In the year where we held our first Hen Harrier Day at RSPB Rainham Marshes to add our voices to the push to stop this wondrous species being persecuted, it is pleasing to see that we have subsequently had out best ever autumn for birds moving through the reserve with several juveniles (ringtails) noted and even a fine adult male seen by the Irish Patchwork Challenge lads who were over for a visit.
Our latest individual was first seen last Tuesday and has actually become a daily feature this week with sightings out on Wennington suggesting that this may be the best place to look. Russ Sherriff got some shots of it today as it was being given grief by a local Carrion Crow and the dinky size and pale eyes suggest that it is a young male. As for whether it is British bred or not is impossible to say but wherever it is from we hope that it stays for the winter and continues to put on a show along with our Marsh Harriers, Buzzarda and Peregrines.
Perhaps this flurry of birds is a thank you for our efforts in August?
7-12-16
You never know, Howard. Wonderful photos, especially that last one.