The glossy ibis has once again been the big draw this week, and especially so given the incredible mild weather we've had. The sun has really brought the colours out and it's been living up to it's glossy status. It could well be nicknamed the confiding ibis seeing as it's been so approachable and photogenic in the last few days. If it's good weather this weekend and you've not seen it yet then please do come and treat yourself.
Glossy ibis - Neil Smith
Unfortunately the best birds of the week have also been the briefest. The influx of rough-legged buzzards to the UK hasn't passed Frampton by and since our first sighting on the 16th of this month, we have had 4 back to back sightings this week. The first was reported on Tuesday, a flyover on Wednesday was subsequently identified as a RLB, a very popular bird from the visitor centre on Thursday and finally one early afternoon today over surrounding fields. It would be unlikely, though not impossible, that these are 4 separate individuals considering the scarcity of the species so it could be that Frampton is part of a hunting territory :) For those visiting over the next week do take your time getting to the reserve and scan the fields as you approach as you may well get lucky.
The pink-footed geese are both resident and transient with the expected skeins seen at dawn and dusk being interspersed by smaller parties moving south over the reserve during the day.
Pink-footed geese - Neil Smith
And it's not just geese that are on the move. Whooper swans have also been passing through and occasionally setting down to bathe and drink on North Scrape.
The brent geese are still the real stars with big parties feeding at the base of the sea wall then all rising en masse as they move onto the scrapes. At least one pale-bellied bird is in among the thousands so challenge yourself with finding it this weekend.
Dark-bellied brent goose - Neil Smith
The mild weather has provided perfect feeding conditions for nearly all our birds and careful water level management means there is a niche to be filled wherever you look. Little egrets are loving the abundance of sticklebacks and can be seen on every large water body.
Little egret - Neil Smith
While we don't have the wader variety or numbers of September, there are still good birds out there to find. Several little stints have been around all week and ruff continue to cause a few identification headaches due to their range of sizes and plumages. Curlew and golden plover numbers are picking up with 700 of the latter looking to settle on the reserve in the last few days.
Ruff - Neil Smith
The mild conditions have allowed insect supplies to last that little bit longer and both pipits and wagtails have benefited. They are regular visitors to the waters edge to sift through the strand line and pick out and winged beasties that might have been washed up.
Pied Wagtail - Neil Smith
This weeks sightings map.
1. The 'pinkies' are still worth an early start or dusk visit for both a visual and audible treat.
2. Late evening sun will really show off the plumage of the glossy ibis so worth staying that little bit later to appreciate it.
3. Words can't describe 600 brent geese flying meters over your head as they move from feeding to bathing sites. You'll just have to experience it for yourself.
4. This week has seen rock pipits arrive in good numbers with some very confiding individuals seen outside East Hide.
5. Wigeon wigeon WIGEON! There are loads of them and when they take flight they look and sound absolutely incredible.
6. The rough-legged buzzard mentioned above will be your target raptor this week but a supporting cast of hen and marsh harrier, peregrine, merlin, sparrowhawk and barn owl isn't to be sniffed at.
7. The little stint could go at anytime so enjoy it while you can.
8. Redwing have been 'tsee-ing' overhead all week but the 'chakalak' of fieldfares have been few and far between. Berry laden hedges will be the place to look for both.
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 like taking pictures and have a Flickr account then please join our group and share your images with everyone.
The more you're out the more you see - https://twitter.com/BoyWonderBirder