Saturday 31 May – Frampton on Severn Leaders: Mike Jackson and Caron Thornton-Trippet

The day started with messages about the M5 being closed and so, unfortunately only six of us managed to get to Frampton on Severn. From the car park we spotted Greenfinch, Rooks, Carrion Crows, Blackbirds and could hear Chiffchaff singing around us. We made our way along the road turning right towards the Village Green where lots of Barnacle Geese were feeding, with one Oystercatcher. We walked towards Court Lake where over 20 Greylag Geese but no goslings were seen and there were a few Cormorants and lots of Swans. We did see a Great Crested Grebe with three ‘humbug’ chicks. Beautiful! .We also heard Reed Warblers here with only a quick glimpse of one. After walking through the woods where a Cetti’s Warbler and Jay were heard but not seen we did spot a Mistle
Thrush standing proud. We came into vast open fields where a female Marsh Harrier put on a great display for us. There were Buzzards and a Red Kite above. Within a few minutes a Sparrowhawk and Hobby were having a confrontation and two Buzzards were gliding through the thermals, just above them. It was all spectacular. .Making our way to the Sailing Lake, on the floating raft was a family of Pied Wagtails and two Common Terns, plenty of
gulls and again Cormorants on the banks of the lake. We saw 51 species. The sun was out and a wonderful time was had by us all. Thanks to Mike and Caron for leading and Alan for all the great spotting. Caron Thornton-Trippit