[StevieEvans]

I hear that the RSPB has set up a viewpoint for the public to watch this rare raptor, in Lincolnshire.

If anyones been then can you give us a report...?

I'd like to visit, but would be dissapointed if we are just looking at a couple of dots on the horizon.

Hope to hear any more info soon.

Stevie.

[Edward woodwood]

Hi Stevie

there is a thread on this from earlier today i think........

here it is

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=18836

[StevieEvans]

Cheers Tim.
SE

[ron]

we visited this site at 08:30 this morning, just as the RSPB people were getting organised . They were very helpful and efficient, using the scopes provided we had views of the Montagu's harriers that were very clear, but distant. If we could have stayed longer we may have got better views, the marsh harriers were very close and easy to see, so I suppose the montagu's would also be easy to see if you get lucky.
We also saw egret'sat the same place. hope this has helped,
RON

[StevieEvans]

Thanks for that Ron,
Hopefully when we go we'll be fortunate to get some nice weather & good views.
Cheers Stevie.

[Geoff Brown]

The harriers, both Marsh and Montagu performed brilliantly fairly frequently throughout the day, especially at 3pm when both put on a show lasting for well over a quarter of an hour and could easily be seen with the naked eye from the watchpoint. Please note the media has got details wrong as usual. The young in the nest CANNOT be seen from the watchpoint.

[StevieEvans]

Cheers Geoff
I posted as i didnt want to travel down if all we would see were 'dots' on the Horizon.
Definately paying a visit Soon.
Regards SE.

[markgriff]

To anyone who hasn't visited the watchpoint yet but is thinking about going, I would certainly recommend it. I made a seven hour round trip this week to see the Monties and it was worth every litre of fuel!

We had some superb views of the birds and at one point, I had two male Montagu's and a Marsh Harrier in view through my scope at the same time.

Once the young start flying as well next month, the chances of getting some great views should be quite high.

Enjoy,

[Steve999]

Hi there, just signed and can recommend a visit to see the Montagu's. Went last Tuesday and had good views of male & female - very impressive and more distinctive than I had expected. Make sure and take a scope though and try not to go on a day that's too hot and windy otherwise the haze will detract slightly. Be patient, you may need to wait a few hours.

Good luck,
Steve

[Geoff Brown]

markgriff

Glad you enjoyed the full monty and had excellent views. We are very
priviledged over this side of the country to have them on our doorstep as it
were. Being very local I manage to go most days both to help at the site and
also just to birdwatch them and the Marsh harriers. It's the most exciting
thing to happen on the Wash since Richard Branson had his airship crash out
there some years ago!

All the best,

[Michael Frankis]

Originally Posted by Steve999

Hi there, just signed and can recommend a visit to see the Montagu's. Went last Tuesday and had good views of male & female - very impressive and more distinctive than I had expected. Make sure and take a scope though and try not to go on a day that's too hot and windy otherwise the haze will detract slightly. Be patient, you may need to wait a few hours.

Good luck,
Steve

Welcome to BirdForum for our 999th member named Steve!

Good advice I'd agree on avoiding hazy days, they're never much good for raptor watching anywhere

Michael

[Reader]

I went there last Sunday (11th July) and had views down to 100'. It was superb but talking to the girl warden she told me that the optimum time to be there would possibly be about Aug 14/15th as the young will have just fledged and good viewings should be had of the entire family.

It is about that time that the viewpoint will be finishing but they may try and get an extension of a week if possible.

[Geoff Brown]

Yes an extension of at least one week and possibly two has been arranged with the farmer, whose track we are allowed to go down.

[Reader]

Originally Posted by Geoff Brown

Yes an extension of at least one week and possibly two has been arranged with the farmer, whose track we are allowed to go down.

That's good news. I am certainly going to try and get back down there mid August to watch the youngsters.

[malskelton]

I called in there last week on my way down to Norfolk on a family holiday. Dragged three non-birders with me - who managed to get better views than I did ( last time I let them use my bins, you are supposed to give them back when the rare one flies by !! )

We were only there an hour and saw the female and got two nice flybys by the male - both were visible to the naked eye.

Very pleased I went, love raptors and would have kicked myself if I hadn't gone

Mal Skelton

[Sandra (Taylor)]

This thread is v.interesting as we're going to Norfolk on Thursday for 4 days and are calling at the watchpoint on the way - didn't think we'd have to wait a few hrs though. At least if we miss them we have another chance on our way back to West Yorkshire.

[Reader]

Originally Posted by Sandra (Taylor)

This thread is v.interesting as we're going to Norfolk on Thursday for 4 days and are calling at the watchpoint on the way - didn't think we'd have to wait a few hrs though. At least if we miss them we have another chance on our way back to West Yorkshire.

Hi sandra

You could get to see good additional birds whilst your waiting. Mind you I had a male Monty as soon as I arrived so you never know you might not have to wait at all.

[Sandra (Taylor)]

Been and come back from Norfolk. Lots of good birds. Called at Monty site and had superb views of male as he flew parallel to the bank as we walked to the viewing site. Then had more distant views of female. Well worth the visit. Paid a visit to the Great Dryburgh (?) site for honey buzzards and viewed them well. Also had hobbys there.

[Zimbernard]

Just to the west of my hometown, Gweru, in the Midlands of Zimbabwe, are the Somabhula Grasslands, an area of grassland with broard valleys & rolling hillslopes. Every summer the resident African Marsh Harriers are joined by summer migrant Palid and Montagu's Harriers. In fact this area seems to be a magnet for all types of raptors. This year the area is unusually well grassed, with a higher than normal population of small rodents. Hopefully it will be a bumper year for Harriers

[Bluetail]

Let's hope so, Bernard. That should also mean a better year next year for us in northern Europe (and hopefully not those barbaric Mediterranean hunters).