Teesmouth Bird Club

Hi, I was wondering if anyone managed to get a photograph of todays male Marsh Harrier at Saltholme? I am hoping a photograph (especially of the upperwing) might help confirm the age of the bird as I think it may not have been a full adult.
Cheers,
Adam

Adam,

I agree it's not fully adult.  See photo by Ian Forrest here:

http://www.birdforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=367728&d=1328212507

It appears to be the same one seen at Rainton Meadows around 10:30 today.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=33013&pp=25&page=596

Cheers

CHRIS BELL

Crumbs. I am so off the pace today

I'm afraid it was too distant in too poor light for decent photos.

It didn't hang around. It appeared on the Bottom Tank at around 13.50 seen from the Phil Stead Hide, diving in the reeds 3-4 times without making a kill and headed towards the fire station. It looked as if it was going to cross the reserve entrance but then veered back over the Bottom Tank and made off towards the Middle Tank. A visitor there saw it fly straight through heading over to Haverton but I couldn't relocate it there. I hope it hangs around though I suspect it's moved on.

Maybe 2nd winter rather than adult.

Hi,
Thanks for the links and photographs Chris and Ian. Looks like it was the bird that was seen earlier in the day at Rainton Meadows. Going from the following article about ageing Marsh Harriers http://www.ibercajalav.net/img/112_MarshHarrierC.aeruginosus.pdf I agree that it is a 2nd Winter bird.

Cheers,
Adam

Both harriers present on the reserve this morning