At first the hoped for clear skies were not to be; it was grey and gloomy as Brian and I drew into the car park at Frampton Marsh RSPB Reserve set on the Wash south of Boston. As soon as we stepped out of the car we were blasted by the very strong easterly wind howling straight off the sea. Fortunately as the day progressed the clouds moved away to give clear skies which at least provided some semblance of warmth. We began our visit with coffee and scone in the excellent new cafe at the visitor centre - this is to be hichly recommended as is the warm welcom from staff and volunteers.
Suitably nourished we set off on out tour of the reserve, heading first fo the 360 degree hide. Here most of our expected birds could be seen including good numbers of avocet and some superb ruff, now coming into breeding plumage. We were pleased to spot a lone ringed plover here as well as well as a flock of dunlin, most still in winter plumage.
Moving on, our next port of call was the Reedbed Hide where our only sightings were great crested grebe, pochard and gadwall. We continued from here round to East Hide which often produces some good birds and today was no exception with a group of 5 spoonbills, although, unfortunately, both asleep and distant. A good tick nonetheless.
We opted not to brave the gale up on the sea wall and headed back; a cup of tea and food a big draw!! All the same birds were present at the first two hides but we were delighted to see two mediterranean gulls from 360 degree hide. Back at the visitor centre a pot of tea and sausage roll went down well. Before leaving we had a wander down the hedgerow footpath hoping for some small birds but everything seemed to be keeping hunkered down out of the wind.
Yet another excellent day at this superb reserve.
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