A long trek down to Birling Gap this morning in the hope of finding that mid-September scarcity unfortunately drew a blank. However, I met up with Simon, Laurence and Josh and together we enjoyed a decent raptor watch, with four Honey-buzzards seen (two adults and two juveniles), two Marsh Harriers, a Hobby and plenty of commoner birds-of-prey. The HBs were top class and worth the effort entirely, with brilliant views of a juvenile and a striking adult male, whilst another two remained rather distant.
After visiting Dad, I thought I'd give Tide Mills a quick look as Josh had found a Wryneck there this morning, and being relatively past their 'best' time of year, it was worth a try in case no others get found next weekend. Despite low expectations, I succeeded, and the bird was particularly showy, yet, preferred to stay at a distance.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgcjRSMLHAenh4FihMgxz_jxglFVCt2Z-69YnTLkUTqI7UYw8NlnaiKmraQFmM_dbLMxFM0UEVzH3qjn77qLj0sVCQuVEortzCS3e9jHmbnrN-XoI4xN_1g4R8wkeTJAtQxWt0CUgL2w2r4zgkBtlXj-FgP7xbMRbo8frYAo-BhrJJHzRLGQmUwWx/w400-h268/Honey-buzz.JPG) |
juvenile Honey-buzzard |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjKq4r9o6pp6kOiZFwoNY0xc8aUXAAeoqX8KOycD3z_r7FWNFGIsduUUQdmH8jPVgkGWNwKkBJCJAwGUDejbnKfXdy7liUq9UhqNz7au5Ar1MIAOk2zl-K5yif35RiBgQkLwmbI02I2ieXDWnp5Nj5Qta-V2MEnHVSsmeYHI446iNWH33w_m5Ljxj/w400-h272/776A3951.JPG) |
Wryneck at Tide Mills |