After paying for my days parking,a quick chat with the locals revealed the bird had only just flown from one of its favoured perches.So ensued a game of cat and mouse with regards to sightings of the bird as it frequently perched out of view after catching several dragonflies.During my observations of the bird during the day,it seemed to eat Common Darters on the wing,but perched with the larger Migrant Hawkers to devour them.
Plumage wise,i thought the bird was striking and more so than the Juv's at Spurn earlier in the month,due to this birds more advanced moult,the flight feathers contrasting with the upperparts well even at long range and it had a more distinct white head and collar when seen head on when compared to Hobby.The contrasting upperparts,diagnostic underwings and tail pattern also where good pointers when compared to Hobby also.
At times the bird gave crippling views as it hawked dragons at close range,most of the time too close and fast for my set up,but what a bird and a real joy to watch and typically confiding as the species always is.
Other species observed while on site included several flocks of Pink-footed Geese logged which included south bound groups of 32,45 and 25 and also 14 loafing on Tennyson's Sands with the local 'Lag' flock.Waders also seen in the same area included 2 Spotshank,3 Greenshank,50+ Black-tailed Godwit and a single Green sand.
Assorted passerines included Green and Great-spotted Woodpeckers and a handfull of Goldcrest,Chiffies and Siskins.
Overhead a few raptors passed south and included 3 each of Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk.
A cracking day out today,with a beautiful bird to add to my experience of this enigmatic species of Falcon.
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| Pink-footed Geese,landing on Tennyson's Sands. |
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| A South bound Common Buzzard. |
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