Somerset Ornithological Society - Bird News
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Steart Marshes - 2 Jan 2015

Steart Marshes - 2 January 2015 (all day)

1 Merlin (probably adult female) - three sightings of probably the same bird, all in the vicinity of the main lagoons. Perched on the ground for a total of about 40 minutes, including tucked in and superbly camouflaged at the edge of dense vegetation, sheltering from the stiff Westerly wind early on.

1 Peregrine (adult male) - several sightings of probably the same bird, including one high hunting flight apparently after Lapwing but outcome unseen.

5 Kestrel - still hunting and hover-hunting. Also one seen to briefly chase a Short-eared Owl.

1 Sparrowhawk (probable adult female) - hunting low and fast above the marshes but not seen to capture anything.

6+ Common Buzzard - loafing about on low perches and the ground.

1 Short-eared Owl - quartering the marshes and river bank for 45+ minutes late afternoon.

Also:

1,000+ Golden Plover
1,500+ Lapwing
300+ Redshank
8,000+ Dunlin
8 Little Egret
1 Brent Goose
20+ Skylark
40+ Meadow Pipit
4 Song Thrush
10 Fieldfare
15 Redwing
6 Stonechat
4 Reed Bunting
25+ Goldfinch
2 Raven

NPW