2nd January : Marsh Harrier.
The New Year started well with a visit to BBOWT Gallows Bridge Farm.
Sitting in the car having a warming drink, Stewart & myself were deciding whether we spent our time watching from the two close hides or make the trek over to the Seasonal Hide, the decision was made for us in the shape of a large Raptor quartering on the far side of the reserve... a Marsh Harrier.
A quick scan of the Entrance Field produced a few Canada Geese, Buzzard & a lone Mute Swan. As we made our way to the Seasonal Hide, a very approachable Redwing clambered through the hedgerow in front of us, not attempting to fly, surely something wrong with it. Two small Geese with pale grey wings & backs & obvious bright red/pink legs flew in low, landing out of sight behind the tall grass, never showing again in the next hour & half. A Kestrel blended in with it's surroundings as it sat in the adjoining cultivated field, where 4 Roe Deer foraged along the far hedgerow.
Climbing up the steps to the hide it appears the Barn Owls have been feeding well judging by the state of the place, maybe BBOWT should consider converting it into a Barn Owl Tower, then build a replacement hide nearby. A Great White Egret flew into the fields in front of the Tower Hide, where it fed for 20 minutes or so before flying out of sight down behind the opposite hedge. I spotted a distant Stonechat fly catching from the dead grass, as I tried to point it out to Stewart, he picked up the Marsh Harrier quartering, but not for long as it climbed up, headed towards the hides, passed over them, seemed to turn above the entrance field, returned & disappeared off towards the Tower Hide, but not before Stewart managed to get a couple of record shots.
A Fieldfare chattered in the hedge behind the hide, flew along the hedge past a perched Raven, which was joined by two more, all three flew over the hide, continuing off into the distance.
The Roe Deer were now laid down enjoying the warming rays of the sun in the shelter of the hedge, beyond them a long line of Lapwings stretched out across the sky, with more behind, we estimated to be a thousand in number, later a tight wheeling flock of approx five hundred Golden Plover performed in the same air space. A second Great White Egret rose up from the vegetation at the water's edge, heading off south, amazing how such a large bird had been concealed from view, likewise a Chinese Water Deer that only showed briefly.
A Kestrel gave good views as it scanned for prey from a nearby hedge.
Images : Copyright : Don Stone/Stewart Dennis.
