Sunday November 22 - last ditch recovery

 A sunny morning with a very light south-westerly augured well for the day. Dave joined me at Morton Bagot, but we hadn't gone far before the scruffy dog found us. Walkies ! We had no chance of shaking it off and the pooch had an absolutely marvellous time haring through the long grass flushing Brown Hares, Pheasants, and numerous passerines.

We kept an eye on its progress hoping it would find something good, but the best it could manage were three or four Snipe. Our own efforts weren't much better. Four Mute Swans were mercifully spared the dog as they were on the other side of a hedge.

Mute Swans

The flash field has reverted to type, and contained only five Teal, a few Mallard, and two Grey Herons. 

The area towards Stapenhill Wood was considerably better. We heard a Brambling, and estimated 40 Lesser Redpolls, 30 Goldfinches, and 20 Linnets along with a smattering of Reed Buntings and a Yellowhammer. 

But by the time we were back at the car we felt it was time for a change. Dave had suggested we twitch the Hen Harrier at Wolverton, and had brought a map and some directions, so off we went. 

Unlike my abortive attempt in the week, we drove through Norton Lindsey and down the Wolverton Road and then Snitterfield Road to a straight stretch where we could park. We then followed a footpath north to the field it had been frequenting.

The field

If only it had been in this field we would have got some great views. In the distance we could see three birders, and they had their backs to the field and were looking south-west into the sun. We looked to our left and spotted several birds which looked worth a closer view.

I immediately got onto a raptor, but it was a Peregrine. Meanwhile Dave was on a much more promising subject. He was watching the Hen Harrier. Once I followed his directions I had time to dash off a couple of distant silhouetted shots before it circled and drifted away over the gentle hillside towards Snitterfield.

Hen Harrier

Obviously we were hoping it would return and allow a better view, but an hour later we had only seen the Peregrine again, although it was entertainingly chasing Woodpigeons and even struck one, sending it tumbling out of view. Meanwhile the field we would have liked the harrier to be in hosted a Stonechat and two Kestrels.

In order to show where this bird is, I've had to push my limited technological knowhow to the precipice. But I have put a dot on the below map showing the field I understand it prefers.

I am very tempted to try again in the week.