Harriers

 Walland Marsh - sunshine and showers - This afternoon I joined CP for the monthly harrier roost count on Walland Marsh where a strong and blustery wind with occasional squalls made for difficult viewing. As we approached the site almost the first bird we encountered was a superb male Hen Harrier which kept low over the fields as it struggled into the wind. Ten minutes later a ringtail flew past much closer with both birds being seen again over the roost site before departing towards Scotney at dusk, and presumably onto the Army ranges to roost. As for Marsh Harriers, none roosted in `our` usual reedbed site but at least six were seen in the area before also departing to roost elsewhere. Also noted five Great White and one Little Egret at roost, two Kestrels, 150 Greylags and calling Water Rails. As we left site the weather took a turn for the worse with several violent squalls flinging tree debris across the roads and interrupting power supplies to parts of Lydd and Littlestone.