The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Apologies for the late response but the following is for potential interest only.

At around 11.30 this morning I saw a ringtail harrier flying west over the north side of Teal Lake at Whisby NP. Structurally the bird was slim bodied with long slim wings (particularly the hands) and tail. The angle of the bird and lighting conditions meant that I couldn’t get any detail on the underwing but the body was plain with strong rufous (ginger) tones. There was a suggestion of a ‘strong’ head pattern but it was not possible to observe detail. The bird was only in view for c30 secs before disappearing behind some trees and was obviously rapidly moving through the area. The bird would have been heading for the Trent assuming it continued on the same bearing.

I have little doubt that this was either a juv Monty’s or Pallid Harrier, but it wasn’t possible to go any further on the brief views obtained. Therefore I’m not suggesting it was anything other than a juv Harrier spp.

One that got away I’m afraid….. unless it gets re-located tomorrow……

Regards

Grahame

Thanks for posting - very interesting.

I was birding the Trent Valley from Collingham north yesterday afternoon and saw no harrier species.

Hugh

Have been watching Nocton Fen the last few evenings, with still high numbers of Marsh Harrier coming into roost - last night count was up to 14 ( 4th )
Needless to say I saw no other harrier species...

It has to be one of the best places in Lincs for a Pallid - ( or Whisby of course )

I will keep on trying..

David

maybe a harrier movement yesterday as I had a ringtail on the Humber which looked like a big female Hen in poor light and an adult male Hen in the Ancholme Valley --