[Hindolbittern]

On Friday I went for lunch at Cookies at Salthouse N Norfolk. Whilst we were idly waiting for our table (it has got stunningly popular for a shed selling crab sandwiches) I scanned the marshes with my binoculars. Nothing much to see.

As I leant against the car I realised that there was a raptor sitting on a telegraph pole right next to the road. I think it was a marsh harrier (any help would be well received). It stayed there for a good half hour whilst we were eating. The place was heaving but I don't think anyone else was aware of it other than us.

The picture is not award winning I'm afraid.

Tonight on the way home from a meeting in the next village to us (3 miles or so) we saw two barn owls and a tawny owl. I never stop getting excited about it.

[Andrew Rowlands]

Originally Posted by Hindolbittern

As I leant against the car I realised that there was a raptor sitting on a telegraph pole right next to the road. I think it was a marsh harrier (any help would be well received). It stayed there for a good half hour whilst we were eating. The place was heaving but I don't think anyone else was aware of it other than us.

Looks like a male Kestrel to me, unlikely, I would think, to see a harrier perched in that situation.

How was lunch ?

Andy.

[Reader]

I'm sorry but that is a male Kestrel you have there Hindolbittern

[david2004]

Yes definitely a male Kestrel. I never get tired of seeing Kestrels, even though they are so common. At Minsmere last weekend there were lots of Marsh Harriers and a Kestrel in the same place - Marsh Harriers are quite different.

Firstly, they are 48-56cm whereas Kestrel is 33-39cm. Their colouring is also very different. Here's some more info -

http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/kestrel.htm
http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird...sh-harrier.htm