Sea watching at the warren this morning between 0730-0840, in the howling wind and rain. Misses a Bonxy but at least 8 Arctic Skuas. Loads of Kitts and Gannets. 1 knot, 2 Sarnies and thats about it!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
05.10.08
It was the first day of my weeks holiday and I had to try and make it down to the warren, I did and it was worth the wait.
I watched the sea for about 1/2 an hour, 1 Shearwater(to far out to id) and a Skua (sp) but again to far out. There was a couple of Arctic Skuas around and later on this morning 2 flew very close by the dune ridge, both dark phase.
I made my way to the dune ridge with a mate and as we're setting up someone shouts 'MERLIN ON A WOODEN POST CLOSE BY'. I haven't seen 1 in 2 years and there one sat about 50m from us, just as I get my camera on it a Magpie mobs it and it's off, but it was a lovely adult female. A few minutes later she reappeared on another post about 200m away, hence the crap photos.
There were some waders in the bight but by the time the Merlin had gone, so had they. So had I, I said I would be back for lunch!!!
On my way back, past the main pond, I heard a familiar bird call but at the same time some thing was not right. I found a clearing and saw a Kingfisher being chased by another female Merlin, whether it was the same bird, who knows but I watch this life or death struggle as the KF darted around, giving the M the slip. The KF did get away, calling like a speeding express train, over the trees and off. Mean while the M was again being mobbed by Corvids.
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