Ennui

Interesting birds seem a bit thin on the ground at the moment, and although rarities aren’t the be all and end all by a long chalk, as a mate of mine says “It’s good to have a bit of ‘strange’ now and then.”

A lazy stroll along the bottom of the estuary did however produce a surprise in the form of an adult female Marsh Harrier. Like Clint Eastwood riding into town in a spaghetti western, the bird was just a shimmering blob when I picked it up on the horizon – only revealing its true identity when it moved much closer.

Clearly enjoying the warmth, the raptor hit the thermals aided by a few languid beats of the wing and eventually drifted over towards Shotton Steel Works. (Missed a tick there Denzil!?).

A tardy Wheatear was also on the marsh as was the rather peculiar site of a Common Tern attempting to fish over what could only be called a large puddle – I hope they are not having trouble finding food.

The only other bird of note was an adult female Sparrowhawk carrying prey – by the looks of it either a Meadow Pipit or young Skylark.

Peacock, Common Blue, various ‘whites’, plus one Small Heath on the wing today. On the moth front a couple of Mother Shiptons were bozzing about – so called apparently because the profile of the Mother Shipton is clearly discernable on the moth’s wing. By the look of it, she wasn’t exactly a ravishing beauty..

Until later.