24 May - A day of annual leave and sunny but windy conditions. After an hour or so waiting in the New Forest, I had absolutely amazing views of a Honey Buzzard (1-3) that circled up and came across fairly low in front of me - an adult male with pale, lightly barred underparts and grey head - classic profile with flat silhouette and elastic wingbeats. My best ever view of this elusive species in the UK. While waiting, I also noticed a Woodlark (4) that was carrying food presumably to a nest nearby and was very obliging. A singing Redstart was also present, Crossbills called, and a Peregrine flew over, along with a Sparrowhawk, and 6-8 Common Buzzards were in the area.
En route home I checked pit 95 at CWP and 3 Hobbies (5-6) were hawking for insects with up to 100 Swifts. All photos JM.
Raptors seen today - Honey Buzzard, Common Buzzard, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Peregrine, Hobby.
For butterflies also seen today, including Marsh Fritillary, see www.ukbflies.blogspot.com.
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