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in and circle the reed beds. She was a
large, mature bird with glossy, mottled
dark brown plumage, relieved by the yellow
head and coverts which showed well in the
last rays of the sun. She may have wintered
in this country, but usually the birds who
visit this marsh during the summer have
travelled many miles from warmer climates
than ours. Most only visit for a day or
two, but a few have stayed to build a nest
and raise young.
She was seen in the area, hunting the
surrounding fields but returning to the
marsh as though she had chosen the reed
beds as her territory. Other Harriers were
seen flying over and then one male was seen
to be staying a while and circling the marsh.
He was judged to be a young mature adult, and
our female bird was obviously interested.
They began their courtship display. Both
circling above the marsh and the male
tumbling down towards her; sometimes she
would fly up to receive the food he would pass
to her.
These were very hopeful signs to the Watchers
as soon twigs and reeds were being carried
to a far part of the reedbeds, which is
relatively free from disturbance, near to a
line of dead trees.
The marsh was full of activity by now. Coots
were building their untidy platforms, Bearded
Tits were flitting and 'tinging' backwards
and forwards over the reeds and Black-Headed
Gulls were squabbling over nest sites on small
islands in the open water. Migrating waders