juvenile showing off their reflections.

Also plenty of fluffy young Little Ringed Plovers.

Avocets are always well represented at Frampton and today was no execption.

And at this time of year there are also good numbers of Ruff which are very often quite approachable.

These two birds looked like reflective book ends.

Snipe are always lurking not far away but not always visble, and I was almost back to the visitor centre before I spotted these two.

Spotted Redshanks are normally present at this time of year and a total of 16 were counted, but unfortunately all distant. This photo shows the comparison with the browner and shorter billed Redshank on the right.

Spotted Redshanks in their winter plumage are much greyer and longer legged than their Redshank cousins.

Here are four Spotted Redshanks with five Black-tailed Godwits.

But now on to the stars of the show today, the two species of stint. First of all the juvenile Little Stint.

Note the pair of "braces" (white lines) running down the back, and jet black legs.

And then the much duller`juvenile Temminck's Stint with no braces and green legs.

Lovely to get the two close together, in full view, and not too far away.

Well another great day at Frampton Marsh which never disappoints. Always a great day, but never the same.

Also great to meet Nicola Benhamada, although a bit odd that I should have to go all the way from Hertford to Frampton to meet a lady from Birmingham who knows someone I know who lives in Stevenage. However, got there in the end.

Also nice to meet Geoff and Laura, and special congratulations go to Laura for winning the competition to identify the dribbling juvenile Shelduck. Well done Laura and here is your prize. Enjoy!!!