1.1.08

I had a good start to 2008 with a nice walk at Hartland Moor heading towards the hide at Middlebere. Along the path in the hedgerows there were a few Goldcrests as well as the usual commoner birds. When I arrived at the hide there was a large flock of Lapwings catching the light nicely, showing their metallic green backs. There were a couple of Avocet mixed in with them, and a larger group further down the inlet. Also a few Shelduck, Teal and Little Egrets around. A male Sparrowhawk flew in and went for a group of Meadow Pipits that were feeding in the marshes, and he managed to scare up all the waders at the same time. The Avocet flock settled down again but the Lapwings disappeared. A bit later the Sparrowhawk flew off again and was then mobbed by a female Kestrel, this time the Avocet flock went away as well.
The highlight though was definetely when a Barn Owl flew in over the hide and then went on to hunt over the marshes, sometimes very close to the hide. This was the best look I've ever had of a Barn Owl, and it was amazing to be able to see it hunting so close. As if the Owl wasn't enough a female Hen Harrier flew up over the marshes just as the light was going, probably heading to a roosting site. As I left the Sika Deer had come out to feed, and there was one large stag in the group.
The light was bad for photography when the Owl and Harrier were out but I managed record shots.
Here's the Hen Harrier

And here's the Barn Owl