November - 2025

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 28th November

Highlight species: Pink-footed Goose

Cloudy then sunny. Moderate, wind ENE

Water levels had increased a little since our last visit, but are still very low. It looks as if the promised pumping system will start in the near future but it will take a long time to get back to normal. In consequence there were very few Ducks or Waders. The two Redshank we saw were celebrating by having a fight! Although the visit was a little disappointing the large flocks of Golden Plover were impressive.

BIRDS SEEN: Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Geese, Greylag Geese, Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Canada Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Pheasant, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank,

Black-headed Gull, Skylark, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Rook, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Gold Finch.

TOTAL: 37

September - 2025

RSPB Freiston Shore

Friday 26th September

Highlight species: Curlew Sandpiper ✅ , Little Stint ✅ , Kingfisher

Cloudy then broken cloud. Moderate, wind ENE

This month we visited Frieston Shore which is generally looked upon as 'the poor relation to Frampton Marshes.' However, with Frampton completely dry and no birds, Frieston is 'the place to visit.' 

We met-up in the car park at 10am as usual, but with a fresh northerly wind blowing we soon headed off for shelter in the hide. (Frieston only has one hide) Here we saw an Oystercatcher, and a group of Redshank half hiding two Dunlin and quite a lot of Wigeon. One feature of Frieston is the large number of Little Grebe, and we must have seen about twelve.  A little way past the hide there is a set of steps which leads to a viewing platform which overlooks a large area of flooded land. This area has been improved over the past few years by increasing the areas of open water and it certainly has attracted more birds. Today we saw a large group of Dunlin and Little-ringed Plover. However, the highlight came when Steve spotted a Curlew Sandpiper and a Little Stint. They were some distance away but clearly visible through the scope. A further short walk took us to the sea bank. The Wash is visible from here but too far away to identify any of the birds. I am sure if you visited at high tide you would see birds being 'pushed in' by the rising water.

As Frieston doesn't have a cafe (or toilet) we said farewell to each other in the car park.  

Birds seen. Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great-white Egret, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Pheasant, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Swallow, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Redshank, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Rook, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Goldcrest. 

TOTAL 42

August - 2025

Rutland Water NR

Friday 29th August

Highlight species: Black Tern ✅ , Hobby, Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Greenshank, Water Rail.

Calm, Cloudy day. wind W

After some early morning rain it was calm with just a hint of warmth in the sun.

We headed north as usual and our first stop was Grebe Hide. A helpful member of Peterborough Bird Club, immediately told us what birds were around, starting off with a Kingfisher. Like Frampton the water level was really low. We had good views of Water Rail, ( enter the other bird we saw ). At Shoveller Hide, our 'friend' once again pointed out the birds on view. The best one was a juvenile Black Tern, the first we had seen this year as we seemed to have missed them all when they were heading north. Amongst the other birds we saw, actively feeding, were six Snipe. We also had a good day with the raptors, seeing Hobby, Marsh Harrier and Red Kite and a juvenile Osprey. We finished the day in Sandpiper Hide.

Full list of birds seen: 

Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Great-white Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Greylag Geese, Canada Geese, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, Black Tern, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Coot, Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Snipe, Water Rail, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Red Kite, Hobby, Marsh Harrier, Osprey. 

Total 34  

Although some might say the total was not that high it is a good average for this time of the year. 

July - 2025

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 25th July

Highlight species: Hobby, Knot, Spotted Redshank.

Sunny and warm, wind W

Always a nice walk when the wind is low at Frampton, very dry with only a few pools other than the reedbed in front of VC. Where all the action is, great to see 40+ Knot including some red adults, Spotted Redshank were in a long line with Black-tailed Godwit. Common Sandpiper still, let's hope we have a few wet days to replenish the lagoons and pools. ッ

Full bird list: N/A

May - 2025

RSPB Lakenheath Fen

Friday 30th May

Highlight species: Hobby, Cuckoo, Hen Harrier, Garganey pair with 8 chicks, Bittern.

Overcast then broken cloud, wind WSW

There is nothing better than bird watching on a bright sunny morning, at a location you have not visited for some time, namely Lakenheath Fen.

As usual we had a few birds we hoped to see, Bittern and Hobby for example. Both of these are regular Summer Visitors to Lakenheath. So we set off after having had a brief word with the local staff, who told us both the birds we hoped to see had been seen that morning. We sat on the benches at the first viewing point, which overlooked a large expanse of reeds with some open water. No luck with the Bittern but a Gargany with six chicks was a pleasant and unexpected surprise. We saw a number of Hobby's, most likely chasing Dragonflies, but because of the warm weather they were all quite high-up. In the background a Cuckoo's calling. Having had no luck with the Bittern, we moved on to the only hide on the Reserve. This overlooks a small expanse of water surrounded by reeds. Another visitor suddenly pointed out to us all that there was a Bitter half hidden in the reeds. As it was close, possibly only twenty yards we had a good view. It didn't stay long before it took-off and flew low over the reeds to the west. We returned to the Centre via the river bank and again heard a number of Cuckoo's calling in the distance. 

Full bird list:

Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Bittern, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Grey Heron, Greylag Geese, Canada Geese, Mallard, Gargany, Tufted Duck, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Hobby, Pheasant, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Swallow, Swift, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Bearded Tit (heard by Steve), Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, Reed Bunting. TOTAL 40

April - 2025

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 25th April

Highlight species: Mediterranean Gull 

Overcast then broken cloud, wind ESE

The day started bright, sunny and warm as we left Grantham , but as we approached Frampton the cloud increased.

Unfortunately Reg was not feeling too well so only four of us met up with Steve at 10am. We headed off down the path to the north, out usual route. Both Sedge and Reed Warblers were singing and Steve had a little rhyme on how to identify each of them - ' scatty Sedge, rhythmic Reed .' In general Sedge's outnumbered the Reed's.

As we approached  Reedbed Hide Steve spotted a Yellow Wagtail, quite close to the path, but our real attention was on the Sand Martins. There were a considerable number and it was good to see the Martin Bank being used again. A number of photographers were taking advantage of being so close to the birds and especially when up to five perched on reed stalk, only about five yards away. Other birds of note were about five Mediterranean Gulls, a March Harrier and the number of Brent Geese that hadn't started their migration.  

However the real highlight of the day, for some, was that the cafe was selling scones again !!

Full bird list:

Great-crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great-white Egret, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Greylag Geese, Canada Geese, Brent Geese, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveller, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Pheasant, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet (a lot), Lapwing, Ruff, Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Skylark, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, House Sparrow and Reed Bunting. TOTAL 46 

March - 2025

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 28th March

Highlight species: Spoonbill, Great Egret

Overcast then broken cloud, wind SSE

N/A

Full Bird List: N/A

February - 2025

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 28th February

Highlight species: Tree Sparrow and 📸 Greater Scaup ♂️♀️

Calm, sunny day , wind WNW

Three of us met Steve at 10am, and later a further two, who had been held-up in traffic. It was a bright sunny morning, no wind so even with a temperature of only about ten degrees it felt really warm. I won't say anything about Frampton as it is so well known, so onto the birds. They too were as good/numerous as usual (a full list is given below), but I must mention 'the bird of the day', a Tree Sparrow. It was, along with a House Sparrow, on the upper window ledge of the house just outside the Reserve.  A few years back Tree Sparrows had been quite common at Frampton but now are rare. Also worth mentioning  was the number of Stonechats, some just outside the Centre and the others alongside the footpath at the opposite side.of the Reserve.

Full Bird List: 

Cormorant, Little Egret, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Scaup, Goldeneye, Red Kite, Pheasant, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Coot, Avocet, Redshank, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Oysrecarcher, Dunlin, Ruff, Snipe, Wren, Stonechat, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Rook, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch.Total 39

January - 2025

Rutland Water NR

Friday 31st January

Highlight species: Slavonian Grebe & Black-necked Grebe

Calm, Cold and cloudy day. wind NE

Very quiet at Egleton so not much to report, coffee then on to Old Hall, Slavonian Grebe showed really well on flat water and the Black-necked Grebe still bobbing about, must add was very nice to see Joe again its been 10 years. We are planning a few trips up to his patch in the summer so we will be staying away for a night, I will post nearer the time on this.

December - 2024

Belton Estate NT

Friday 20th December

Highlight species: Lesser Redpoll

Calm, Cold and cloudy.

Very quiet morning with not many birds at all, we only had about 15 Lesser Redpoll. Cake and coffee was nice at the end.

November - 2024

Rutland Water NR

Friday 28th November

Highlight species: Greater Scaup ✅

Calm, Cold and a bright day.

Lots of ducks today with Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon mainly, Pochard with flocks of Coot. at least 8 Greater Scaup among Coots and Goldeneye. no joy with Smew as drk was reported at Eyebrook Reservoir so we was hoping for at least a Redhead. all the normal species on site.

Pleasant walk round with no wind and still a bit of heat out the winter sun. Great company with plenty of chat. Great bunch. Look forward to these walks each month for a catch up.

September - 2024

RSPB Titchwell

Great day to be on the north coast with sunny and calm winds from SSE, we stopped at Hunstanton cliffs first to see if we could get anything and only had Common Scoter on the sea, very distant and not possible to see if any velvet were amoung them, then to Titchwell, quite quit to be fair and overgrown reeds it was a bit hard to find anything, all the normal species this time of year with highlights: Bearded Tit, Grey Plover on the beach.

Lovely day with lovely people just a unlucky day for the birds.

Friday 25th September

August - 2024

WWT Welney

Sunny with hardly any wind, never been in the summer so was nice to see the summer sight instead of ice and snow (last time we went) lots of Ruff, eclipse Mallards and Greylag Geese, a family of Whooper Swans. Spoonbill. Well worth a walk round. highlights were a Wood Sandpiper found by Sue & Jack Snipe.

Friday 30th August

March - 2024

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 22nd March

Highlight species: Lesser Yellowlegs ✅

Chilly wind.

With everyone 'on time' and after a quick chat, we called into the Centre to find out what birds had been seen, and especially those on our 'hit list'. Number one, the Lesser Yellowlegs had been seen close to the car park. We headed back and it wasn't long before we had all had a good look at it. This was the 184th day it had been at Frampton. No news on the Green-winged Teal.

We headed-off down the road stopping as usual to view the birds. There were still a lot of Widgeon and Brent Geese about but with the longer and warmer days they would soon be leaving. A Cetti's Warbler was 'in fine voice' and we must have heard about five by the time we got to the sea bank. Although some distance away a Peregrine, a male and female (not both at the same time) were on the barn roof. This allowed us to see how much bigger the female is compared to the male. A Skylark was singing which is always a pleasant sound. We headed for the 360 hide and had the place to ourselves to start with. Here we had good views of some waders - Redshank, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit and Avocet. With the number of Avocet around, Frampton should be in for another good breeding season.

Having had a 'sit down' we returned the main road and headed for the sea bank. By now the sun had come out and it was quite a bit warmer. Small flocks of Dunlin were seen together with a Ringed Plover. Steve managed to see a Lesser-ringed Plover. A sizeable flock of Golden Plover were seen but they were some distance away. We had previously seen a small flock flying.

The number of birds we saw from the sea bank was disappointing. Apart from being hazy and few birds, it was much colder so we didn't stop long. On the way back to the Centre we stopped as usual when anything was around. We saw both Marsh Harriers and Buzzards.

The Centre was almost full but we did manage to find a table were most of could sit. A drink, a bite to eat and a chat ended another good day.

The Green-winged Teal had been spotted but it could only be viewed some distance along the sea bank, no one seemed to keen to retrace our steps!

Bird List.

Cormorant Mute Swan Greylag Goose Canada Goose Brent Goose Wigeon Mallard Pintail Gadwall Shoveller Teal Pochard Red Kite Marsh Harrier Buzzard Kestrel Peregrine Ringed Plover Little-ringed Plover Dunlin Ruff Curlew Black-tailed Godwit Redshank

Lesser Yellowlegs Moorhen Black-headed Gull Wood Pigeon Coot Golden Plover Lapwing Curlew Snipe Skylark Dunnock Robin Blackbird Cetti's Warbler Blue Tit Great Tit Starling Magpie Carrion Crow

Notes. The Bird List includes ones seen en-route.

1000 to 1330

43 species in total

BOTD Lesser Yellowlegs

January - 2024

Rutland Water NR

Friday 26th January

Highlight species: Scaup ✅ Smew ✅ Caspian Gull (bonus)

Cold, windy and a bright day.

Straight to Grebe Hide to see what was on Lagoon 2, all the normal but nice to see a few Goldeneye fishing on the deepest part, Canada Geese and Wigeon others to mention.

Then to Sandpiper Hide for reported Scaup on far side and John (great to see him) said close left, straight outside left almost viewable without bins, Nice, plenty of normal's (not going through them all) list number will be at the bottom when counted.

Off to Shoveler Hide for normal site for Smew and joy as drk & redhead far side (always far side) but good to get them before they're off. also to mention was an 📸 ad Caspian Gull on a wooded raft hiding from view intermittently by Cormorants also to note Great Egret, Stonechat, Common Snipe, Goldeneye from the hide.

Then off for a hot drink.

Great to see everyone especially John.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the next one.

1000 to 1330

46 species in total

BOTD Caspian Gull

Target Species Scaup pair and Smew pair.

September - 2023

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 29th September 23

Highlight species: juv Black Tern & Merlin

Bit windy when I arrived at 09:15 and it didn't let up all morning, which isn't the best here at Frampton, but was pleasantly surprised to get 5 Bearded Tit inc 4 juv and a male from the top car park, also from top car park 10 Pink-footed Geese on Wet Grassland.

After a bit of confusion on where we were meeting 🤣

We then walked along the sea wall to East Hide to try for Lesser Yellowlegs,  but no luck as bird had just been flushed by a digger on site, at least 5 Little Stint & 10 Curlew Sandpiper with fantastic close-ups from the hide, then on to 360 to try and see if Yellowlegs had moved there, but still no joy, A chap came into the hide to say that Yellowlegs had been seen by the gate to 360 hide so off we went, again unfortunately no luck, but Reg said he may have seen it briefly. Whilst waiting, a Black Tern was over by VC I called it to the group but it disappeared, typical! but moments later it flew right in front of us, so that was nice for me lol 

Merlin chasing dragons was nice to see as this bird is normally missed on past trips.

Time was against us this morning so next stop was for cake and coffee! which was  very nice especially as John Badley made me mine 😌

Great morning even with missing some of the birds that were there but hay-ho that's what birding is like sometimes, nice walk round with the group with some very helpful birders on site this morning.

I did call Semipalmated Sandpiper from East hide but was looked at like I had just landed from mars. This has happened to me in the past with Baird's Sandpiper which I called while 30+ birders saying it was a White-rumped Sandpiper which was Frampton's 250 bird that year and a first for the reserve and confirmed by birdguides, also Rough-legged Buzzard a few years back. lol Its OK as the main thing is I know what I know ay. 

I wont be calling out birds in the future and i wont be year ticking this bird.

Missing you John Roberts hope to catch up soon fella 🙏

0900 to 1400

45 species in total

BOTD Black Tern

Target Species No luck with Short-eared Owl with the amount of time we spent in the wind on the sea bank.

June - 2023

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 28th May 23

Highlight species: Black-winged Stilt ✅

Great morning's walk with target sp. from VC inc 3 ad & 2 young from start of the walk, always good to get target first off, also worth noting was c20 Spoonbill with most feeding which is nice as normally sleeping, 3 Common Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank from 360 hide plus Greenshank, Marsh Harrier at scopes max over Wash lol and a lone Pink-footed Goose, pleasant walk with light wind.

The following is a full list of the birds seen.

1000 to 1400

48 species in total

Target Species ✅

June - 2023

Barkston Heath

Friday 29th June 23

Highlight species: Wheatear 

The following is a full list of the birds seen.

to follow

Report by

0930 to 1330

?? species in total

Target Species

May - 2023

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 26th May 23

Highlight species: Little Ringed Plover

Very quite today with not much at all! 

The following is a full list of the birds seen.

0930 to 1330

54 species in total

Target Species

February - 2023

Londonthorpe & Alma Park Woods

Friday 24th February 23

Highlight species: Raven✅

( Raven seen at distance, good spot by Lynda )

The following is a full list of the birds seen. & heard marked with h

Pheasant, Red Kite, Common Buzzard, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush h, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit h, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Roof, Carrion Crow, Raven✅, Chaffinch h, Goldfinch, Bullfinch h.

0930 to 1230

31 species in total

Target Species ✅

January - 2023

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 27th January 23

Highlight species: Hen Harrier m✅, Merlin ✅, Peregrine, Russian White-fronted Goose, Barnacle Goose, Goldeneye.

( Superb views of the male Hen Harrier )

Appropriately our first outing for 2023 was at Frampton Marshes, one of our favourite venues. Despite it being cold, but not as cold as it has been, five of us joined Steve. There had been some frost over night and many of the pools were still iced over. This meant the birds had gathered in the deeper pools.

The first excitement came when a male Hen Harrier flew over being mobbed by a Peregrine, which it ignored. Soon after Reg spotted a Merlin preening it self on a mound of mud. Up on the sea bank we added Redshank, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin to the list. Some distance away, on the shore of the Wash, a flock of Knot gave us their usual exciting display after they have been disturbed.

As we walked back down the road we stopped and Steve spotted a female Peregrine on a post. We then realised that there was a male, also sitting on a post, about twenty feet away. This gave us a chance to compare the sizes of the two birds. The female can be 25% larger than the male, and this one looked all of that! Soon after, and quite close to us we saw the female hunting. It caught, a moorhen, but soon dropped it. After 2/3 half-hearted attempts to get it again, it gave-up.

In between all this excitement other birds had been added to the list - Mallard, Teal, Pintail, Wigeon and Shelduck. Another stop to look around produced another exciting find. Three Russian White-fronted Geese and three Barnacle Geese. A Stonechat entertained us as we headed towards the 360 hide.

The following is a full list of the birds seen.

Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Russian White-fronted Goose, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Wigeon, Pochard, Shelduck, Mallard, Pintail, Gadwall, Shoveller, Teal, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Golden Plover, Ruff, Hen Harrier m✅, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Merlin✅, Pheasant, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Skylark, Knot, Lapwing, Snipe, Dunlin, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Wren, Stonechat, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Skylark, Blue Tit, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Reed Bunting.

Report by (JRS) John Roberts

0930 to 1230

50 species in total

Target Species ✅

CT#155🔵

December - 2022

Belton House Gardens

Friday 16th December 22

Highlight species: Merlin, Lesser Redpoll.

Four of us met Steve at 10am in the car park in front of Belton House. There was a 'festive season' feel in the air. The ground was white due to the previous nights frost and the National Trust had put up some lights and Christmas decorations. With a little imagination the six Fallow Deer close to the car park, could have been Reindeer. All that was missing was Father Christmas. Maybe we could convince Steve to 'play the part' next year - or maybe not!

After the usual short chat we set off on one of the many paths around the back of the House. We saw a number of Jackdaw, a Carrion Crow and a Blackbird. Stopping for a general look around, Steve spotted a Merlin on the top of a tree. Although some distance away this was a 'mega spot' for Belton. With all the lakes being covered in ice we didn't see any of the usual Geese and Ducks. A flock of Tits gave us views of Blue Tit, Great Tit and Long-tailed Tit. A Gold Crest was heard but not spotted. A Red Kite was flying over a near-bye field and this was soon becoming 'the Day of the Raptors' as a Sparrowhawk flew over the top of us and a Buzzard with prey in its talons went up the side of a nearby field. A Redwing and three Redpoll on the top of a tree added two more birds to our list.

After being out for a bit over two hours we made our way to the cafe for a coffee and a snack. A final Happy Christmas to each other and we headed home.

The following is a full list of the birds seen.

Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Merlin (mega), Green Woodpecker, Skylark, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare. Redwing, Blue Tit, Great Tit. Long-tailed Tit, Treecreeper, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Chaffinch and Lesser Redpoll.

Report by (JRS) John Roberts

1000 to 1300

19 species in total

Target Species ❎ but Merlin was a first for me at this site for 14 years of monitoring.

CT#153🔵

October - 2022

Rutland Water NR

Friday 28th October 22

Highlight species: Great Egret✅, Bittern, Jack Snipe, Short-eared Owl.

It was a dull morning and some of us had some rain as we drove to Rutland Water. Still, the forecasters proved to be correct and it soon turned bright and sunny - a very pleasant day. Four of us met Steve at the car park and we soon set-off towards the north of the reserve heading for lagoons 2, 3 and 4.

We hadn't gone far before we spotted a Great-white Egret - the target bird for the day. A good start and as you will hear 'further treats were in store'. Lagoon 2 produced the usual Canada and Greylag Geese plus a few Mallards etc.

The hide at Lagoon 3, Shoveler, was quite full but we all managed to get a seat. Luckily, one of the earlier visitors had managed to find the Jack Snipe. Half asleep amongst some dried-out reeds it was very hard to spot. However, we all managed to see it through the scope. We had hardly got over that pleasant surprise before Steve woke us all up, and the rest of the hide, with a shout ' Bittern flying.' Sure enough it passed in front of us and settled in the reeds about 100 yards away. Unfortunately, that was the last we saw of it. We moved round to another hide, Buzzard, but still no luck. We did, however, see a very fine Grey Wagtail. Steve heard the calls of a Kingfisher and a Bearded Tit, soon after we left the hide, but we didn't see them.

On the way to Lagoon 4 we stopped for a while to watch a male Bullfinch together with a female. On reaching Plover hide (Lagoon 4) things were very quite, but we did see a few Pintails not too far away. A short stop at Sandpiper Hide and we moved onto Dunlin Hide. Here we realized there were a lot of Pintails, and Steve counted the males and it came to a total of 147. We all agreed we had never seen so many together. Another shout, 'Owl flying', resulted in us seeing a Short-eared Owl being mobbed by some Carrion Crows and a Magpie.

Later sitting down and having a cup of coffee in the Centre, we all agreed that first prize for 'bird of the day' should be shared between the Bittern and the Short-eared Owl. The Jack Snipe would have to wait for another day.

The following is a full list of the birds seen.

Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret. Great-white Egret✅, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Egyptian Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Pintail (147 males), Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Moorhen, Coot, Jack Snipe, Bittern, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Short-eared Owl, Skylark, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Pied Wagtail. Grey Wagtail, Blackbird, Redwing, Fieldfare, Cetti's Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Starling, Raven, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Bullfinch, Linnet. 

Also, heard Kingfisher, Treecreeper, Goldcrest. plus possible Bearded Tit.

Report by (JRS) John Roberts

0945 to 1415

52 species in total with 3 heard & 1 possible.

Target Species ✅

CT#152🔵

September - 2022

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 29th September

Highlight species: Curlew Sandpiper✅, Little Stint, Marsh Harrier & Greenshank

The original venue for the September outing had been Gibraltar Point. However, with the weather forecast saying heavy rain and strong winds early in the afternoon, we decided to go to Frampton Marshes. Although Frampton would end-up with the same weather it saved us the extra drive from Boston to Skegness.

Due to holidays and other commitments there was only three of us. Despite the low cloud, that reduced visibility to a few hundred yards, we put on some winter gear and set off for the sea bank promptly at 10am. On the way Steve spotted some Dunlin, together with a Curlew Sandpiper and a Little Stint. A good start. A flock of Wigeon reminded us that the Autumn/Winter season had started. It was quite fresh on the bank and with the reduced visibility we didn't stay there that long-15 minutes, before returning to the car park and heading for 360 hide. Another reminder of winter was a small flock of Linnets.

On the way a small flock of Golden Plover did 'a circuit' before landing. Also flying, we had a quick sighting of the Red-breasted Geese that had been there for the past week.

We had the hide more or less to our selves. Once again Steve 'was on the ball' and found a Curlew Sandpiper together with a Ringed Plover and a Little Stint. They were quite close so we were able to compare sizes - a useful exercise. We also manage to find the Red-breasted Geese. Unfortunately, they were 'escapees, but never the less it was a delight to see such a colourful bird.

With the weather deteriorating we headed back to the car park. On the way a small flock of Swallows and House Martin moved through heading south. A large flock of Gold Finch contained a Greenfinch, which is not too common these days.

The following is a full list of the birds seen.

Little Grebe, Little Egret, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Greylag Geese (a lot), Canada Geese, Red-breasted Geese (escapees), Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Gadwall, Pintail, Shoveler, Teal, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Swallow, House Martin, Coot, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Curlew Sandpiper✅, Ruff, Lapwing, Dunlin, Little Stint, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Snipe, Blackbird, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting and Linnet.

Finally, we were sent-off by a flying display courtesy of the RAF. A Typhoon ✈ did two circuits around us, just below the cloud height, which could not have been much above a thousand feet. Much closer and lower than a normal display. What a send-off. As for the birds they ignored it !

We had another pleasant bird watching day.

Report by (JRS) John Roberts

0945 to 1215

43 species in total

Target Species ✅

CT#151🔵

August - 2022

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 26th August

Highlight species: Curlew Sandpiper & Little Stint✅

Five of us met Steve at Frampton's top car park promptly at 10.00am on Friday. It was an ideal day for birdwatching, not as hot as it had been and no wind. However, the water level on the two lagoons, either side of the road was very low, so apart from a few Mallards and the odd Moorhen there were no other birds to be seen. Many Yellow Wagtail, among some Pied was spotted, but it was some distance away. We walked up to the sea bank and things were very much the same. We could see the Spoonbills, in the distance and we discussed whether they would be in view from the 360 Hide.

As we left the sea bank another bird watcher told us the Little Stint and the Curlew Sandpiper had been seen from the 360 Hide. So we set off in that direction, stopping occasionally to see what was about. Apart from a Black-tailed Godwit and more Mallards the only other bird of note was a probable Peregrine. I say 'probable', because the heat haze made a definite identification difficult. There were quite a few other people in the 360 Hide but we managed to squeeze in. All the action was on the north side and Steve soon found the Little Stint, close to a Ringed Plover. Soon after he spotted a number of Curlew Sandpipers. As the water level was a bit lower than normal they were closer than expected and we all had good views through the scope. Yes, the Spoonbills were in view. I didn't count them, but earlier in the week there had been 58 - a record I believe.

Most visits to Frampton end up with a cup of coffee at Reception. However, because of the alterations this would be a pleasure for a future outing. Despite this we had all had another pleasant and rewarding day.

Below is a list of some of the birds seen:

Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Mute Swan, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Black-headed Gull, Mallard, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Teal, Lapwing, Avocet, Little Stint✅, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Snipe, Golden Plover (flying), Kestrel, Peregrine (probable), small groups of Swallows flying over - start of the migration, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Blackbird and House Sparrow.

Report by (JRS) John Roberts

1000 to 1300

46 species in total

Target Species ✅

CT#150🔵

July - 2022

Belton House Grounds

Friday 29th July

Highlights: Treecreeper

Very quite today but nice wander round with great coffee and berry flapjacks.

1000 to 1300 

21 species in total

Target Species ❎

CT#147🔵

April - 2022

Barkston Heath

Friday 15th April

Highlights:

0930 to 1200

Lost count of Skylark's with tons in area, Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Curlew, Raven, 6 Red Kite but no Wheatear today. 

32 species in total 

Target Species ❎

CT#146🔵

March - 2022

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 25th March

Highlights:

0900 to 1330

White-tailed Lapwing✅ & Spotted Redshank seen but no joy with Garganey.

Very pleasant weather on this one with warm sun and no wind which is always nice at Frampton.

Great company as ever. 

57 species in total 

Target Species ✅

CT#145⚫

February - 2022

Rutland Water NR

Friday 25th February

Highlights:

1000 to 1330

Lovely morning around Egleton NR with sunny and warmer weather (out the wind) all expected species seen and our target Smew✅ including 4 redhead and a stunning drake.

Otter from Grebe Hide briefly which was very nice to see.

Great company as ever. 

51 species in total 

Target Species ✅

CT#144🔵

January - 2022

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Friday 28th January

Highlights:

0900 to 1300

Thousands of Golden Plover today with great views, also to note Little Stint, female Merlin, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Peregrine.

Today was quantity of Plover, Brent, Wigeon, Teal, Blackwit also a very large flock of Canada Geese. 

Great morning and great company as always.

62 species in totalッ

CT#142

November - 2021

Welney Wetland Centre

Monday 29th November

Bird List:

Cormorant. Grey Heron. Mute Swan. Whooper Swan. Greylag Goose. Canada Goose. Shelduck. Wigeon (the largest number) Mallard. Pintail.

Gadwall. Shoveler. Teal (the second largest number) Female Layean Teal ( I didn't see it, apparently it comes from Hawaii but there is a breeder in Norfolk! It is normally seen when the swan feeds are taking place) Tufted Duck. Marsh Harrier (I saw 8, four at one time) Buzzard, Kestrel. Peregrine (in transit near Thorney) Pheasant. Moorhen. Coot. Lapwing. Snipe. Black-tailed Godwit (a group of about 50 and two of about 10 each) Black-headed Gull. Herring Gull. Lesser BB Gull. Woodpigeon. Stock dove. Pied Wagtail. Blackbird. Blue Tit. Great Tit. Starling. Magpie. Jackdaw. Carrion Crow. House Sparrow. I didn't see any Tree Sparrows, which are normally there.

If you think I have missed out Egrets, I haven't - I didn't see any. They were not on the previous days list, and on the previous weeks list there was only two Little Egrets, one Cattle Egret and one Great white.

Elldernell was disappointing. There was no one else there, which is an indication that not much is around. The only additional bird I saw was some Rooks.

Welney is unlikely to throw-up any surprises, but it is always good place to go if the weather is likely to be poor. It only takes about ten minutes to walk to Lyle Hide in one direction and ten minutes to Reedbed Hide in the other.

There were three Canada Geese with red neck collars. Apparently, the BTO is responsible and these bird had only come from Munesley. The last count of the geese was about 8000. The lady didn't know the split between Whooper and Bewick's, but normally it is about 15 percent Bewick's. It is unusual to see Bewick's on the reserve except first thing in the morning (and they don't open until 10am) and early evening.

Welney has 5 of their ringed Whooper's back. Apparently, the Whooper's have had a good breading season and there are some families with 5/6 young.

(JRS) John Roberts

CT#141🔵

October - 2021

Belton House Gardens

Friday 29th October

Highlights:

1000 to 1200

Nuthatch

Very wet and windy so not much on the bird front, but great for the catch up.

32 species in totalッ

CT#139⚫

August - 2021

Rutland Water NR

Friday 27th August

Highlights:

0930 to 1430

Glossy Ibis was the first bird we wanted with ok views intermittently with 3 Great Egrets from Shoveler Hide, also Greenshank. Nice views of 2 Marsh Harrier from Harrier Hide along with a Osprey perched in tree & Wood Sandpiper at distance. juv Spotted Flycatcher in trees between Woodpecker & Mallard Hide & 2 Whimbrel over calling.  

Yet another great day out with the troops with all birds we wanted seen.

57 species in totalッ

CT#138🔵

July - 2021

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Monday 27th July

Highlights:

0845 to 1130

Pacific Golden Plover the star bird with superb views also Wood Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Spoonbill plus all the normal species.

Nice day with plenty of birds to see, A good time of year to visit Frampton.

Today was a mix of quality and quantity.

Great morning and great company.

58 species in total with 2 possiblesッ

CT#135🔵

April - 2021

Whisby Nature Park LWT

Marston Sewage Works

Friday 23rd April

Highlights:

Whisby Nature Park - 0800 to 1100

Splendid walk round in full sun and calm winds with plenty of Willow Warblers, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Common Whitethroat & Bullfinch but no joy with Nightingale 😕 which we may have been a bit early in the season. 

Thanks to Graham Hopwood, Whisby Nature Park Assistant Warden for the latest info on site.

30 species in total ッ

Marston Sewage Works - 1200 to 1400

First Reed Warbler heard this afternoon for 2021 plus all the normal species in full song.

49 species in total ッ

Grebe Lake - Whisby Nature Park

Image by Neil Roberts 

Courtesy of Grahame Hopwood

CT#134🔵

March - 2021

RSPB Freiston Shore

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Monday 29th March

Highlights:

RSPB Freiston Shore - 0845 to 1030

Windy day so as you would expect not much on the bird front, Goldeneye from the car park, plenty of Black-headed Gulls, Pochard, Wigeon, Teal, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Curlew and a few Chiffchaff along hedge line. no sign of any Tree Sparrow 😕

RSPB Frampton Marsh - 1100 to 1230

Very blowy so all the normal species hunkered down, Marsh Harrier male, Dunlin and Swallow. no sign of reported Spotted Redshank or LRP

58 species in total ッ

January - 2021

RSPB Frampton Marsh

Monday 25th January

Location click here

Cancelled due to Covid-19