Marsh Harrier - Good News....but let's not get complacent

[carlj]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4996842.stm

Another from the brink of extinction in this country. But let's hear of more thriving species, even the humble house sparrow needs some good news!

[May]

It's always wonderful to see such reports.

I'm very pleased to see so many song thrushes about now!

[Mark43]

Having watched Marsh Harriers displaying then i have to agree this is excellent news indeed.

[scholesy]

This is great news. Took a trip to Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve near Goole, Humberside on Sunday 28th May. Saw a beautiful pair of breeding marsh harriers. Their displays and acrabatics are truly amazing. Managed to observe the male drop some prey for female to catch in mid-air.

Great stuff.

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by scholesy

This is great news. Took a trip to Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve near Goole, Humberside on Sunday 28th May. Saw a beautiful pair of breeding marsh harriers. Their displays and acrabatics are truly amazing. Managed to observe the male drop some prey for female to catch in mid-air.

Great stuff.

I agree, Blacktoft Sands is one of the best places in the country for views of Marsh Harrier. I am only about an hours drive from Blacktoft and have seen them there on many occaisons. I have also had fleeting glimpses of Bearded Tits at Blacktoft.
Roger

[John]

Originally Posted by Ollie

I agree, Blacktoft Sands is one of the best places in the country for views of Marsh Harrier. I am only about an hours drive from Blacktoft and have seen them there on many occaisons. I have also had fleeting glimpses of Bearded Tits at Blacktoft.
Roger

Blacktoft is good for Marsh Harrier but if you want a spectacle never to forget then go to Stubbs Mill, near Hickling Broad for the Common Crane winter roost. I have seen upwards of possibly 50 or more Marsh Harriers in the air at the same time as well as the awesome sight of many common Crane coming to roost. Add to this the many thousands of Pinkfeet honking overhead, the odd Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Barn Owl and you are left speechless with exhilleration.

Another excellent site for Marsh Harrier is Elmley marshes in North Kent. I have had up to 12 birds at the same time but I have heard of other birders seeing more than this.

John

[scholesy]

Yeah. I've seen bearded tits there many years ago. Unfortunately we failed to spot any on this occassion. They are breeding there at the moment, but it was quite breezy so maybe they were deep down in the reeds rather than spending more time at the top.

Counted over 20 avocets, one spotted redshank, sedge warbler, and great close-ups of reed warblers.

Other than the harriers the highlight would have to be a sleeping long-eared owl perched low down in some bushes along a path to the ousefleet hide. Incredibley close. I'm talking about 15feet. Any of the guys on here who are keen photographers would have had a field day.

Unfortunately the only camera i have is on my phone, which was left in car.

[rlchew]

I totally agree with John's comments re: Stubb Mill.

I was also fortunate to see a female Marsh Harrier at Wat Tyler CP in Pitsea, Essex yesterday .... a first for my local patch .

Richard