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Prat-trick

After feeling shitty last weekend, it was a relief to get out and about this weekend. A phonecall from a friend who had twitched the Oriental Pratincole straight after a flight in from Oz inspired me to leave the county and make the trip to Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincs. Simple enough drive, under 2 hours.
Staff in the visitor centre put me onto a male Gargany, as usual looking like an odd bar of chocolate. I took in the reserve...and what a reserve it is. Reminded me of both Boyton Marshes in Suffolk and Titchwell. On hitting the reserve trail, I was surrounded by birds- Avocet, Lapwing, Redshank, Corn Bunting, Yellow Wagtail......and, distantly, an Oriental Pratincole. Happy but far from satisfied, I walked round to the east hide where the bird was apparantly showing down to 10 metres. On route, I watched a tiny wader land and despite poor views on the ground it was confirmed by an 'expert' as a Temmincks Stint. Feeling increasingly smug, I rounded the corner and true to form, the Pratincole was fly-chasing right in front of the small crowd. Now, the red underwing could be appreciated. I could actually make out the nostrils; although slit or semi circle I wasn't sure! Still stunned, I watched the bird for a while, wondering how a bird can appear so exotic yet so at home.
Wallking back produced more of the same, including better views of the Temmincks which was by now feeding near some Little Gulls, 2 I think, with blush pink breasts. A look in the 360 hide did not produce the expected X-Box, but instead I managed to locate a Wood Sandpiper, much to the delight of the frothing masses inside the hide. Heading car-ward, I was thinking it was about time I recognised someone, and lo and behold along came fellow bloggers James and Gary. Imagine you had good views lads. Cracking day, looking forward to my next visit here, whenever that may be.

Comments

  1. James Emerson16 May 2010 at 03:48

    Hiya, good to meet you at last! We did get good views in the end, although we had to wait for them. Saw the Temmincks and Little Gulls, but as time was getting on we didnt go and look for the Wood Sand. I got told off by my gf for not introducing her, so Cathy says hi! I'm sure I'll see you out again sometime soon.

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