Rough-legged Buzzard at Wallasea Island

Another drive down to Wallasea Island this afternoon. First birds seen were the huge flocks of Corn Bunting and Skylark. Two Ring-tailed Hen Harrier hunted the flocks continuously and were joined by a pair of Marsh Harrier and a very large female Peregrine which had eyes on the Lapwing and kept forcing them high with the Lapwing doing all they could to stay above the falcon.

After an hour or so I spotted a Buzzard and it's hovering flight prompted me to get the scope out which revealed it to be the suspected Rough Legged. This was my first for Essex and it gave great views for ten minutes before returning over the ridge and out of view. After yesterdays six Short-eared Owls it was disappointing not see any on the visit but as we pulled away from the car park at around 4pm an Owl flew along the road towards us and then sat on the fence before taking flight and heading off towards the back of the fields.

All in all a fabulous visit again spoilt only by the traffic getting home.