17-Jan-2019
The “calidus” tundra-race juv male (on size) Peregrine high over the eastern edge of Catcott Lows in a ‘merlinesque’ chase of a medium sized bird (thrush or starling?) but soon gave up and landed on the small wooden corral where it was mobbed by a female Marsh Harrier and eventually flew off at about 15:30 hrs.
No sign of the ringtail Hen Harrier, but earlier, at 15:05 hrs, a Red Kite flew slowly west just above the tree-ilne bordering the northern edge of the reserve. Otherwise a horde of loudly calling Wigeon with much fewer Shoveler and only about a dozen Pintail, also the obligatory 2 Grt W Egrets.

No sign of the ‘Tundra ’ Peregrine this afternoon but a large female Peregrine spent considerable time sat on the wooden ‘stockade (center rear) of the reserve. Highlight today was the return of a ring tailed Hen Harrier, first time I’ve coincided with it here this year.

The putative Tundra Peregrine was again at Catcott this afternoon and photographical after putting in a very brief appearance yesterday. It’s now been around the area since the 13th. Nov. last!  Usual Duck were present , several hundred wigeon, good numbers of Shoveller, Pintail and Teal with four Tufties.
Water level is in the process of being lowered slightly which may attract any wandering waders which are sadly absent currently.