 |
| Manx Shearwater, Farmoor 11/09/2020 |
When we need a bird filled day out we often turn to the RSPB reserve Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire because it's always good there. This would be just our second trip there this year, we twitched a Caspian Tern there in July, and even though there had been nothing major of note reported recently, we felt sure that we'd find something of interest. Because of the relative paucity of recent sightings the carpark was almost empty and it was clear that we'd have to find our own birds. Our intention was to find the roving flock of small wading birds which hopefully would contain something more scarce than the ubiquitous Dunlins and Ringed Plovers.
Frampton Marsh, like everywhere else, feels different this year. It looks different too, because a lot of the usual maintenance work to the reserve hasn't been done owing to the coronavirus outbreak and the furloughing of staff. The grass is higher in places, water is deeper in front of hides and some of those hides have been closed. For good views of mud loving wading birds you need to find the shallow pools and muddy edges and thankfully there are always a few of those on offer at Frampton. We made our way directly to the seawall knowing that the scrapes there would be the most likely place where the small wader flocks would be feeding. As we passed the seawall carpark a small flock of Dunlin flew overhead, calling as they did so, and settled to the north of the path. We took up a position at the top of the bank so that we had an overview of the whole scrape and I began sifting through the flock of waders. Almost the first bird I set eyes on was a Curlew Sandpiper that was feeding in tandem with a Dunlin. Curlew Sandpipers in non-breeding plumage look very similar to Dunlin but have a well defined supercilium, no streaking to the flanks and have longer legs and bills. It took a while though to get a photograph of the bird without its head under the water.
 |
| Curlew Sandpiper & Dunlin |
Far easier to capture via the camera was one of the many Black-tailed Godwits that grace the reserve. The main flock of these elegant wading birds are usually seen resting on the lagoon by the visitor centre and most fly out onto The Wash to feed but a few remain on the scrapes.
 |
| Black-tailed Godwit |
I was looking for a very small wading bird, a Little Stint, a few of which had been reported from Frampton over the past few weeks. We had missed out on a Little Stint at Farmoor recently because its presence had been kept "in house" and not shared via the mainstream county bird news website. By the time I had found out about the bird and been able to get up to the reservoir the bird had moved on. So I still needed one for this years list. Up to now my scanning of the scrapes had only turned up the aforementioned species plus Ringed Plovers. As I panned further away I added Lapwings, Avocets, Redshanks, Golden plovers and Knot to the day list. More scanning produced Spoonbills, Curlews and a single Spotted Redshank. There are always lots of birds at Frampton Marsh although by previous standards todays totals would actually prove to be well below par.
 |
| Dunlin |
 |
| Ringed Plover, juvenile |
We ventured further along the seawall noting pretty much the same birds as before. Then I spotted a small bird sheltering from the ever strengthening breeze in amongst some grass tussocks. This was the Little Stint that I'd been looking for, the strong split supercilium and pale forehead showing up well in the bright sunshine. The Little Stint became the 215th species on our 2020 year list but I don't think I've ever had to wait as late as the middle of September to see one before.
 |
| Little Stint |
As we watched the Little Stint became active and began scurrying along the foam lined waters edge. At times it looked as if the dainty little bird would be swept away by the winds but, of course, these birds are more than comfortable in such conditions.
 |
| Little Stint & Dunlin |
A few Dunlin had joined the Little Stint on the nearest shore line, and a juvenile Ringed Plover fed there too but the majority of our attention was claimed by the smaller Stint. Then suddenly, as wading birds are prone to do, all of the birds took flight and flew away out onto the Saltmarsh although they soon returned. We retraced our steps back to the path and re-found the main flock of Dunlin and Ringed Plovers again. A Curlew Sandpiper was stood resting on the bank this time and allowed a much better view and comparison with the Dunlin than before.
 |
| Curlew Sandpiper (2nd from left) & Dunlin |
The flock of waders was now much more flighty and were continually wheeling around. If they were unsettled by an aerial threat then it was from one that I couldn't see. Still, I enjoy photographing birds in flight and rattled off a few frames as the flock flew past. On examination of the photos later, I had captured two Little Stints in the flock but no Curlew Sandpipers.
 |
| Dunlin & Little Stints |
Mrs Caley had spotted the other Little Stint anyway, although at the time we weren't sure that it was a second even though it did appear to be greyer than the first one. It was more distant out on the marsh and joined a Common Snipe and a Ringed Plover. A few moments later we knew there were two different Little Stints present when the other one reappeared at the bottom of the sea wall.
 |
| Common Snipe, Ringed Plover & Little Stint |
We left the waders to it and headed back towards the car for our refreshments. On our way I noticed a small group of Geese feeding out on the grassland. I set up the scope, expecting more Greylags so was surprised to see our first Pink-footed Geese of the year. We counted just six of the Pink-foots but learned later at the visitor centre that there were twenty-three altogether, forming the vanguard of a much bigger invasion to come over the next few weeks.
The day before a Brown Shrike had been found on the North Norfolk coast at Warham Greens just west of Wells-next-the-sea and by mid-morning it had been reported again. We made a snap decision to take the sixty mile drive around the bottom of the Wash to see it, the breezy conditions were making for difficult birding at Frampton anyway and by the reserves own standards it was a quiet period. Brown Shrike wouldn't be a life tick for us since we'd already seen two before, both in Cornwall, but would be a big bonus addition for the year. We resisted creating lists for years but have now been very firmly caught in up the year listing bug, since to see as many species in a calendar year drives us on and takes us to new places on a regular basis which, for us, is much more enjoyable than the continuous thrashing of a local patch that delivers little in the way of variety or quality.
Finding the Warham Greens area was easy since the multitude of cars parked up on the coast road just west of Wells confirmed that a twitch was on. Brown Shrike is much rarer in Norfolk than Cornwall so had attracted many local birders who were seeking a county tick as well as those hoping to see the species for the first time. Finding the actual field and hedgerow where the Shrike was holding territory was a much more difficult task and despite seeing other birders returning from the twitch, who by their happy faces confirmed that the Shrike was still present, the actual location of the bird had been misrepresented by the bird news services. We were confused where to go but saw a group of people heading out towards the sea wall so decided, in true Dirk Gently fashion, to follow them. Luckily at the end of the straight lane that led down to the marshes from the parking area, and which had passed a nice marshy area that was festooned with lots of birds but ignored because we were on a mission, we could look on the way back, we met another birder who replied to my query, 'not to follow those lot because they're going the wrong way'. He then gave us detailed directions although he hadn't actually been out there yet but he was local so knew where the bird was.
We were slightly hampered by Mrs Caley having a bad leg which made for slow progress but thankfully the much longer walk than we'd expected was easy going, traversing as it did around a large field before we turned onto the coast path and headed west. We then climbed up a small incline into a field where the assembled twitchers stood, all staring towards a tall tree set into a shrubby hedgerow. I raised my binoculars and instantly saw the Brown Shrike perched, as Shrikes always do, on a prominent twig and concentrating on the ground below. I set up the scope for Mrs Caley and obtained a record shot.
 |
| Brown Shrike |
One of the birders that we'd spoken to on the way had mentioned that the Brown Shrike moves along the hedge but that there was no need to chase it since it always returned back to a taller tree, presumably the tree that the bird was next to. So when the Shrike did indeed fly further away, we felt there was no need to panic and remained where we were. The Shrike was still showing admirably so a ripple of annoyance spread through the crowd when a couple of watchers began striding towards the bird. Some folk are just never happy with the views and photos that they have and always want to get closer. Maybe it's just the inquisitive human mind.
The two over eager photographers actually did the rest of us a huge favour because the Shrike, possibly unsettled by their close approach, then flew out of the hedge and passed us before settling in the hedge alongside the coast path behind us. The birds new position wasn't any closer but at least we now had the sun at our backs instead of against us so views and photos would be better. The Shrike took up a perch on a bare branch within a blackberry festooned bush but, being a carnivorous bird took no notice of the fruits but again watched the ground intently. Every few minutes or so the Shrike would flutter down to the ground and then return to the same branch or another one nearby to devour its prize which it had snared. The prey items appeared to be beetles and caterpillars and they were all dispatched readily, no creation of a larder by this particular Shrike.
For the next fifteen minutes we watched the Brown Shrike, a first winter bird, continue to capture small food items, allowing us to appreciate the subtle vermiculation on its breast and belly, the subdued brown colouring of the upper parts and the dark brown stripe through the eye with a pale stripe above it which gave it, in keeping with most Shrike species, the appearance of wearing a highwayman's mask.
The Brown Shrike decided that we all deserved a better look at it so very obligingly travelled much further along the hedge and took a perch within a Hawthorn bush. Without us moving an inch it was now only about thirty metres away and I, for one, was able to secure my best ever views and photos of the species. At times the Shrike, just the second member of its family after the Red-backed Shrike near Birmingham that we'd seen this year, appeared to regard us with a very fierce looking stare.
The Shrike remained in the Hawthorn for at least fifteen minutes and darted out frequently in its pursuit of insect prey. Its proximity meant that my camera coped much better now and I entertained my frequent held dreams of owning a proper professional style camera kit one day which would enable me to obtain photos to rival the best. Quickly though I reminded myself that I'd have to lug such a heavy load of gear back to the car so felt happy that I've remained just a mid-lens carrier plus Mrs Caley enjoys viewing through the scope that I so manfully carry for her.
I also managed a few better flight shots although they were still far from sharp and the actual prey items remained unidentifiable. The Shrike certainly had a good appetite. Unfortunately I was daydreaming when the Shrike coughed up a pellet, only realising when alerted by the machine gun chatter of multiple cameras firing into action.
When the Brown Shrike suddenly flew out of the Hawthorn and into the hedgerow of the adjacent field, possibly disturbed by an over zealous and recently arrived photographer, who with his partner rapidly followed the bird, we decided that we'd seen enough. Just lately I've become more and more annoyed by those who chase a bird from pillar to post and I want no part of such practice. I've persuaded myself to be satisfied with the photo opportunities that the birds themselves are happy to present.
We walked and limped back the way we'd come, allowing ourselves to appreciate some of the other birds that we'd largely ignored on our way out. A Yellowhammer proved to be extremely photogenic, posing beautifully at the top of the hedgerow. Even as we walked along it only moved a few metres each time and seemed determined to stand its ground. We walked out into the field slightly so that it was left in peace.
 |
| Yellowhammer |
A pair of Kingfishers hurtled along a small stream, the flashes of blue and orange dazzling as they swept past. We gained a surprise and big bonus year tick, our 218th, when a Whimbrel, instantly identifiable by its whistling and yickering call, flew inland towards the wet marshy area close to the carpark. It landed but I couldn't find it on the ground, or in the water. A gaggle of Egyptian Geese, at least thirty were present altogether, were gathered on a dry patch of ground midway between us and the marsh. Quite a few appeared to be in pairs but there was still a lot of squabbling between partners as well as between rival pairs. The kiss and make up looked very amiable.
 |
| Egyptian Geese |
We stopped for our usual coffee pick me up at a very substandard outlet on the way home and perused the rest of the days bird news. We saw that a Greater Short-toed Lark had been seen in Surrey, probably only just an hours drive from home, so despite knowing that we'd likely be tired from our long day out, we made plans to go early the next morning and hopefully add that to our year list. We have only ever seen two of those before as well, and by some coincidence, like the Brown Shrike, both were in Cornwall, so it would be good to add another to our portfolio.
The village of Shackleford is set close to the A3 and did indeed only take an hour or so to reach. It was another gloriously sunny morning and we already knew that the Greater Short-toed Lark, there is a Lesser version too which we've also seen before but just the once so far, was still frequenting a ploughed field about half a mile north of the village. We gained the required route info from returning birders but really should have followed our own devices since we were given a route that resembled an army assault course, with no fewer than four high stiles, not easy for someone nursing a bad leg, to negotiate and a tunnel of very prickly bramble bushes and sharp stinging nettles. After the longest half mile walk of our lives, we finally found the farm road that led towards the field and thought how much easier it would be if landowners weren't so hostile towards visiting birders and allowed us to park safely on much closer access points. About twenty other birders were already in situ and all scopes and cameras were trained into the muddy field.
At this point I usually try to find the object bird myself since I need the practice but on this occasion allowed the first chap we saw to excitedly babble, 'the Lark is there, straight ahead' and 'you can't miss it'. 'Well, thanks for that', I mused. I set up my own scope and pointed it towards the area where the Short-toed Lark couldn't possibly be overlooked and saw a Skylark, then another Skylark, and another and then a Meadow Pipit. The target Lark was not in the field straight out from where we stood at all. I scanned further to our right and found the Short-toed keeping its own company about fifty metres out from the road so in the event had found it myself anyway. Although Greater Short-toed Larks are a classic example of a 'little brown job', those nondescript and difficult to distinguish plain birds, it was actually easy to pick this bird out against the dark earth of the field because, compared to the other birds around, it was very pale coloured.
 |
| Greater Short-toed Lark |
Having secured a record shot we moved along the track to get a vantage point opposite the bird which was feeding readily but always apart from the Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. Thankfully it also slowly crept closer to us so that I could at least gain some more readily identifiable images that showed, despite its nondescript plumage, the well marked pale buff supercilium and pale conical shaped bill. Mind you most Lark species have a striking supercilium and substantial bill so it really was the overall pale sandy tones that was the most identifying feature.
The flock of feeding birds were disturbed on a few occasions and would fly up and wheel around for a while but returned to the field soon after but usually further out from the road. They would then patiently work their way back towards the field edge and to the anticipating birders and toggers. The turnover of admirers was substantial. A bird such as this is a rare find in an inland county and its accessibility had attracted many birders like us from other nearby counties as well as locals.
We stayed for an hour or so which was long enough so headed back. I paused to photograph some of the other birds that were feeding in and around the field, Skylarks, Pied Wagtails, Dunnocks, Meadow Pipits, Linnets and Stonechats were all present. A Kestrel and some Red Kites flew overhead. We took a far more sensible walk back to the car, one that was level all the way and required no bush-beating or climbing. It had been another good weekends birding with five more additions to the year list which now stood at 219.
 |
| Dunnock |
 |
| Pied Wagtail |
 |
| Skylark |
Very nice....again....i'm following you around next year ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark. Maybe I'll organise a tour!
Delete