Montagu's Harrier at Horsey

Year bird number 200!

After an early lunch, Linda and I drove through the showers to Horsey, parking by the approach road to the Nelson Head. A brisk walk out to the dunes revealed a small group of hardcore locals with 'scopes, so we trudged south to join them. Things didn't look promising: dark clouds, peals of thunder and frequent light showers somewhat dampened our spirits. (It was great to chat with Mick Saunt: it's been a while!)

Eventually someone found the bird hunkered down in the scrubby grass: as soon as the sky cleared, however, this ultra-distinctive ring-tail took off and flew towards us. Since Linda and I were on a slight time budget, we headed back to the car: to our delight the Monties followed us, allowing much closer views. (While I was looking at the harrier's head, courtesy of a friendly birder's 'scope, a Quail flew through the field of view - seen by half a dozen others!)