Howdy folks! This is your weekly round-up of what has been spotted at Frampton Marsh (and sometimes Freiston Shore) by me, Chris the visitor guy.
So, what do we have for you? Well, as we get into the end of summer... wait, what? Well, yes. From the birds point of view we are heading rapidly towards autumn. We've had the longest day and things are already starting to move on their autumn migrations. Cuckoos are either on their way or heading off soon, and we are seeing increasing numbers and varieties of waders. These will probably be non-breeding birds, but those with families will not be that far behind.
So, onto the maps
Yes, that's quite a bit going on! That is not even mentioning the mixed godwit/knot flock on the reedbed, which has been a feature for the last week or two.
There was also a pretty impressive starling mummuration on Thursday night. Several thousand strong.
Hang on, what happened to Wednesday? Er, well Wednesday was a wet day. The only sighting that came in was a little gull on the reedbed!
Monday was the last time the curlew sandpiper was seen. Though it is very tricky to work out what is what when the knot are tightly packed together
Oh yes, did we not mention the ruff are still in breeding colours, and displaying? Well worth searching out!
And there you have it, the week's sightings
A word about the bee orchids. They are starting to fade away now. So if you want to see them, this weekend might be your last chance. They are along the edge of the path along the back of North Scrape, before you get to the steps leading up to the sea bank. Look carefully, and you'll find quite a lot hidden in the grass.
Reedbed, freshwater scrapes, saltmarsh and wet meadow. Frampton Marsh has it all! Come and pay us a visit soon.