Horsey afternoon: every raptor but the one we wanted!

I had to stay at home waiting for a courier, so didn't get out to Horsey until midday. All along the road to the mill were parked cars and groups of birders waiting for the WTE. I squeezed the van into a gap and joined a jovial crowd from Essex / Hertfordshire, which included famous abstract expressionist Margaret Payne!

The WTE had last been seen at 11.30, so it seemed worthwhile hanging around. This decision paid off with good (if distant) views of Common Crane, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard, Common Buzzard, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel! Other birds included a Black Swan and lots of Golden Plover. Sadly, pager-owners passed the news that the Eagle had been seen at Minsmere at 1.30, so most of us drifted off. I stopped at Halvergate on the way home, adding another Rough-leg and a Merlin, for a total of eight species of raptor in an afternoon!