Work In Progress

What better way to spend a cold winters afternoon in Norfolk than at Stubb Mill Roost (near Hickling Broad)- the famous ‘Raptor Roost’? We were here back in March, which was too late for a proper winter raptor roost although we saw lots of Common Cranes that time, which is what we had been after. This time we had high hopes for two of our target birds - Merlin and Hen Harrier.

We arrived at Hickling NWT just before 2.00pm at set off on the walk to the viewing platform. On the way up we had a few Fieldfare, 3 Green Woodpecker and a couple of Jays. On arrival at the watchpoint a Kingfisher went by up the stream as we were setting up.  As we started to get our eye in we spotted loads of Marsh Harriers; checking each one just in case it was a Hen Harrier. There was also a Kestrel out hunting. Gradually the viewing platform filled up with birders and the air became heavy in anticipation.

Whilst scanning I came upon a harrier in my scope - I knew immediately what it was and got Max onto it whilst checking its ID features just to be sure – slate grey upper body, white rump, black wing tips – a magnificent male Hen Harrier (lifer)! Amazing views of it too; I couldn’t believe my eyes and my heart was all of a flutter! Quite a few birders in the assembled crowd got onto it before it disappeared from view.

Shortly after, a Sparrowhawk passed by, then a Barn Owl could be seen hunting over the foreground. Over in the distance to the left a huge flock of totalling hundreds of geese were up; presumably Pink Footed Geese. Finally we had a Merlin dash by (lifer), too quick to get a good look, but quite clearly a Merlin and this was confirmed by other birders calling it out. A ringtail Hen Harrier was also called out by another birder but he only saw it briefly and no one else got onto it. The Cranes didn’t put in an appearance before we left, but we came away very happy. Plenty to celebrate this evening in The George, Cley Village - home of the famous 'Bird Bible' - I would urge anyone who is passing to stop and have a scan through, simply amazing!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!! J