Parkgate produces

Not having had the chance to get to Parkgate for the high tides of last year it was with both hands that I accepted the offer of a lift.
The tides were not of the 10+ order but the on shore wind would push the tide up to around the ten meters height. We arrived around ten in the morning expecting the high tide at around 11:00 but it was at least another two hours before the flood began.

After Merlin, Sparrowhawk , Peregrine and Kestrel it was the turn of the Hen Harrier all be it distant as it hunted above the taller grasses. and not to be outdone the Spoonbill dropped in followed by a very nice pair of Short-eared Owls.

And it did come close.

And Closer

And that was as close as it came.

And in for a rest

Searching

Slow quartering over the grass.

And finally.

One less Moorhen.

Which it carried around avoiding the gulls.

The final pass.

The Waders were harried by a peregrine.

Common Snipe at VP.

The wind was gusting at Force 4 to 5 which was not helping with the steadying of the camera whilst not cold the wind made it feel as though it was a lot cooler than it was. After five hours it was time to retreat and head home via McDonald's,

Paul