Eldernell 21 August 1999
by Gordon Hamlett
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PBC Trip Report Eldernell 21 August 1999 by Gordon Hamlett |
Every year, there is a post-breeding dispersal of Marsh Harriers from around the Wash area. Birds often form into communal roosts and we visited Eldernell to monitor the roost there - easily watched from the vicinity of the car park.
There was a steady passage of Swallows as we arrived, which increased noticeably in the hour before dusk. About a dozen Sand Martins and the odd House Martin were also noticed together with three late Swifts that we had seen earlier in the afternoon while driving through Eastree.
Chris had damaged all the ligaments in her arm and didn't fancy lugging her scope around or straying far from her coffee so she stayed and monitored the car park and waiting for any late arrivals. A good choice as she was the only one to see a Kingfisher flying along Morton's Leam.
The rest of us set off along the bank and had a quick look at the small pond there though only a few Tufted Ducks in eclipse plumage, a number of Coots and one Little Grebe. A number of Kestrels were hunting - they seem to have had a good breeding season this year. One or two Green Woodpeckers were noted, but not by everyone.
Five Marsh Harriers were showing towards March Farmers though keeping a track of numbers as they flew around for a bit and then went down in the vegetation was somewhat tricky.
As we wandered back towards the car park, the Barn Owls appeared - a pair showing to those still on the bank. The bird seen from the car park gave stunning views, alternatively back lit against a splendid sunset or seen hunting close in front of us and taking small mammals, possibly field mice, seemingly at will. From the number of hunts taking place, it would appear they were feeding a second brood.
A Sparrowhawk flew into the woods, mobbed by a variety of small birds. By about 7.45, the harriers were starting to roost and in the next 45 minutes, we watched two males and 12 females or immatures dropping into reeds. By 8.30, most of the group of 14 started to leave, with only Trev left peering into the increasing gloom.
Click here for a description of the Nene Washes
