My session at Strumble today got off to a rather shocking start, in a nice way I might add. So, I'm rounding the final bend before the gates and cattle grid and on a post to the right of the gates is the most magnificent raptor I've seen in an open setting. I just stopped the car and looked at it. A few seconds later it took off revealing the most striking plumage. As I made my way along to the car park it was flying off to my right and then I realised it was a kept bird which had a jess and bell attached. I parked up and got the camera out and took some pics as it swept low over the lookout, then returned to the hand of it's keeper, who turned out to be a former Sea Trust volunteer (Sean). A lovely conversation and catch up followed before he headed home and I walked to the lookout for an afternoon session.
The sun was out but the NE wind was keeping things cool and there was a moderate swell with the tide race just starting to form. Not a strong tide today and things were very quiet for the first hour or so. Off to the north at distance I spotted a small pod (12 or so) of Common Dolphin heading in toward me. They didn't come any closer than 300mtrs or so beyond the tide race and in the swells were not showing particularly well. Sadly no Porpoise sighted which is starting to get quite concerning considering this is the fourth session in a week or so that I've had a Porpoise blank.
This magnificent bird is a Harris Hawk
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