The Hen Harrier

Earlier in the year, I was pretty fortunate to have quite a few sightings of Hen Harriers. Most, if not all, were seen around our coasts, as they over-wintered or passed through. Most were fairly short glimpses through the binoculars, and on one occasion one was a stunning male. One early morning though on the East Bank at Cley, I caught an early distant sight of a female heading towards me over the reeds. I had time to get me camera ready as this majestic bird glided ever closer and then right across the path in front of me. I probably only had it in view for a minute (if that), but it was enough to make me smile and feel very privileged.

Female Hen Harrier

Great White Egret - Cley

Great White Egrets are becoming increasingly more common across the UK, but especially around our coasts. A few weeks ago I counted 8 all together on a waters edge, and in with them was a Cattle Egret and also a Little Egret. 15-20 years ago these would have been pretty mega birds to see, but they are becoming a regular sight now. That said, I still get quite a thrill when the Great White Egret shows up.

Sat in Bishop's Hide at Cley, one appeared from behind some vegetation and was swiftly followed by another. Such big gracious birds. They don't look as though they belong in this country, or at least only on a wildlife video.

Great White Egret

And then there were two.

Marsh Harrier - Cley

Cley on the North Norfolk coast always has so much to offer. Even at times of the year where there doesn't seem to be too much about, something will pop up that makes the visit worthwhile or memorable. The Marsh Harriers are a regular fixture here now and you'd be unlucky not to see one while here. Sitting in Bishop's Hide I had some really good views of a pair quartering the reeds and water. With good morning light, this one glided straight towards me.

Marsh Harrier

 

Caspian Tern - Sandbach Flashes

Caspian Terns have been quite a common feature of the Summer so far. They seem to have been popping up everywhere, but always just that little bit too far away for me to go and see. Last week when I was in Norfolk, one had been seen the day before I arrived and then again the day I left. I saw neither.

Yesterday morning though, while I was visiting Redesmere, a message came through that one was just 20 minutes down the road at Sandbach Flashes. I aborted my plan and headed straight there. When I arrived, there were at least 20 birders there already, (which did make me think that maybe this bird had been there a little longer than the message suggested). Anyway, I was onto it quickly. It stood out due to it's pure size, putting it head and shoulders above the gulls that it was associating with. The huge red bill was clear for all to see. This is our largest Tern, and I was delighted to add this to my life list. It's been a great year for lifers, with 12 seen so far. 

Caspian Tern