Frampton Marsh RSPB and a little bit of Derbyshire

Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire is one of my favourite 'big' reserves, so with time on my hands before a university reunion weekend in Derbyshire I stopped off here on the 5th of August and spent a good few hours on a bench, surveying some excellent birds.

Top of the pile was a Pectoral Sandpiper, presumably an adult (I couldn't make out any white tram lines on the back) and a bird I have not seen for some years; 2 well-watched birds at Minsmere around 7 years ago (before I made notes!). What struck me was the overall 'dumpy' impression; even upright, the bird appeared somewhat portly. This was in contrast to the elegant Wood Sandpiper, 2 of which fed much closer to the path and my bench. 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Ruff, 2 LRP, 2 Ringo and plenty of Lapwing made up the rest of the wader fest. Juvenile and adult Yellow Wagtail were flying over, sometimes landing, all of the time. At least 7 Little Egret stalked the marsh, completing a memorable scene. My reason for remaining seated rather than doing the circuit was a certain Spotted Crake, which had been present for just under a week. Despite my efforts, the bird was not seen. Apparently it rocked up early the following morning, typically Crake-like I thought.

Whilst I was not really in Derbyshire to bird, I did manage to get away from the cottage for a bit to visit Wyver Lane DWT north of Belper. Not much was seen here other than plenty of Hirundines and Lapwing, but the water levels look good for a Wader soon. Great little reserve; have a look here for an up-to-date look at what is about. Patch birding rules!

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Notes from the valley

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