Friday 3 June 2016

30 Days Wild:Day 3 - Looking For Harriers

                                                             
  A slight delay in Day 3 blog as got distracted Mothing last night til after Midnight, and only up now as just emptied the moth trap(more on that later hopefully) :)

  So Day 3, finished work around 2.30pm and then it was time to do something "Wild" so we headed off to RSPB Blacktoft Sands in hope of watching Marsh Harriers.
  On the walk up to reception we checked for bugs in the grass and found this Golden Bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle and Red Headed Cardinal Beetle.(photos by Majella Fox)


  This was followed by the song of the Cetti's warbler, heard but not seen. First we headed over to Ousefleet hide to meet a friend, fellow Hen Harrier campaigner and this years Hen Harrier Day organiser, Stewart Abbott.Join us to support Hen Harriers at one of the events around the country in August.
http://henharrierday.org/2016-events.html

  Wondering down the trail up to Ousefleet.

  Plenty of Waders on Ousefleet with Avocets, Black Tailed Godwits and Little Egrets.

Also joined in the lagoon by the resident Konik Ponies.

  The reeds and bushes were a hive of activity with Willow Warblers, Sedge Warblers & Reed Warblers all flitting in between the reeds making getting a photo pretty tricky.


  The other lagoons were filled with Waterfowl with Gadwall, Shelducks, Little & Great Crested Grebes, Pochards, a solitary Wigeon and a Mute Swan family all seen.
  Shelduck and Pochard(on the left of the island)

  The main reason for the visit though was the hope of seeing some Harrier action and we were not to be disappointed :)
  At least 3 Marsh Harriers hunted over the reed beds along the river and we even got to see the acrobatic "food pass", amazing stuff and only the second time I have actually seen it :)
  Marsh Harriers


  Just when you thought things couldn't get any better Stewart spotted a female Montagu's Harrier flying low over the reeds to the right as a Marsh Harrier flew left.If Stewart hadn't of being there I would probably of missed it as a was pre-occupied with trying to get a photo of the Reed Warblers in front of the hide, and no I didn't manage to lol
  With Stewart and Lynne(his better half;))just before leaving the reserve.

  We said our goodbyes and left the reserve, us a couple of minutes behind Stewart in his car.On our way back through Adlingfleet I abruptly told Majella to stop the car as I had seen something.
It was a Little Owl in someones garden tree.

A fantastic 3 hours out watching "wild" stuff :)

Probably a Moth blog later unless I end up on a Bat walk tonight ;)

Thanks again for taking the time to read my blog.

2 comments:

  1. Lynne & I had a great time at Blacktoft & it was great to catch up with you & Majella. I could have stayed another couple of hours but when your partner is sat with her bag on her shoulders & car keys in hand you know it's time to go.

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    Replies
    1. :) It was great to see you again.See you at Avenue Washlands, Bird Fair or Hen Harrier Day next :)

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