RSPB Frampton Marsh, 27th July 2024

An RSPB SE Herts coach trip to Frampton Marsh and unlike last year we had lovely sunny weather! I concentrated more on birding than photography, but did get some shots mainly as we finished near to the Visitor Centre. Highlights were as always the waders, in particular - Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Whimbrel, Golden Plover and Greenshank with a supporting cast of Great Egret, Spoonbills, Whooper Swan and Peregrine. Walking to the sea wall we quickly picked up Great Egret and around 30 Spoonbills.

We had good scope views of the Stints, Curlew Sandpipers and Spotted Redshanks but too distant for any decent pictures. However this juvenile Redshank did oblige.

As did this Lapwing in beautiful light.

There were a few Ruff around giving some more inexperienced birders a chance to get to grips with their different plumages and sizes as they finish their breeding season.

As to be expected, there were large numbers of Black-Tailed Godwits with many still in their brick red Summer plumage.

We get so used to seeing Avocets now, but I never tire of photographing them!

The Avocets were not too keen on sharing their feeding area with the Godwits and the occasional tussle broke out!

At the 360 hide the Greenshank were closer so I was able to take a few shots.

I don't usually do this in a blog, but as there were a few newcomers on the coach and some of the waders were too distant for pictures, I will highlight three of the birds we saw here starting with a Spotted Redshank taken at Dernford, Cambridgeshire.

Little Stint taken at Frampton last October so in Winter plumage rather than the Summer plumage we saw on the trip.

And finally, my bird of the day - Curlew Sandpiper again at Frampton last October.

Another great coach trip with super company and many thanks to all who organised it and led groups. Frampton never disappoints!