So what is newsworthy about that? People spot redshanks all the time on the reserve. It was the reason we started here, back in 1984, as it was one of the best redshank breeding sites in the country.
No, I'm not talking about normal redshanks. I'm talking a spotted redshank.
Slightly larger than the usual sort, in winter you might be hard pushed to notice the difference. But at this time of year, birds are starting to pass through the reserve on their southwards migration. They breed up in the Arctic, then spend the majority of the year in West Africa and around the shores of western Europe. A few stay with us over the winter too. But this means the bird is in full summer plummage, jet black with white speckles. Definitely something to be seen. You can even guess at the sex of the bird too. Spotted redshanks are one of the few birds where the female takes little or no maternal interest. Instead she abandons the eggs or chicks and leaves their upbringing entirely to the male.
One spotted redshank was seen briefly yesterday on the freshwater scrapes, another (or the same one?) was on the reedbed this morning. Both times the bird was rather elusive.Spotted redshank by Mike Langman
So why is the bird here? Well, she's probably done her part in creating the next generation and has left. It is quite early to see one, which is why I think it is a female. She might be off on her way down to Africa. Shje might be staying here. Either way, Frampton Marsh is a great home for her (or them) for a bit. Lots of shallow water to look for food in, right by the coast. if it wasn't for RSPB nature reserves provided spaces like this, what would happen to many of our migrating wading birds?
Reedbed, freshwater scrapes, saltmarsh and wet meadow. Frampton Marsh has it all! Come and pay us a visit soon.