[Karl J]

Strumpshaw Rspb, Norfolk 11.04.03
Cloudy with warm sunny spells, little to no wind.

Highlight of the day were the Marsh Harrier, 2M & 2F. . As I walked to the reserve via the public footpath and the 'dusty lane with the house at the end' I had an excellent view of 3 birds hunting. Soaring and circling the area from above, at one point I had one almost directly over me, then descending to slowly, majestically quarter the reedbeds for prey, gliding just above the reedtops with wings swept back into a broad 'V' shape. Then to disappear from view, dropping into the reedbed. Fantastic view. One of the males has absolutely superb marking / colouring and later on from Tower Hide I observed this bird making ( what I've assumed is ) a mating display. A contorted, tumbling action accompanied by loud calling, watched this for a few minutes, this was followed by some inflight M /F interaction and I believe there was some competition between the males here. Shortly after, the F landed and perched on a fallen tree stump in the reedbed, again I observed the 'highly coloured' M perform the tumbling action & calling, though more briefly this time. He then circled round above the F for a short while and again calling could be heard. F still perched, lowered her head, half opened her wings and allowed the M on board. Don't know how regular a sight this is for others but certainly I've never seen anything like it, quite unique. After dismounting M flew off and away, giving a loud calling along the way. Proclaiming his conquest, I assume. Fingers crossed that it's a succesful breeding pair.

Complete list for the day : Marsh Harrier ( x4 ), Chaffinch, Moorhen, Coot, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, GC Grebe, Great / Longtail / Blue / Marsh Tit, Robin, BlackHeaded Gull, Canada / Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Cormorant, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting (x6), Cetti's Warbler, Willow Warbler, Pheasant, GS Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Mistle Thrush, blackbird, Starling, House Sparrow, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Grey Heron. .. + 1 Chinese Water Deer.

[Karl J]

River Yare from Berney train station to Gt Yarmouth. 13.04.03
A pleasantly warm, sunny day with a with a cool breeze blowing along the river. A little haze distant across the marshes.

Took the walk from Berney back to Yarmouth this afternoon. Not too many numbers to be seen but did have another sighting of Marsh Harrier, nothing nearly as spectacular as Friday - maybe that would have been asking a bit much though. One solitary male a bit further distant in the area of Langley / Belton marshes visible despite the sun being in the wrong place and the haze across the marshes. Rather pleased though as it was only the 2nd time I've seen one in this area. Also seen : Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank, Cormorant, Dunlin, Various Gulls, Grey Heron, Kestrel, a single Ringed Plover, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Lapwing, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Robin, Magpie, Starling, Meadow Pipit
The views of the Marsh Harrier over both days making it a particularly memorable weekend out and about.

[Andrew]

Great reads that increase the attraction of Norfolk many times over. I also had the good fortune of watching some Marsh Harriers nesting in Jersey last year. They really give you a buzz.