David Smith
Warrington Lancs
We got to the reserve early this morning (in the hide for 06.20) and within 15 minutes were rewarded by REALLY amazing close ups of the event.
We chose the 1st hide and WOW!!!
I am told there are upwards of 200,000 there at present so our guestimate is as follows....................
N.B. these figures are based on a) my being told there are 200-300,000 there and b) that there were just 2 main flocks leaving. Personally I wouldn't have a clue how to estimate such a flock
The first wave of perhaps 2-3,000 took off.
2 minutes later..........perhaps 100,000 took off. They came right at us and flew low directly over the hide.
The noise was amazing.
Next came perhaps 50,000 followed by smaller flocks.
All over in 15 minutes.
We were well wrapped up as it was very cold BUT well worth the effort
And as a bonus we saw 2 female Hen Harriers............definitely 2........at the same time and some 300-500 metres apart. One came very close to the hide.........low and to our right.
We chose the 1st hide and WOW!!!
I am told there are upwards of 200,000 there at present so our guestimate is as follows....................
N.B. these figures are based on a) my being told there are 200-300,000 there and b) that there were just 2 main flocks leaving. Personally I wouldn't have a clue how to estimate such a flock
The first wave of perhaps 2-3,000 took off.
2 minutes later..........perhaps 100,000 took off. They came right at us and flew low directly over the hide.
The noise was amazing.
Next came perhaps 50,000 followed by smaller flocks.
All over in 15 minutes.
We were well wrapped up as it was very cold BUT well worth the effort
And as a bonus we saw 2 female Hen Harriers............definitely 2........at the same time and some 300-500 metres apart. One came very close to the hide.........low and to our right.
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