While myself and Anne were out at the north end of Radipole this morning and there were birds everywhere! Water Pipit and a flurry of Bearded Tit greeted us upon arrival then shortly after Anne picked up the female Marsh Harrier just above our heads! While we watched her hunting she was joined by another smaller bird - a male. They then proceeded with some mid-air acrobatic displays before heading north separately. These birds seem to be the breeders from the last two years so hopes are high for 2011.
This blinding photo of displaying Marsh Harrier was taken in 2009 by Allan Neilson.
Other notable sightings today included a group of 6 redhead (female) Goosanders seen flying low over the visitor centre towards the Fleet, a nice male Mandarin from North Hide at dusk along with a possible Bittern seen there. Water Rails have been showing very well right in front of the Visitor Centre all day, and with cold weather on the way they'll only get more numerous and confiding!
Thank you Cookie for your kind words - makes it all the more worth the while. Sadly one of the larger boards was smashed up last week but, undeterred, we have a replacement ready. If only the perpetrators of such wanton destruction knew both the time and financial costs of their ‘hijinks'... But sadly that probably wouldn't prevent it.
Great blogging! Fantastic photos! Also wanted to say thank you to WW team for the excellent information boards posted around Radipole - really interesting and useful. Keep up the good work.