Rough-legged Buzzard

Two rough-legged buzzards are wintering in the Great Fen, so this morning Chris and I headed off to see if we could find them. When we arrived there were quite a few birders, but no sign of our quarry, so we decided to go for a walk round the Northern Loop of the Last of the Meres Trail.

It was generally pretty quiet, although we did see some very large flocks of lapwing in the distance, and a slightly nearer group of golden plover wheeling overhead. There were also the usual red kites, kestrels, skylarks and meadow pipits. It was a glorious morning for a walk, and I always enjoy the sense of space in the Great Fen - the next best thing to the coast!

Just when we were beginning to give up hope, Chris spotted a raptor in the far distance, and through binoculars it was clear that this was the paler of the two rough-legged buzzards. We carried on walking, and stopped at the closest point to it, though it was still too far away for a decent photo. However, you could see its distinguishing features including the white patch above its tail, the very dark and clearly defined patch of carpal feathers and its pale underside (see extra). It also flies differently from a buzzard and frequently hovers when watching prey.

We hung around for a while, watching it drift back and forth, and were just about to leave when it started to move towards us. Although it never got very close (and I really need a longer lens!) we were able to watch it catch a vole in a nearby area of rough grassland, which was rather thrilling. Here, it's watching its prey before dropping down to catch it.

The afternoon was less exciting. The dentist put a temporary dressing on my tooth and I go back on Thursday to have the first stage of the crowning process. I can't believe how much it costs, though it's considerably cheaper than an implant!