Montagu's Harrier

Carole was very understanding today as we spent a few hours parked up in the middle of nowhere surrounded by rank grassland. We were in the vicinity of the village of Meron, south-east of Saumur, which is well-known for its populations of Little Bustards and Montagu's Harriers.

Unfortunately, the closest I came to seeing Little Bustard was a gaggle of 8 inquisitive Grey Partridges, but the Montagu's Harriers were showing constantly while we were there with at least 3 individuals, maybe 4.


This video sequence gives an idea of the sort of action we were witnessing. I would have loved to get the juvenile Harrier with its beautiful red plumage, but when I finally attempted to get a bit of video it was too distant.

There were birds of prey everywhere. At one point I had Montagu's Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard & Kestrel close together and all in the 'scope at the same time!

There was also a lot of small bird activity, including 5 Whinchats together in a line on the barbed wire!