It always seems to rain or else be extremely miserable when I visit Frampton Marsh. The other weekend was no different when myself and Chris Orders paid a visit.
The day started extremely foggy with visibility down to 50 yards, if that, but we hadn't been out for a while and so we proceeded with our trip. The main object was to see if we could get any views of a juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard that had been frequenting the area, but also just to have a walk around and probably pay our respects to the long staying Glossy Ibis. We arrived at the Buzzards favoured site where there were already some birders viewing the distance and telling us that they could see the bird in some distant trees. We viewed this through our scopes and whilst there was definitely a bird there, neither of us were very happy with the views and so we found a spot to view the bird that bit closer. We saw the bird fly, but at this instance we both identified it as a Common Buzzard, not a Rough-legged one. After spending a couple of hours looking for this bird, we decided to cut our losses and go to the RSPB's reserve.
A very pleasant walk was had, seeing lots of Brent Geese, Wigeon and a few waders, but on returning to the car park we were greeted with quite good views of the Glossy Ibis. It then started to rain..........and rain..........and rain a bit more. We were entrenched in my van, but good views were had as the bird continued to move a bit closer and was seen actively feeding and doing a spot of wing stretching. I just wish the sun would have come out, maybe next time!
A first-summer bird arrived at this site on June 14th and was joined by a second on the 26th. These two birds then started displaying and a nest was started to be built, excitement grew on the site as this breed has never bred in this country, despite numerous oversummering birds. Alas, this was not to be and by the 19th July only one bird remained and has continued to do so, at least until mine and Chris's visit the other weekend. I wonder if the other bird will return next year and the two can give it another go?!
You good shots of this bird so hopefully next year another will arrive again and breed.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret! It will be extremely exciting if they do breed at this site, especially as it's not too far from my house!
DeleteJ
Wonderful shots of this beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gunilla!
DeleteJ
The Ibis looks so unBritish and out-of-place in this country! The weather was awful last weekend. I wonder if you got to see the Buzzard - or is that coming in a future post?
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Bazza!
DeleteLooks out of place, but is becoming more and more regular over here. No, didn't manage to see the Rough-legged Buzzard, it must have been sheltering from the rain!
J
Great shots John, despite the rain.
ReplyDeleteIt's become quite a fixture there hasn't it.
I've been a few times to Frampton recently, and get disappointed if I don't see it.
Thanks Keith!
DeleteYes, hopefully it will overwinter and I might be able to see it in some sunshine!
J
Great looking bird - I wonder how many of these sorts of birds were overlooked pin the past.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Hi Stewart! Very distinctive, I wouldn't imagine that it would be overlooked, although some may have been missed.
DeleteJ
okay that does it...maybe next time you want to go there e...say out loud that you are going somewhere else...then, quick, make a detour and fool Mother Nature....
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan BumbleVee! I will remember that for next time.
DeleteJ
Great ibis photos! Sorry you keep having rain on your outings. Hope the other ibis will return next year.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie! Yes, I think all things are crossed for a successful outcome next year.
DeleteJ
Brilliant behaviour images :) quite a pre-historic looking bird is the glossy ibis! I've only seen one once and that was in flight. Lucky that is was close enough to capture these shots!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lou Mary! They are getting to be annual here nowadays, it wasn't that long ago that they were seriously rare birds in the U.K.
DeleteJ
Greetings from Dubai! Really enjoyed going through your blog.I somehow have a fascination for the black Ibis and you have captured them very well. Have a great week ahead! Will be back soon...
ReplyDeleteShantana
Hi Shatana! Many thanks for your visit from sunny Dubai, glad you liked my humble blog. Hope you come back soon.
DeleteJ