I’ve been away for the last week so yesterday afternoon I headed straight to North hide where I was hoping to catch up with our brand new baby Marsh Harriers. Almost instantly one was flying around the nest area which is pretty much what they’ve been doing up until now. After several hours of watching their antics one decided to get brave and flew straight towards the hide! Whilst near the hide it discovered lots of new fence posts to sit on and tried several of them out for size. Some were presumably to narrow as it managed to fall off at least two of them!
It was also good to see them trying their hand (or should that be talons) to hunting. Eyes were sharply focussed on the reeds their were passing over and several attempts were made to grab some unwary rodent or bird. I am sure it won’t be long before they’ll be catching their own grub. At present mum and dad still bring in food for them and what a sight that is! Yesterday, all three juvs raced towards the mum and whoever got their first was rewarded with what ever tasty morsel she had brought in.
As you would expect I managed a few photos of the evening’s goings on though the food pass was just too far away for a picture.
Our resident Hobby was also investigated by our nosy Harrier and was chased from its favourite perch.
totally agree with Nicks comments, only 30 or 40 years ago Marsh Harriers were incredible rare as a breeding species in the UK. You'd have to travel to deepest Suffolk but I can see them most days from my bedroom window in the middle of Weymouth! Well done sean on spotting all 4! Must have been a thrilling sight!