Short-toed Eagle - dip...

Ashdown Forest - 0845-1345hrs - warm, dry, sunny - The lure of the eagle proved too great and together with CP and MH we ventured off the flatlands for the day and headed for the hills. A tortuous two hour drive through the Sussex lanes brought us to our first stop Long Park, and as we parked up OL came running back to the car park with news that the Short-toed Eagle was perched in tree a couple of miles away near the Gills Lap car park. By the time we`d found the spot we missed the bird by ten minutes as it flew off high to the east, and that was that really - twitching, I don't know why I bother...
Anyhow, a five hour stake out failed to deliver the snake eagle and we were left to scan the skies for slim pickings of a Honey Buzzard, five Common Buzzards and two Hobbies, a poor raptor return considering the habitat and suitable weather conditions. A few Marsh regulars turned up for some banter and whilst we were standing around flyover Tree Pipit, Redpoll and Goldfinch were heard, plus a Woodlark (CP, MH) which I also dipped due to nattering with some old Bedfordshire birders, Bob Henry, Geoff Dawes, Roy Nye et al.  Also noted Turtle Dove, Firecrest, Yellowhammer and singing Skylark and Willow Warblers from our watchpoint, plus a fallow deer in the valley below.
However, we had to leave early as guests were arriving at 4pm, no doubt about the time when the eagle would reappear...
Never mind, a great night ahead beckons, with the footie followed by that famous comedy duo, Trodd en Bratt with their hilarious sketch show on Radio 4 at 11pm. If you miss it tonight catch it later on the i-player.

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex