24.2.08

Headed out to Hartland Moor today in the afternoon. I decided to have a quick look in at a Sand Lizard site to see if any were out and about. I wasn't particularly surprised to find no lizards as although it was warm the sun wasn't out and there was a cool breeze, however I did find one Slow-worm! I was pleased to see it, as it's the first time I've seen one on the heaths and it's the first time I've been able to get a photo of one!


Next I went on to the hide at Middlebere. Along the entrance track there was a Goldcrest and a pair of Bullfinches. Also a couple of Sika Deer in the reedbeds.
From the hide there were a large number of Brent Geese, along with some Shelduck, Teal, Mallards, Lapwing, Little Egrets and a Mute Swan. I noticed a Water Pipit had been sighted from the hide a couple of days ago which I was excited about, as I'd never seen one of these before. Soon a flock of Meadow Pipits came in and landed on the fence in front of the hide and among them was one larger, paler Water Pipit! Also one very brightly coloured male Reed Bunting with them.
After this a distant male Hen Harrier came into view, quartering the reedbeds. He slowly made his way along the back of the marshes before disappearing over the horizon. Shortly after this he reappeared, scaring all of the Brent Geese into flight, he then circled round and flew very close in front of the hide, it was an amazing look at such a beautiful raptor!



As the male Hen Harrier disappeared around the corner of the hide there was another distant bird of prey perched on a fence post which turned out to be a female Hen Harrier.