Saturday 12 January 2013

A MEGA DAY OUT - PART ONE



Last Wednesday myself and Keith went on a trip to RSPB Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire and then onto RSPB Titchwell Marsh in Norfolk.

It's about a two hour drive from Keith's house to Frampton and an early start was called for...so, up at silly o'clock, a 30 minute drive later and I was knocking on Keith's door at just before 6am.

With heavy overnight rain and a reasonably mild temperature the journey started out being rather damp but as we traveled further northwards the sky started to clear and the temperature began to fall, the forecast was for a cold sunny day!  We arrived just before 8am as the sun was beginning to rise and the temperature had settled for 2°C

Which way to go? The sun rises over the sea wall



First things first and it was time for a coffee as we donned boots and coats and made ready for a walk around the reserve. Almost immediately we were treated to a wonderful sight as a large flock of Pink-footed Geese flew directly overhead followed by varying sized flocks of Dark-bellied Brent Geese all making their way from their overnight roosting spots to graze on the arable fields further inland.

Dark-bellied Brent Geese


From where we'd parked the car we could see Reed Buntings flitting through the bushes and out on the wet meadow and marshes, Curlew, Redshank, Little Egrets together with the usual gathering of the more common water fowl. 


A Redshank flies by!


 
There were also very large flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover that every so often would take to the air and fill the sky with a spectacular whirling display.


Just a few! of the Lapwings and Golden Plovers taking to the air.  

Sunrise over the reserve, looking back from the sea wall.

Next up it was a visit to the hides to see what else we could find and within  a couple of minutes of getting settled in the first hide eagle eyed Keith had found six Common Snipe just showing through the vegetation on one of the small islands



Unfortunately one problem  encountered  at Frampton is that from the main hide at this time of year you look directly into the rising sun so viewing and photography are rather hampered, hence no decent photographs! However we did manage to spot a single Ruff  and a pair of Pintail in amongst the usual overwintering ducks. And on the way back to the car three Skylarks foraging in the grass beside the pathway.


The visitor centre and a newly established Reedbed

After more coffee and a bite to eat whilst watching the Greenfinches, Chaffinches and Tree Sparrows on the feeders by the visitor centre it was time to make the one hour trip around the bottom of the Wash to Titchwell.  With a total count of thirty seven different species could the day get any better?...it certainly could!!  More in part two.
 





11 comments:

ADRIAN said...

You are understating the day these pictures are magnificent.

The Herald said...

Thanks Adrian, it was a brilliant day...[;o)

holdingmoments said...

Yup, a magnificent day out.
Cracking pictures Trevor. I binned most of mine; I really should check my camera settings lol
That first shot and the Redshank are great captures.

The Herald said...

Thanks Keith, I managed to find a few half decent ones!...lol.

An excellent day...[;o)

Roy Norris said...

I have been looking forward to your expedition images Trevor. Love the Brent flight shot.

The Herald said...

Thanks Roy, there's more to come in part two!!...[;o)

Bob Bushell said...

Well, you and Keith had a splendid day. The best two was the Brent Geese and the Redshank, special shots.

FOREST SNAPPER said...

I think you love your birding to get up that early and drive for 2.5 hrs, it makes a good read. I look foward to part 2.

peter

The Herald said...

Thanks Bob, It was a great day out...[;o)


Glad you enjoyed it Peter. Yeh, we do like to get out and about now and again, unfortunately to visit these fantastic places the traveling is a necessary evil but worth it in the end...[;o)

grammie g said...

Hi Trevor...Sounds like a day I would get up early for!!
That sure is a chunk of birds in the sky..did you count them ? : )
Beautiful wide open spot but I bet some cold when the wind blows across through there...; )
I like very much the last one.. the color of the reeds is lovely!!
Grace

The Herald said...

Hi Grace,,,yeh, we had a great day...it was worth the early start!

I tried counting them but the darn things kept moving!..lol.
It's a very flat area of the country Grace (called The Fens or Fenland) and only just above sea level (about 10ft) and you're right it can get very cold and very windy. We were lucky, it was cold..AND SUNNY!!...[;o)