In-between storms

levels in water meadows still rising!

Lapwings over the water meadows, near Birch copse

After a lot of wet and stormy weather since Boxing day, seized the chance to enjoy a fine day back at the Sherborne's water meadows, before the next storms hit us again! It was to be a good day for raptors with Kites, Kestrels and Buzzards out in numbers on what I guess to be a good day for hunting. Initially headed for the north eastern boundary of Sherborne estate and the 'hyde'. Lots of ducks, mallard mainly but spotted some teal, in the pasture/lake north of the 'hyde'. Intended to investigate the Windrush on the Northern/Eastern boundary but had to turn back in the direction of Leasow furlong as the water was too deep to cross over the 'lake' covering much of the pasture. This turned out to be a bit of luck as I spotted an unusual 'raptor' in the ploughed field bordering Leasow and the Commons. Couldn't decide what this raptor was, smaller than a buzzard but looked bigger than a sparrow hawk. Got a long distance picture but need to get ranger Mike's view {Peregrine looks but Female Hen harrier colour??}. Dropped in on the 'hyde' but water pretty deep and overlapped my wellingtons once I stepped off the bridges.

Decided to head over to Barrington estate ever hopeful of spotting an owl and again water levels by Windrush bridge were very high. No owls on show but was treated to some good sights of Red kites, Herons and cormorants in the Birch copse area. Even better was treated to an impressive fly by of  lapwings {need to click on picture} before they finally settled down , alongside lots of gulls, in the water meadow just before Birch Copse on the Sherborne side of the Windrush. Good job my leg seems to be much better as it was hard work wading and diverting around the flooded tracks and pasture. Finished the day with a spot of a grey wagtail, brambling,  several fieldfares and yet more buzzards {in the air, walking on the ploughed field and perched in the trees on the borders of Picardy}. Well worth getting out today and for January pretty warm. Only slight disappointment, aside from no owl sightings, was the absence of any hares which I have been usually able to spot in this area. If this wet weather persists may have to consider bringing a canoe on my next visit to Sherborne Water meadows!.