I managed to get to RSPB Frampton yesterday afternoon, and after a long wait for the White-rumped Sand it eventually appeared. It had obviously just been resting out of sight behind the numerous clumps of rough grasses and docks. Occasionally the bird did return to cover, and once it did, it blended in extremely well! The bird is an adult showing a slight rufous cap and rufous scapulars (no sign of any moult into winter plumage), thin dark bill, black legs and the white-rump. The primary projection can easily be seen, (particularly in Russell Hayes image at
http://www.lincsbirds.co.uk/album/displ ... pos=-17932). And, in terms of ID books, then Lars Johnson’s image (in the Birds of Europe) gets it dead right. The bird seems to be in loose association with a group of up to five ringed plovers (No Dunlin on north scrape at the moment). Also present on the north scrape were two wood sandpipers, both adults and presumably returning non-breeders. BTW the reserve is looking good (well done to all involved), and the visit gave me a chance to catch up with the long staying BNGrebe.... and the first summer plumage bird I’ve ever seen in Lincolnshire, well worth the trip alone to see. I suggest that Frampton has a good chance of pulling a few more rare waders out of the hat, over the next few months!
Andrew
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Andrew Chick Website:
http://www.forktail.co.uk/
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