Thursday, August 27, 2009

Roils Head Hobby

At last a good bird at Roils Head.
Usually this site is good for passerines in August and I sometimes check it out twice a day, but this year as been particularly poor for anything small. After drawing a blank earlier at Mount Tabor I strolled around searching the bushes but nothing again. Then suddenly an early juvenile Hobby shot across the horse paddock and flew straight towards the usual group of Swallows. It then did a U turn and flew back in the direction of Heath Hill Road unsuccessful. It all happened very quickly and I didnt have time to get my camera out of its case but I did note that the bird appeared very dark above almost black with pale edges to the feathers, its face was a creamy almost peachy colour where as an adult or first summer bird would be white. It also showed the typical black moustaial streak. Under-parts appeared heavly streaked with no ruffous on the undertail. Mike Harrop showed up later but the bird did not return. Also present Sparrowhawk juv, Kestrel and 12 Pied Wagtails.

1 comment:

David Sutcliffe said...

Nice one Nick - shame you missed that one Mike