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Steart Marshes - 11 October 2015

Steart Marshes - 11 October 2015 (morning)

2 Peregrine (adults, pair(?)) - both feeding on almost adjacent pylons as it became light enough to use binoculars so they had seemingly been hunting in virtual darkness. After feeding the female flew and perched close to the male. Later a (the?) male was seen bombing a Carrion Crow several times.

5 Kestrel - perched and hover-hunting.

3 Sparrowhawk - the leucistic female(?) was located perched at the edge of the marshes (spotted by Joe Cockram) where she remained for 45 minutes, apparently preening. At one point a Magpie approached but she stood her ground, opened her wings in a threat posture and the corvid retreated. Earlier an adult female was seen hunting low and later a juvenile was seen mobbing a Marsh Harrier.

2 Marsh Harrier - both atypical individuals. Adult with a grey tail and male type underwings but upperparts typical of adult female, including with cream on the forewings. Also a juvenile present with a surprisingly short tail.

3 Common Buzzard - loafing about on low perches.

Also:

1 Great White Egret
25+ Little Egret
8+ Grey Heron
1 Spotted Redshank
220+ Black-tailed Godwit
50+ Lapwing
15+ Redshank
2 Greenshank
10+ Common Snipe
Teal
Wigeon
Shelduck
Mallard
2 Raven
50+ Skylark
30+ Meadow Pipit
3 Stonechat
80+ Linnet
120+ Goldfinch
1 Cetti's Warbler - singing opposite the main Car Park.
6 Pied Wagtail
2+ White Wagtail

NPW