Never mind, had I stayed in Shropshire, I wouldn't have had the pleasure of seeing the performance of the day..... A local Barn Owl feeding over Parkgate Marsh - well within range too - I make no excuse for including a representative series from three minutes of pure joy (11.00 to 11.33)- why does it always seem longer? One of those special birding moments and much more satisfying when you least expect it.....
Something moving in the grass below......
Gotcha......
Can't make my mind up which is the best of the series - maybe the second one below?
Plenty of Kestrels in the area too.....
Plus a few ringtail Hen Harrier - this was the closest encounter (at speed)
Nine species of raptor were seen from the combined session at Parkgate and Burton Marsh. In addition to those already featured above, also ween well were Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Peregrine, Marsh Harrier and at least three Short-eared Owl!
The 9.6 metre high tide wasn't enough to even threaten a flooding at Parkgate. I must make a note in my diary for one of those 10 metre plus spectaculars for a real display!!
A brief visit to Inner Marsh Farm also turned up several wader species including Curlew Sandpiper .... All in all, a pretty good day!!
