Local birding: Hen Harrier and Iceland Gull - 21st Feb 2008.

I put some more time in for the Tockholes Great Grey Shrike today in two sessions, 10:30-11:30 and 15:30-17:00 but perhaps unsurprisingly no joy in the windy conditions. Several other observers similarly drew a blank. Perhaps the GGS was keeping deeper into the Slipper Lowe area out of the wind? A grey male Hen Harrier distantly quartering moorland between Great Hill and Withnell Moor from 15:55-16:15 more than made up for the Shrike though. Also Sparrowhawk, 2+ Raven, and c50 Fieldfare.

It was almost impossible to keep the scope steady in the strong westerly at Fishmoor Res from 17:30. An Iceland Gull appeared on the water at 17:50. Good scope views were nigh on impossible on the banking of Guide Res due to the wind resulting in appalling scope shake coupled with distance making ageing difficult, but it appeared to be the same bird from the previous night.