Sunday 22 July 2007

Black Kite (and Montagu's Harriers)




22 July - an early morning visit to Nocton Fen in Lincs, where the long-staying Black Kite was first watched preening in a tree then flying around and gliding in typically buoyant flight. Surprisingly contrasting between rufous body and greyish head. A couple of Marsh Harriers also seen here. A quick visit also made to the Digby Fen RSPB watchpoint, where the male Montagu's Harrier seen flying and perched preening, one juvenile also seen (photo).

Thursday 19 July 2007

Summer?


18 July - at last, blue sky and sun, almost like July... a quick visit to CWP after work produced a Nightingale and Kingfisher (in flight) at Swillbrook 46/48. Pit 95 held a flock of 15 Curlew that flew off, and 3 Little Egrets, one of which posed for the 300mm lens. Few dragonflies, just a couple of Brown Hawkers at Swillbrook.

The last few weeks have been very quiet, almost continuous rain reducing birding opportunities. I managed a quick evening visit to Tidenham Chase, Forest of Dean, on 11 July and had good views of a Nightjar churring and in flight. Hobbies have been more in evidence last week or two - feeding young now?