30th August

Back on the moors with DF tonight and the juvenile Hen Harrier (a rare sight) put on a great show sparring with a Buzzard for 20 minutes before landing on a wall in front of us where I managed to get 4 minutes video down the scope. We think its probably a female due to the dark eyes. Also in the area Sparrowhawk and 2 Buzzards. Above pictures taken from video and flight shots by DF.

28th and 29th August

A stunning ringtail Hen Harrier was the highlight of the day on 28th, an odd looking bird being very plain ogangie underneath and dark above. Will post pictures when I get my media player working. Also a hunting Peregrine, 7 Buzzards, 6 Kestrels, 2 Ravens and 5 Tufted Ducks. 29th August, returned in the evening with DJP but no wind and very little happening only 4 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Cormorant and 3 Tufties.

26th and 27th August

Up on the moors yesterday with DF, a good selection of birds including 2 juvenile Marsh Harriers, a Merlin, 3 Buzzards, 6 Kestrels, 3 Ravens, 4 Stonechats and 2 Grey Partridge. Today at Roils Head 2 new Redstarts, a Chiffchaff and a Sparrowhawk over Tower Hill.

Last few days

Redstart at Roils Head on Tuesday, Marsh Harrier at Ringstone, Kestrel with jesses nearby and a Ringed Plover at Whiteholme on Wednesday, 2 Chiffchaffs at Roils Head, Peregrine at Cock Hill, 40 Mistle Thrushes and 2 Curlews at Howarth Old Road and a pair of Barn Owls undisclosed site on Thursday.

21st August

First Redstart of the autumn found today at Roils Head, also Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Bullfinch and Coal Tit here.

16th and 17th August

Last night had 5 Ringed Plovers and a Redshank at Whiteholme. Today got a surprise when I flushed a Short-eared Owl that was roosting on the ground in the heather at Roils Head, it took off but soon came down landing in cover so I left it alone. That's the third shortie Ive had in this area over the years.

15th August

Tree Pipit and 20+ Willow Warblers at Roils Head today, Red-legged Partridge at Highroad Well Moor, Swifts at Heath Hill Road and Rye Lane.

14th August

Whinchat and 6 Willow Warblers at Roils Head today, Peregrine, 3 Kestrels and 1 Sparrowhawk on the moors in the evening.

13th August

Had a walk up to my watch point today in the hope of getting some raptors, had only just left the house when news came though of an Osprey at Leeshaw, some miles north of where I watch from. Arrived at watch point 45 minutes later when news came that the Osprey was still at Leeshaw and had caught a fish, good this bird might hopefully drift past me later on. I sat down and began to find a few birds, 3 Ravens, 3 Buzzards, 3Kestrels and 3 Sparrowhawks 2 of which were carrying prey. I was then joined by Matt who was on his way to Leeshaw, but a quick call to Brian who informed us that the Osprey had left, so we stayed put BIG MISTAKE. Not long later the Osprey was back with another fish, so we decided to go for it, too late we just missed it but we did have another Sparrowhawk, a Peregrine, 2 Barnacle Geese and a Bar-headed Goose?

9th and 10th August

Me and Dave back on our old stomping ground on 9th produced yet another Barn Owl, 2 juv Buzzards and a Spotted Flycatcher. Today at Roils Head found 2 Spotted Flys in with several Willow Warblers + 2 juv Bullfinches that have been knocking about all week.

7th August

Had a trip out to St Aidans with Roy this evening looking for the 2 Red Crested Pochards that had turned up but had no luck, did have an out of season Brent Goose, a Black Tern and three Little Egrets.