Local Rarity

For the past week there has been a 1st year rough legged buzzard in Hay Street, near Puckeridge, just a few miles north west of Little Hadham. Today was my first chance to visit and, true to form, it rained heavily upon arrival. The bird was still hunting, spending more time hovering than any RLB I have seen before. After a while, I left, only to return in the bright afternoon sun. Again, the bird was over the same field and showing a little better.
In this time it ranged much further, disappearing from view on several occasions, over the lane and into fields out of view. It was also seen to perch upon a distant hedge and, on several occasions, roost on the ground. It was seen to dive into the longer grass and not re emerge for 5 minutes or so, perhaps whilst eating caught rodents. A cracking bird to observe.

In rain and exceptionally poor light this morning

In afternoon sunshine

Having just relieved itself!!

Also present over the field were several common buzzards, a red kite, kestrel, yellowhammers and some skylarks. The previously noted short eared owl wasn't present to view by the time I left at about 3p.m. as the light was beginning to fade.