It's been a gorgeous day on the Suffolk coast again today. Not that I've had a chance to enjoy it as i've been in the office all day. Loads to do on the computer as usual, plus an interesting meeting with a colleague from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust about our partnership project with them and the Forestry Commission in Dunwich Forest.
I haven't even had the chanc eot chat to the wardens or our volunteers about what has or hasn't been on the reserve today, although I know that harriers remain a hot topic of conversation.
Our French-tagged female Montagu's harrier continues to harrass gulls and waders on the Scrpae, having taken a distinct liking to eggs - a rarely described behaviour for these rare and sought after birds of prey, which usually feed primarily on small mammals, small birds or insects.
Meanwhile, the marsh harriers remain active over the reedbed. Both males and females are being seen carrying sticks and reeds back to the nest, adding to these important structures hidden deep within the reedbed. On sunny days, like today, they are also indulging in their impressive switchback display flights, during which they climb high into the sky before diving headlong towards the ground, often giving their high pitched calls as they go. At other times, the males arrive carrying a small mammal or rabbit, calling for the female's attention. She rises from the reedbed, approached him from below, and catches the prey as he drops it in a superb display of aerobatics known as a food pass. A great reason to spend time in the Island Mere or Bittern Hides.
Despite the harrier's attentions, there is loads to see on the Scrape, and the woods resound to birdsong, so why not come along and see for yourself?