We went down to Radipole this afternoon hoping the find the purple heron reported from there earlier in the morning. We went straight to the concrete bridge, from where it had been seen. It turned out that it had been seen flying to the north of the reserve about ten minutes before we got there, so we walked on. Unbelievably, both people next to me caught site of it, but in the excitement failed to describe where it was! It was an incredibly frustrating bird to miss, a truly magnificent bird and a difficult one to see so I still have to wait for number 200!
Also on the reserve were approximately 25 gadwall, 3 chiffchaffs, a blackcap, several overhead snipe and 10 or so grey heron. The highlight however was a marsh harrier which put dozens of ducks in flight as it cruised over the reeds and pools.
Driving home, I caught sight of a strange-shaped raptor flying over the car. A closer look revealed that it was a hen harrier, only my third ever and an incredible bird to see. Britain's most persecuted bird of prey is an increasingly rare sight nowadays and is also a pleasure to watch. I also saw a first for me at Hilfield- a yellow wagtail that took off from the road. There were dozens of hirundines around as well and two snipe flying around. On top of Batcombe Ridge were two roe deer.
On the morning of the 7th, 3 jay flew over Hilfield and a grey heron that was being mobbed by the rooks landed by the lake, before flying into the woods, were it remained for a while.
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