Rob_D

Very pleased to have come across a Hobby's nest (or Hobbie's nest?) when out for a walk in North Herts, not so far from where I live. One adult gave the game away by being very vocal and agitated when I walked innocently down a footpath.

Went back two days and watched from a safe distance for ages - nothing. Then after 2 hours the male returned and perched for 1 hour. He was disturbed by some joggers, but just moved 50 yards or so and perched again. After over 4 hours no sign of...

Another trip to North Norfolk in the sunshine began with a Hobby over the house as I walked to the car! Two visits to the Honey Buzzards watchpoint and again nothing definitive, but a tantalising view at some distance. Elsewhere had great views of Montagu's Harriers including a food pass.

Amazingly in the evening I had 2 otters swim towards me in the evening and pass no more than 5m away. I was astonished. My first otters in England.

Camping near Kelling was nice....

Got up early for the long drive to Norfolk and managed to see my first Lesser Grey Shrike at Hickling. Then picked up the Red-Backed Shrike nearby at Sea Palling. Very nice to see both in one small area.

Couldn't see any Honey Buzzard at Great Ryburgh watchpoint. Lots of Common Buzzards and a few "possibles" but nothing I'm at all confident about.

Amazing numbers of Marsh Harriers around, but no sign of Monty's around a good location. Will have to go back...

Found a roadkill polecat or polecat ferret hybrid. Went back to take a couple of shots. Certainly looks more Polecat than Ferret. This is the second I found on this stretch in 2 or 3 years, so maybe I should try to find scats round a den site, or finally use the trail camera in anger.
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Tried to get a picture of the Little Owls near their nest in Ashwell. Using the camera with the scope is often pretty hopeless at long distance if you just try holding the camera like I do. This was the best shot, but still not very clear.

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The female owl was not too happy about me being there, so I didn't hang around. Hope to see the fledglings one day soon.

Still haven't...