Upton Warren (21 Viewers)

Phil Andrews said:

Reproduced below is an article John wrote for the 2009 annual report summarising the find:

Montagu’s Harrier – second occurrence for the reserve - 15th August 2009 By John Belsey

Weather: cloudy, south-west windy force 4.
Following a 5:40am start at the Flashes, which included a Black-tailed Godwit and Wood Sandpiper, the winds freshened and the clouds intensified. Although the wind was still from the south west there was definitely a “feel” of some movement, reinforced by the appearance of a Yellow Wagtail. On the North Hill House Martins were showing as the sun rose. I kept checking their numbers every few minutes as this was a less than numerous species this year. Whether by luck or fate I was drawn back to the impressive numbers which were also spreading to the sewage works. At 7:40am the scattered flock suddenly became a tight mass of 80 to 100 birds as “panic” set in, grouping just above the hill to the east of the hawthorn covered telegraph pole. Thinking a Hobby or Sparrowhawk had appeared, I casually scanned for the cause of the panic. What greeted me took my breath away as a “V” wing-shaped raptor rose above the hill approx 450 to 500 metres away. The first views were of a long narrow-winged, narrow tailed raptor; the high “V” of the wings instantly identified it as a harrier. I quickly shouted to Phil Andrews and the other birder (Brian Richardson). Its buoyant flight forced me to shout “MONTY’S”. I gathered my thoughts and assembled a description.

The black primaries and the generally mid-grey upper parts were the first colours noticed. The flappy wing action (buoyant) might have been accentuated by the reasonably strong south-west wind as the bird rose above the hill. The underwing revealed lines on the coverts and the primaries looked black, or at least the outer five or so did. As the bird banked and circled the white rump contrasted with the darker long thin tail which was a pale grey colour, but flying at an angle when the sun struck the tail and rump appeared all very pale (probably a trick of the light). As the bird drifted off and north-west the sun was less intense and the upperparts revealed an obvious contrast between the darker grey mantle and coverts with the paler grey trailing edge. The primary coverts were also paler grey and accentuated the black primaries effect.

The following notations were included with the sketches in John’s note book and/or the hide’s log book:-
• General jizz – a very long slender-winged, long-tailed bird.
• Features include a white rump, black primaries, grey uppers darker on the coverts. Underwing coverts edged dark on a pale background, black primaries.
• Pale secondaries and greater primary coverts contrasting with darker grey forewing
• Grey head, whitish belly. From underneath the body was grey and slender
• In flight weak flaps, almost bobbing from side to side
• Buoyant flight with very long narrow wings, tail appeared very long and narrow, white rump, grey tail.

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Phil Andrews said:

2 Little Egret and shed loads of Little Grebe on the Moors Pool.

Juv Med Gull (metal ringed) into the Flashes at 6:20pm

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Phil Andrews said:

A brisk westerly kept most passerines' heads down but still a few bits and pieces:

MOORS POOL
2 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 2 adult + 6 juv Mute Swan, 133 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag Geese, 14 Moorhen, 158 Coot, 115 Mallard, 7 Teal, 3 Shoveler, c25 Tufted Duck, 4 LBB Gull, c70 BH Gull, 7 Common Tern (2 fresh juvs, 2 older juvs + 3 adults), GC Grebe - 2 adults, 2 juveniles + at least 2 young, Little Grebe - 10 adults, 10 fledged juveniles (tight flock of 14 birds at one point), 2 young at North end + 2 new young on the Broadmeadow (triple brooding? :eek!, Swift, Kingfisher, Cetti's Warbler, good numbers of small birds along the shelter of the east path including 8+ phylloscs (Paul C thought he had a lemony yelllow one)and juv Bullfinch.


http://www.birdcare.com/bin/showdict?phyllosc.

oh thats what it is......:t:

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StephenS said:

Aside from the McD cups (which incidentally aren't mine!) I did manage to leave behind a Manfrotto monopod in the concrete hide this evening, just in case anyone has happened to find it
Thanks

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Gertatron said:

I am replying on behalf of Mike who is sitting in the hide next to me and says, I quote, "I have no idea cause it was sitting in the water"

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Phil Andrews said:

Second Med in tonight - these photos don't do it justice but jet black legs and bill

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