Pallid Harrier

26 Sept - Several Pallid Harriers have been seen this autumn, mostly juveniles and presumably reflecting the ewestward spread of this bird as a breedeing species. Currently 2 birds are in residence, at Welney, and nearer at Therfield. I headed to the setaside fields at the latter location where the bird has been sen for the last week or so, and it was fairly elusive today according to 1 or 2 locals that have paid it several visits - but it appeared over the fields briefly at 2pm, having flown in from the east - after dropping into the long grass for a couple of hours it was more obliging at 4.30 and quartered the fields then soared up and circled gradually gaining height - good views of the distinctive dark contrasting collar, with buff-rufous underparts. My first ever juvenile, having seen a male at Elmley quite a few years ago, and one or two overseas, but never with the opportunity to study the bird in the scope before. Well worth the trip - also Kestrels, Sparrowhawk, Red Kite and Buzzard around the setaside area.