Well, didn't we have lovely weather over the weekend? Actually no, we didn't. Cold, wet, windy... But not without interest on the wildlife front.
Highlight of the weekend must be the black redstart that popped up on Saturday. First seen in the village, it was later briefly seen over by the East hide. Migrant or wintering bird? Hard to tell really. Whichever it was, it certainly raised the spirits. Also raising a cheer were the antics of a weasel, hunting for voles and admired by those visitors brave enough to come out.
The pair of ringed plovers turned back up again, and Les, our 'Guide in the Hide', saw 4 black tailed godwits out on the freshwater scrapes on Sunday. Avocet numbers continue to increase, with up to 30 seen.
To be honest, it was the winter birds that were most visible. Whooper swans numbered 29, lots of lovely wigeon about, and quite a few fieldfares on the wet grassland. Maybe the last chance to see this Scandinavian visitor?
Though talking of visible, one bird that has a bit of extra camouflage is one of the lapwings. It is leucistic, lacking most of the colour in its feathers. In fact, it is almost pure white, with just the faint remains of normal markings. Such birds are often picked off by predators as they stand out from the crowd. But with snow flakes falling past the office window, maybe this one has a better chance.
Reedbed, freshwater scrapes, saltmarsh and wet meadow. Frampton Marsh has it all! Come and pay us a visit soon.