Stodmarsh & Grove Ferry 01/02/26

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Raining this morning so I waited until midday before leaving home, by which time the rain had eased. We started at Stodmarsh in the Reedbed hide from which very good views of Shoveler were possible, plus nine Snipe and briefly, a Green Sandpiper.

From there we went to Grove Ferry, the main objective being to check the harrier roost towards the end of the day. Arriving at 3 pm was a bit early so first checked the Feast Hide and surprisingly saw a male Hen Harrier at 3:15 which flew over the back of the reedbed then landed, presumably to roost as it did not reappear. After that we transferred to the ramp to look for more harriers, though the next HH did not appear until 4:30, a ringtail, which promptly landed in the reedbed beyond the Feast Hide. The final HH was another male, rather late at 4:55 by which time it was getting dark. This bird was closer than the previous two and briefly circled the reedbed before diving in out of sight.

Also seen were 9 Marsh Harrier and a Raven. Bullfinch were heard near the ramp and on the walk back though were not seen.

Male Hen Harrier






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