Short-toed Eagle...Sunday 22.06.2014.

After a very kind offer from fellow birder Tim Cowley we made the long journey from North Lincolnshire to Gills Lap in West Sussex.The journey south was broken only by a hunting Barn Owl and a couple of Fallow Deer and after a trouble free four hour drive we arrived at the site from which the bird had been seen.As it was still dark as we arrived we attempted to get some sleep,but this was quickly interrupted by the churring of at least 6 male Nightjar from the adjacent heathland.As the light began to break and dawn was on it's way,we went for a quick exploration of the area,familiarising ourselves with vantage points to look for STE.As we walked the Nightjar song ceased,but a couple of Fallow Deer and a very welcome Turtle Dove were seen near to the car park area.The next few hours were full of expectation as more and more birders arrived to look for the eagle and Tim and myself tried to distract ourselves away from the tension watching a couple of Garden Warbler and a pair of Stonechat collecting food for their brood.A few birders disappeared over to the opposite side of the valley and we watched them as they looked as if they were watching something,but no one was sure if it was the bird.To cause even more confusion briefly,a raptor appeared from the direction they were all looking from,but this bird was not the eagle,but a female Honey Buzzard.She passed by showing quite well,albeit into the sun,a nice bonus.Then all hell broke loose when a message came on the bird information services that the birders on the opposite side of the valley where in fact watching the Short-toed Eagle!!.Tim and myself soon went to look for the bird along with a hand full of other birders and within twenty minutes we were watching our 'First' Short-toed Eagle,for Tim his first in this country and for me a lifer.The bird was perched in the top of a small conifer and it was obviously looking for food always being alert and watching the ground showing the pale head and underparts and piercing yellow eyes and to me looked slightly owl like in its appearance.After a good hour of watching this truly beautiful bird it took to wing and gave some great views in flight showing the large size of this species.What a stunning bird and we were truly relieved we had eventually managed to see this third for Britain.This is also the first twitchable record available to the masses and a very welcome one for sure.We watched as the bird made it's way south east along the valley and was eventually lost to view.We continued to explore the area a lot more settled after seeing the mega and we logged a couple more pairs of Stonechat,including 1 pair feeding two fledglings and two Woodlark called and displayed nearby.So what a day watching this stonking bird in a cracking setting and we made the long journey back home.A big thankyou to Tim for the drive in difficult conditions and traffic.

2nd calendar year Short-toed Eagle,Gills Lap,West Sussex.

2nd calendar year Short-toed Eagle,Gills Lap,West Sussex.

2nd calendar year Short-toed Eagle,Gills Lap,West Sussex.

2nd Calendar year Short-toed Eagle,Gills Lap,West Sussex.

Sunrise At Gills Lap,West Sussex.

2nd calendar year Short-toed Eagle,Gills Lap,West Sussex.

Female Honey Buzzard,Gills Lap,West Sussex.