The weather forecasters got it spot on today, worse luck. The walk down the zigzag and on to West Mead was quite pleasant, redwing and fieldfare seemed to be erupting from every bush we passed. West Mead was quite quiet but some good close views of wigeon and teal could be had. Something disturbed the lapwing a couple of times but we could not pick anything up. Leaving the hide we bumped into some regular visitors who had seen a peregrine on the ground some way out on the south brooks – so that's what it was!
In the distance high above the North Brooks I thought I saw a marsh harrier and alerted some colleagues at the hanger, and they saw it drop in. We had just arrived at Winpenny when the favour was returned as we were informed that it was on its way to the South Brooks. Shortly after it appeared and slowly quartered the reed bed along the river bank giving great views. The plumage was a little confusing having elements of both an old and immature bird. (this is the same bird seen by Pete Hughes at Amberley a couple of days ago – the jury is still out regarding age).
As the marsh harrier drifted south, another bird caught my eye – brilliant - a great grey shrike. It sat prominently on some fence posts and low bushes along the river bank before disappearing from view.
Unfortunately the weather caught up with us and started to rain incessantly and apart from some flying snipe and a few bullfinches, rain definitely stopped play, but boy am I glad I didn't just pull up the duvet and stay in bed.
Thanks to Gary for his sightings update and marsh harrier pics
And thanks to another of our volunteers, Anne, for the photo of the great grey shrike (taken on Monday) and these lovely ones of fieldfare and black-tailed godwits.