• Dave - CH
  • 14 Oct 2021 11:02 AM
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Any harriers currently in Wilts?

  • Seaman

    In reply to Dave - CH:

    Only seen Crag Martin when on holiday in Spain, they were nesting on the same cliff as Bonelis Eagles above where we were staying a farm called Finca Bonellis near Crevillente

    Pete

    Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can

  • Dave - CH

    In reply to Seaman:

    So, Spain, same as us then.

    We usually see a few if we head through the Gd St Bernard and down to Aosta (not a trip we've taken often these last 18 months or so).

    But, since we moved we've a small local breeding colony just a short walk away. They're the early arrivers and the last to leave, and move out of the town once swifts, swallows, and House Martins arrive, returning once the coast is clear.

    Last year, I found them all late in the season, all perched on the window ledges of the local school.

    They've (from what I've seen) an extraordinary command of the wind.

    Bonelli's Eagles, eh? Now I'm jealous.

  • Dave - CH
    Oh, re Crag Martins' comfort level in flight, here they nest up on some big cliffs around 10 minutes' walk away.

    It's a nice spot: Wallcreepers in late winter/early Spring, Alpine Chamois, and due to the uplift, not a bad place to spot raptors (Golden Eagles, a passing male Hen Harrier, buzzards (Honey and Eurasian), kites (Black, and Red), and Goshawk). Peregrines nest there too, along with Ravens, but were absent this year for some reason. In autumn, the Nutcrackers are very active, and the Black Woodpecker, like the Jays, are easier to see.

    The Crag Martins seem to rub along quite well with most of the birds, but I have watched them pulling the tail feathers of loitering Sprawks...