They say a change is as good as a rest so this afternoon I set off for Pilling Moss and a walk around a farm I wander over now and again. The spot has a few sheltered fields and woods and is a useful standby when everywhere else is a more than a bit breezy, as it was today.
This year I’ve seen plenty of Marsh Harriers, both spring and autumn, but one of the first birds I saw this afternoon was a Hen Harrier, Circus cyaneus, now probably the rarer of the two closely related harriers. Crows chased the harrier off towards Union Lane whereby it flew fast with the wind and I lost it against a background of trees.
The couple of hours turned into a raptor fest with 3 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 1 Merlin, 3 Buzzards and a Tawny Owl. I found the owl huddled up out of the wind in the densest part of an ivy covered tree, the greenery so impenetrable that I tried this way and that to get more than a half photo of the bird but couldn’t. So as they also say, “Here’s one I did earlier”.
Tawny Owl
Buzzard
Woodpigeon
Stock Dove
Pink-footed Goose
There was lots of passerine food on offer for the raptors, 60+ Skylark, 70 Chaffinch, 130 Linnet, 5 Reed Bunting, 25 Goldfinch, 11 Pied Wagtail, 15 Snipe, 2 Great-spotted Woodpecker and 20+ Tree Sparrow. I almost forgot, 1 Fieldfare and 2 Song Thrush, but a number of Blackbirds.
Peregrines count Columbidae into their food category and there were plenty of those today with 32 Stock Dove and 80+ Woodpigeon. Other “bits and bobs” seen, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Raven and 260 Pink-footed Geese trying to hide in a barley stubble field.
A brilliant days' birding Phil and a fantastic Hen Harrier shot (one of my absolute favourite birds). How many Tawny owl shots do you get? Loads! Another cracker here!
ReplyDeleteHey Phil ...life is tough for you isn't it..lol : }
ReplyDeleteNeeding a change huh...I suppose a good walk and some bird gazing is better than a nap on the sofa!!
At first I thought you had gone to the circus!! ; }
Grace
Unas bellas imágenes de estás rapaces amigo Phil, por cierto, que objetivo usas para fotografiarlas.. un abrazo Phil
ReplyDeleteA nice day for raptors. I'm always surprised at the strong markings of your buzzards. Nice pics.
ReplyDeleteIt appears that you had a grand walk and a grand day with those Birds of Prey. Whoa the Hen Harrier is stunning as is that beautiful face on the Tawney Owl. Have a good rest now this evening, you earned it~
ReplyDeletePhil, thanks for your kind comment on my blog. You had quite a wonderful day. The word Harrier immediately made me think of the Harrier jet plane...still no match to the real thing though. Stunning pictures, excellent numbers! Overall a good day at the circus, wouldn't you say? Thanks.
ReplyDelete