Marsh Harrier

Juvenile Shelduck - Turf

 

A family dog walk and lunch at Turf was very pleasant. The marshes were bone dry and largely devoid of birds but a cream-crowned Marsh Harrier was a very nice distraction. Perhaps the bird that was reported a while back?

Maer Rocks was quiet this morning with just two Common Sandpipers and a Peregrine making the notebook. The latter looking for all the world like a Merlin as it flew low across the sea on fast-flicking wingbeats. It was only when it showed some interest in a Gannet that its size became apparent. It was good to see Tim down there this morning but disappointing not to be able to locate any Yellow-legged Gulls.

A quick look off Orcombe Point late this afternoon revealed c10+ Manx Shearwaters milling around along with 9 incoming 'Commic' Terns and a lingering Arctic Skua.

The Imperial/Mudbank produced just c20+ 'Commic' Tern, 4 Mediterranean Gulls and a single Greenshank.