Hen Harrier Eyes Lane !

[John Frankland]

Ringtail and Merlin 1245pm ! Details to follow

[John Frankland]

Harrier currently still present and hunting 1307.

[John Frankland]

Harrier still present 130pm, resting in hedge behind flood during shower.

[John Frankland]

Not seen since 130 when went down in grass near bridge (and GWE!) at back of the flood.

[Leonard Poxon]

Great sightings John.

[John Frankland]

The Ringtail appeared about 1240pm and flew over my right shoulder towards the flood (from the bridge). Immediately I thought it was a Harrier but was surprised it was Hen after this week's Marsh !

It then hunted the rough area at the back of the flood for 45 minutes giving great views and scattering 30+ Snipe.

Whilst watching the Harrier, the Merlin (f) appeared in my binocs as it shot across from the left and over the field by the hedge scattering 40-50 Skylark on its way through.

After missing the Marsh Harrier this week and deciding to go on the moors first thing, I was thinking that I was having no luck until my luck definitely turned at 1240 !!

Also seen from 1130 to 1330 were:

Great White Egret 1
Grey Heron 4
Wigeon 2f
Pintail 3
Whooper Swan 7 (3A and 2A/2J separate parties)
Mute Swan 3
Buzzard 2
Peregrine 1 (2 swoops)
Great Spotted Woodpecker 1
Corn Bunting and Kingfisher both heard

Hen Harrier and Merlin take me to 138 species for the year.

[John Frankland]

Went back for seconds between 415 and 515.

No sign of the Harrier or Merlin, just Buzzard and Kestrel instead !

The Pintail and Wigeon still present. GWE not seen.

The only main addition from earlier were a couple of Ruff in with the Lapwing.