Had a quick trip round the area today and managed to see 7 different birds of prey!
Started off right by the gate with a lone Red Kite, was at a bit of a distance so not a great shot, but clearly a Red Kite.
Moved on into the area and strangely saw a small flock of what appeared to be Black Headed Gulls. I say that because I am not good at gulls, and these ones have black heads. Having said that they also appear to have black beaks and I thought BHGs had red beaks.
The more eagle eyed amongst you may notice that the bird on the right of the photo is different to the others. Is it a juvenile? See pic below.
Anyway, back to the Birds of Prey, next up were two Buzzards:
I was quite pleased with those pictures!
Next one I saw was a Barn Owl but it was in and out of vision too quick for me to get a picture. I then noticed that the farmers had been round cutting a lot of the grass in the meadows. I wondered if this was why the meat eaters were around, imagining that there may be exposed or dead mammals around where the cutting had happened.
Next up was a Kestrel which hovered briefly then pounced on something and flew off with it.
A bit later on I managed to get a Kite and a Kestrel in the same shot.
It wasn’t only birds of prey though, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits were loud, proud and plentiful!
On the way back I managed another sighting of the Red Kite
As i was locking the gate behind me there was a Sparrowhawk sat on the fence but of course my camera was in the car!
Last of the Birds of prey were my favourite Little Owls who were being a little shy today!
Not a bad little trip, off to Marston now!
Hi Mate,I think your gull is a 2nd calendar yr Common gull.
Great pics-love the buzzard.I click on them to enlarge.
Thanks Dave and glad you are enjoying the pictures!