It was cold (7c) due to the moderate NNW wind. It was bearable, although far from pleasant! We stuck it out as Birders came and went hoping to connect with the Red-footed Falcon. We could see a small group out on the Riverbank by the gate but as the morning drew on there was no apparent focus on anything in particular? A steady stream of Birders also visited the Hides. We were kept entertained by various Species visiting the "Magic Bush" this Whitethroat...
Notable Birds were Egyptian Goose (2), Snipe (drumming), Ruff, Swift (c50), Sedge Warbler, Song Thrush (2) and my FOY Cuckoo...seen and heard...
It was wonderful to see four freshly hatched Cygnets with their Mother keeping them warm on the Scrape Island. Dad was dutifully nearby...
Then at 12.34, a message...
North Yorkshire Red- footed Falcon 1st summer male North Duffield Carrs
No views for us? We continued searching. Then around 1, Phil suddenly shouted "Falcon". I looked to my left just in time to see a small Raptor disappearing over the trees. Fortunately it soon returned flying low right over the Scrape giving us great views before continuing North. A real surprise as most/all sightings recently have been exclusively over Bubwith Ings. Really chuffed to see it ON the Reserve.
We left at 2. Phil was on his way to Leeds and I headed East.
Update: NO confirmed sighting of 2 Birds.
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