More raptor action today with falcons from both ends of the size spectrum turning up. This delightful merlin put in an appearance midday and spent a few hours dashing around the ship's superstructure before eventually roosting on the foremast. At least one unwary redstart was caught during this tiny falcon's rounds.
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| merlin with redstart |
Later in the fading light a real thumper came down from the north and briefly landed. I had a good long look at this bird- initially I thought it was a Saker, then I thought it was a lanner. From a plumage perspective it seemed to share characteristics of both species. In the end I relied on the structure of the bird to cinch (I think) the ID as a saker- the tail was very long and extended way beyond the tips of the primaries. I'll be delighted if someone can assist with the ID though.
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| saker (probably) |
Also added
yellowhammer, twite, stonechat and
goldcrest to the ever-lengthening migrant species list for the trip.
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| yellowhammer |
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| goldcrest |
A migratory, roosting
bat species was also a bonus find- desperately trying to shelter from the wind and rain in a coil of line.
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| bat sp. |
Very cute ! bravo!
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