I like to think we don't blow our trumpet as much as we could and that you guys don't mind a little fanfare whenever it's due, and I think this is one of those times! You may remember my references to Patchwork Challenge in a few blog posts last year and I can give you a hugely positive update on how Freiston and Frampton are faring. In January John had a fantastic start, gaining the most points and second highest species count with our new conservation Anthony sitting second in the NGB league, a great effort from both of them but we all knew they could do better, and so they did. With the February scores now up, John is topping the Estuarine League and Anthony does the same in the NGB League and is 2nd in the Estuarine League! A fantastic effort proving that not only are the Lincs Wash Reserves the best estuarine patch to get your year list off to a great start, it is also the best patch to do this in the whole country :D
Now that you've digested how super dooper we are and you've cleared your schedule to come and see us, I'll let you know what's about.
Highlight of the week were much the same as last with both near misses. Our stop press flyover rough-legged buzzard from last weeks blog is officially reported this week as it was seen on the morning of the 13th, unfortunately nothing since. There have been regular movements of buzzards overhead when the conditions are good (bright and warm and usually before midday) and keep looking up for red kite and osprey as they will be on the move now too.
The great white egret proved elusive once more, being seen by a lone observer before flying off out to the saltmarsh/Witham mouth. Can we pin it down this weekend?
More easier to see highlights include the water pipit coming into summer plumage on the Marsh Farm reservoir and the flock of twite down in the old car park.
Water pipit - Ian Ellis
Twite - Ian Ellis
We've had no 'arrivals' yet in the form of migrants but our first grass snake of the year slithered across the public footpath behind the car park and hares continue to box out on the Marsh Farm grassland.
A great shot by Ian below gives us two highlights in one. The merlin in its favourite perching spot and the whooper swans coming on to the reserve to roost. Both are frequent visitors and regularly seen around this gate on Marsh Farm.
Whooper swan and merlin - Ian Ellis
Brent geese are still here in good number and sifting through them for a black brant can occasionally turn up other surprises. Ian got this colour ringed birds and we got the details back on it earlier this week.
Dark-bellied brent DBD- - Ian Ellis
Sightings map - courtesy of www.geese.org
It as ringed in Siberia in July 2008 and was seen at Frampton the following winter. It then stayed faithful to the Netherlands for 6 winters before coming to us for the remainder of this one.
Detailed sightings (click on it to enlarge) - courtesy of www.geese.org
And it isn't just brent geese wearing the bling. We've had a couple of avocets with rings on too. The individual below was ringed at Nosterfield in North Yorkshire in 2011 and is usually recorded on the Humber. Another bird was seen this week which is part of a Cambridgeshire colony and we'll get the details from that one back soon. We are putting together an important picture of where birds like this go in the winter and summer, where they stop over on their journey and how site faithful they are, with as many questions as answers often coming from these studies. If you are lucky enough to see a colour ringed bird, please take a photo with a date and time and send them to us at lincolnshirewashreserves@rspb.org.uk or feel free to submit them yourself here.
Colour ringed avocet from North Yorkshire - Joe Stockil
Although we haven't had a definite count of Avocet, the WeBS count taking place this weekend while put that right and I'm sure we'll see a three figure total. Will let you all know about it next week.
Avocet - Neil Smith
If you're over at the Marsh Farm reservoir looking for water pipit check through the ducks for this Tuftchard, a hybrid of tufted duck and pochard. Will not a true rarity it is unusual and interesting to see so you know what they are in case you stumble across one on your birding travels.
Tuftchard
Well done to Christine for identifying our 'Mystery Bird/tail' last week. It did indeed belong to goldeneye. These are getting more dispersed as suitable habitat becomes available as we manage our water levels.
Goldeneye - Joe Stockil
Little grebes are getting more vocal and their high pitched rattling trill can often be heard from the old car park and also on a walk around the reedbed.
Little grebe - Neil Smith
Kettles of buzzards as well as individual birds are a more regular sight now as they disperse from their winter quarters. Seeing a lot of birds in the air at once is a wonderful sight and also allows a good study in the finer points of shape, size and plumage.
Buzzard - Neil Smith
High water levels on south and north scrape continue to keep bird close to the fringes and closer to you. Wader numbers are picking up with the high tides so close ups of ruff and redshank can be expected over the next few weeks.
Redshank - Neil Smith
Ruff - Neil Smith
While many birds are dispersing and starting to hold territory our starling flock is sticking together. While not as spectacular as an aquatic bait ball the swirling mass does act as a food source and we've had peregrine, merlin and sparrowhawk hunting them at both Frampton and Freiston. Simon was lucky enough to see a merlin take one in mid-air this week so fingers crossed and eyes open and luck may be on your side.
Starling - Neil Smith
And so to our sightings map, your cut out and keep guide to what to see and where on the reserve this weekend.
1. The great white egret is around and by the sounds of it you have to be quick on the money to pick it up. Check the grasslands and scrapes. A 'big egret' won't cut the mustard as size is tricky at range and with nothing to compare it to. The big yellow bill could well be the clinching feature so if you think your big egret could be the one, check the hooter!
2. Still a regular and still a joy to see. It'll get bumped from our weekly map as the migrants come in but until then he's a firm favourite.
3. They are spread across the reserve but a regular 60+ can be found on middle scrape.
4. The tuftchard will be in the water and the water pipit around the edge somewhere. A scope is usually needed if the latter is on the far shore.
5. Starting to find their voice now, corn buntings can be heard and seen from the reddbed trail.
6. The old car park is holding on to 30-40 twite, best seen in the dead elders as you approach. If you're not sure about the difference between linnet and twite, have a look here.
7. The whooper swans are still a fantastic sight and sound as they move to and from the reserve. They are spending a lot of their time on the wet grassland so no need to wait till dusk to see them.
8. We must be getting up to 70+ ruff now and it's great to see the range of sizes and plumages on show. Check the waters edge on the scrapes.
9. While listening out for corn buntings on the reedbed trail, grill any tall vegetation for stonechat perched on top.
Do check the tide table linked below as we are in for some good ones this weekend. Make sure you time your visit accordingly to get the best from your day out to see us.
That's all from me this week. Enjoy your weekend everyone, and if you can't wait 7 days to know what's going on here, keep your finger on the Lincolnshire Wash Reserves pulse by following us on Twitter and giving us a ‘like’ on Facebook. Alternatively if you enjoy taking pictures and have a Flickr account then please join our group and share your images with everyone. If you are thinking of paying a visit from near or far please do check out the tide times which can make a big difference to both numbers and variety of birds seen on the day.
The more you're out the more you see - https://twitter.com/BoyWonderBirder