Marsh Harrier at Walmsley sanctuary 26th July - 3rd August 2021.

 

I first became aware of this bird on the 26th July when it suddenly appeared perched in the top of a willow tree along the line of old slates that runs across the reserve. 

It is very dark both top and bottom and has a bright orange head around a black facial mask.This is the plumage of a juvenile marsh harrier so I'm now left wondering where it had fledged from. I'm aware there are several pairs on the Somerset Levels but sort of hope its been hatched a bit nearer to home.

Well wherever its come from it has spent at least a week now on the reserve and the Amble marshes wetland area. Not only that it has put on an amazing show for watchers and photographers with numerous forays around the 3 islands in front of the tower hide at Walmsley. At times within touching distance of the shutters.

Needless to say I've taken many photos so I will quit typing and just add a load of images of this stunning bird.

Too close to get him all in the photo!

crashing into the reeds

Birds in Hungary Day 3. Part 2. 15th May 2018.

Well we took our lives in our hands... well our expensive camera gear anyway... floating just a few inches above the water as we waded out into a lake with the aim of photographing birds at water level.

We wore full length chest waders and travelled around the lake on our knees under the thatched reeds of the floating hides.

Trying to keep ourselves and our cameras dry was the main priority and it turned out to be very successful. Very back and neck aching but David Chapman and myself spent over 3 hours in the water immersed up to our chests whilst kneeling.

The main target species was Black Necked Grebes and there were lots of pairs, often with young that allowed us to enter their world as they hunted amongst the reeds.

Marsh Harriers were everywhere and it was great to be out in the reeds where they were hunting.

Marsh Harrier

Marsh Harrier

A spring day on the Somerset Levels 13th April 2018

Water Rail calling from the boardwalk

I had a trip out yesterday to the Somerset Levels for a bit of birding, 4 of us left Cornwall at "stupid o'clock!" and had a great day at Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath.

The weather was very dull but dry and a reasonable temperature.

Birding was fairly quiet but the highlight was a water rail calling at the entrance to the hide and a cracking male Marsh Harrier dropping down into the reed bed near the 70 acre marsh hide. Sadly a bit distant but then it's not everyday you see this sort of thing!

Male Marsh Harrier

 

 

Great Crested Grebe on nest

Great Crested Grebes

 

 

 

 

 

Cetti's Warbler