Marsh Harriers....and a Cetti's Warbler

[Beefy]

I had a very enjoyable morning photographing Marsh Harriers along the North Norfolk coast on Good Friday, with the added bonus of a Cetti's Warbler showing itself in full view! A few images of several hundred taken that morning, I hope you enjoy

The early morning light cast a nice shadow on this male











Finally the Warbler, who popped up onto a branch, gave a burst of song and swiftly flew off!



These are only quick edits and I've not had the time to remove any dust spots, plus they don't look as sharp on here as I would like

Keith

[grant_w]

Excellent, I do like a Marsh Harrier

[thunder city]

Stunning catch on the Cetti's Warbler - they're difficult blighters to photograph as they skulk around in the bushes.

Dave

[DaveM]

Harriers 3 and 5 are particularly sweet - the Cetti's however, as Dave says, is a cracking catch in the open like that

[Beefy]

Many thanks for the replies, very much appreciated! I was extremely lucky with the Cetti's Warbler, I had seen it fly across a ditch into the bottom of a bramble bush a few feet in front of me, the next thing I know it pops up onto a branch, gives a burst of song and flies off - just enough time for me to get 3 photos of it!! In 29 years of birding I've never had a view like that

Keith

[st24]

Very very nice. The Cetti's - if ever there was "heard, not seen" bird...

[capercaillie]

Very very nice. The Cetti's - if ever there was "heard, not seen" bird...

Try Quail (to see that is not eat)

[st24]

Try Quail (to see that is not eat)

You know I wouldn't do that!! Just the eggs...

[colper]

Super shots,such graceful birds of prey.I am currently spending quite a bit of time over on the Isle of Sheppey,observing not only Marsh Harriers but Buzzards and Short Eared Owls in their quest to find food for their offsprings.It certainly is a lot more relaxing and rewarding than spending 8 or 9 hours a day stuck behind the wheel of a car.

Colin

[Beefy]

Thanks Colin, the Harriers are indeed wonderful birds to watch and I couldn't agree more, It certainly is a very rewarding and relaxing way to spend your time I found a good spot for Short-eared Owls over the winter, seeing up to 4 birds on most of my visits; they are fantastic birds to watch! - I will post some shots up on here.

Keith

[Rory76]

Cracking shot of the Cetti's- and not at all jealous of the marsh harriers.....

[HMS Seahawk]

Very very nice. The Cetti's - if ever there was "heard, not seen" bird...

Try Quail (to see that is not eat)

Or Golden Oriole (some at Lakenheath Fen most years but extremly difficult to see)

[Beefy]

Very very nice. The Cetti's - if ever there was "heard, not seen" bird...

Try Quail (to see that is not eat)

Or Golden Oriole (some at Lakenheath Fen most years but extremly difficult to see)

Not sure that I would agree with that. I visit Lakenheath once a year in May to see the Golden Oriole's - If you visit at the correct time of day and in the correct weather conditions you should have no problem in seeing them (you may have to wait for a while). I have a 100% record with seeing the Oriole's at Lakenheath

[HMS Seahawk]

Well Beefy I am going to make the long trip from Cornwall in a couple of weeks so hopefully I'll be lucky. If you have any tips on where in the reserve to see them and times please pm me.

Thanks.