Marsh Harrier at West Wittering?

[Claire Fifi]

I went to West Wittering yesterday and had a fabulous time watching the flocks of Brent Geese whirling over the marshes. There were loads of Wigeon, some Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatchers ,Shelduck and various others that I am not too sure of!

Whilst I was watching, a large raptor appeared and glided very fast across the lake towards the field full of Brent. The geese immediately took fright/flight!

Having looked in my bird books, the closest i.d I can find is Marsh Harrier (no white rump of Hen Harrier). Has anyone else seen one down at the Witterings? I understand that they are fairly scare?

[RoyW]

Marsh Harrier would be a very scarce bird in Sussex during the winter, but they do occur occasionally. If you are certain that it was not Buzzard or Hen Harrier then in could well have been a Marsh Harrier.

[Claire Fifi]

Definately not a Buzzard. But I don't know how easy it is to spot the white rump on a Hen Harrier, so I really cannot be certain.

Wish it was not 2 hours away, otherwise I would be back there again today!

[Dogghound]

Can you give a better description of the bird? I assume it is a large brown bird? with long wings and slim looking body? What was the flight like? What makes you think it wasnt a buzzard?

I think it is possible to find them there as Roy says. Would be scarce but definately a chance it was one.

[aeshna5]

Marsh Harriers are still fairly regular in small numbers this time of year around Rye/Scotney Pits area of Sussex so I think it's reasonably likely you may have seen one.

[Adam Cheeseman]

I've seen them near the south coast too in the past so not unlikely, though not a common bird on the south coast west of the Dungeness area. Marsh Harriers are much larger birds than Hen Harriers too.

[rogpow]

Present most winters on the eastern end of the Isle of Wight (a female there at the moment). Not very far from West Wittering (as the harrier flies)

[Claire Fifi]

Ooh, that sounds very promising then!

Doghound, I am familiar with buzzards and it just did not have that feel about it. Moved in a different way - a strong, fast, glide. I could be wrong of course!! The other thing is that I have never seen any buzzards at Wittering when I have visited before. They seem to me to usually have company too..

I spent a good couple of hours walking around and looking - but no buzzards were gliding high up in the sky either.

I will never be certain, but at least its nice to think that it could have been a Marsh Harrier.