An exciting visit this morning in heavy drizzle, mist and murk got off to a great start when a very dark, almost black juvenile marsh harrier flew over Mossley Hall farm at about 9am. Unlike the hen harrier on Friday which was high and powered through east, this harrier appeared from the west at just over tree height and then lazily disappeared north. It didn't look like it was simply moving through, more like it was hunting the local area, so perhaps it will return in the coming days. Only my second marsh harrier at the flash following another juvenile which flew over the ruck and Ramsdales on 22nd November last year.
When I set out this morning, I was hoping for a woodcock since I heard that there had been a small influx into the north west in recent days. Sure enough, on visiting a couple of places on the south side where I have seen them in the past, I was able to find two of these wonderful birds for myself.
Meanwhile, at least one of the 1st winter scaup was still present, and probably the other one was about somewhere. The drizzle really was bad at times and it certainly hindered viewing so that a 1st winter scaup could easily have been overlooked. Other ducks today included eight goosander, including two males, around 20 goldeneye and the usual seven pochard off the car park, including six drakes.
The recent good run of form at the flash continues, with two species of harrier in three days, what a time to be alive!
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