The forecast was cold with a North Easterly wind, but with the sun out, and only a light wind speed, birding was comfortable. I say birding because insect life was almost nil. A Comma butterfly, Ruddy Darter, Migrant Hawker, Dor beetle and a resting Noon Fly in late afternoon being the highlights.

An easy morning drive and we were scanning the lagoons from 11am onwards. However, high tide at 10.15 resulted in the majority of the birds retreating to the coast.

Ducks dominated the lagoon in front of the reception area. Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall were the most abundant. A small flock of Avocet, a single Ruff and just 2 sleeping Black Tailed Godwits were the only waders to be found. What a difference to a few weeks ago when 100’s of Godwits graced these pools.

The national trend of increasing numbers of the heron family was reflected over the whole reserve, Little and Great White Egrets featuring in all areas.

Scanning the fields opposite the reserve centre proved to be most fruitful with distant views of a hunting female Marsh Harrier and a Merlin which obligingly settled on a post.
Reaching the sea wall we turned left (North East) to head back to the centre via the 360 hide path. A Migrant Hawker and Ruddy Darter were located by the steps to the sea wall, as was the Dor beetle. Very few waders were present in the pools on the land side of the wall.

A small flock of Dunlin, one Little Stint, one Ruff and about a dozen Redshank were all we could find. Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits called as they flew to and fro over the sea wall. A single male pochard was added to the day list, viewed from the Reedbed hide.

A quick break was taken at the centre for a late lunch before a short walk down the tree-lined path to the fresh water reservoir. It was here we encountered the Noon Fly and more Ruddy Darter dragonflies but also had to endure 10 minutes of heavy rainfall.

Returning to the centre we were on our way home by 3.30. Two days ago over 70 species were recorded and we managed, as a group, less than 40. A disappointing result. However, Frampton is always a joy, attended by Glynne & Carol, David & Veronica, Ivan & Carole, Phil,
Richard, Liz, Barbara and Tony.

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Tony Wardell