Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore recent sightings, 3 - 9 October 2014

This weeks headline grabber and the highlight for many was on the Freiston reservoir during the week. A first year grey phalarope became the 33rd species of wader to be recorded at the Lincolnshire Wash Reserves and equalled our, and the, RSPB record for most wader species recorded in a year. October is the last month of recording so we're on the lookout for a stray woodcock on the wet grassland, though with easterlies on the way we wouldn't say no to a great snipe!

 
Grey phalarope - Paul Sullivan

The other highlight this week, alas for me only, was Frampton's first Pomarine Skua on the 9th. A trip out to East Hide to investigate a rattling roof was becoming a wasted journey until a glimpsed a dark capped bird on North Scrape. A quick binocular raise later and wowza's, what a beauty! Unfortunately it took off as I was ringing the news out it lifted off and away over the sea bank, no doubt hearing my cursing as it left Frampton air space due to a) no-one else being around to enjoy it and b) my phone battery running out seconds before I found it so I couldn't take any video or photographs :( Other niceties this week were 4 whooper swans on the 8th, curlew sandpiper on the 8th and with 3 spotted redshanks on the 3rd and we'll finish with a seawatch summary from Freiston on the 8th. 12 great skua, 2 pomarine skua, 30+ gannet, 2 kittiwake, 20+ commic (common or arctic) tern, 6 sandwich tern, 1 guillemot, 4 eider and 12 great crested grebe. Thanks to Phil Hyde for the sightings.

1. A great little gathering of 'ringos' has appeared on Roads Farm. The short sward is perfect for them to run around and pick insects off the vegetation. Several dunlin are also in among them and who knows what else you could find with a thorough scan...

2. After going missing/not being seen at the weekend, the glossy ibis was relocated on the 8th and seen in the same spot on the 9th. My top glossy ibis finding tip is to head down to the Sea Bank Viewpoint (F on the map) and scan the grassland to your left and right. The added height should allow you to pick it up if it's tucked away in a hollow.

3. As mentioned last week our brent geese smashed through three figures this week with upards of 400 now in the area. They are feeding on the saltmarsh next to the sea bank and are coming in to drink and bathe on North Scrape.

4. Several pintail are coming out of eclipse and the males are starting to look splendid. The majority of them can be found on the reedbed where they feed and roost in among the ever increasing teal flock.

5. The crop to the north has been chopped but the finches continue to feed among the cut vegetation. They are a little harder to see now they're on the ground but will take to the air when a merlin (which has obviously been checking my sightings map out) rockets through the area looking for a snack.We will be flooding south scrape later this month so the crop their will start to bring in wildfowl so enjoy the finch, lark and pipit fest while you can.

6. As mentioned above now is a great time to see a Merlin on the reserve. Keep an eye on where the finshes are and take time to scan the fencelines on the wet grassland too. We've not a had a hen harrier record for a while but they should be arriving on wintering grounds soon so keep scanning from the raptor viewpoint and hopefully your efforts will be rewarded.

7. A chorus of whistling wigeon are now full of voice on the wet grassland. These are now well spread out across the reserve so you can enjoy then from the comfort of the Visitor Centre as they graze the islands in front or watch them take flight and wheel over the wet grassland.

8. This week coming may well be the last chance you have of picking up something small and scarce on both reserves. An easterly airflow may bring across something more unusual so keep checking the weather and if there's been rain at dawn then you could be quids in.

And finally a quick heads up if you're interested in visible migration, or 'VisMig' if you want the shorter version, then please feel free to join me on the second annual 'BigVis' on the morning of the 18th. I'll be up at the Sea Bank Viewpoint watching and listening for migrants as they navigate their way to their wintering quarters. This is being run in partnership with Patchwork Challenge so check their website out for more details.

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.