Today I decided to do something different and visited Gore Down nr Blackgang - a break from my usual early morning routine watch from atop Ventnor Downs. I got there early (6:35ish) and walked up to the 'Pepperpot' (St' Cath's Oratory) and followed the footpath across the arable field to the northern fence line, taking in the sights: had the stunning sun rise all to myself. Bird-wise, the sound of flyover mipits and siskins had already begun; and quite a few herring gulls were in the field. Then around 7am a raptor came in to view from the East of me.
It was on the wrong side of me to begin with, with the light making it initially difficult to ascertain exactly what it was; though immediately it looked like a harrier sp; and as it got closer in front of me I remember seeing barring on its underwing primaries on the upstrokes, with a fairly pointed hand (no more than four prominent primaries). As it carried on on a westerly line I could gradually see more details, albeit from a rear-on view: the upper wing, the tail (obvious ringtail/banding/white upper tail patch), and the orange underbody coloration when it momentarily banked just before it dropped out of view (probably heading for nearby Chale/Military Road). The only features I didn't get all of were the 'collar' and head pattern, so I couldn't rule out say a monty's; though my gut feeling was juvenile Pallid - and certainly judging by its structure I could confidently eliminate a 'Hen' harrier. [NB a juv Pallid Harrier was reported at Compton Down later that same day/evening time; and one was seen a week or so ago at Shorwell/Cheverton Farm].
I was soon joined by Mark, Alan, and Hamish, and we had a pleasant morning with a few bits, siskins etc. going over. (No Wryneck though - this area has usually been reliable over the years). The harrier wasn't seen again either.
A couple of days ago (Sept 13th) a Honey Buzzard juvenile went over Bonchurch Down at 09:20 (my third or fourth? of the autumn). And the vis-mig has been steady most mornings, especially with hirundines, siskins and mipits.
A quiet sea-watch at SCP on Sept 19th produced one Balearic Shearwater (west). However, the following day's watch (20th; slightly stronger southerlies), 11:45 - 13:45, produced two Sooty Shearwaters and 26 Balearics (west).
Record shots of the HB
The Oratory at sunrise
Stunning (early morning) views from St. Catherine's hill nr Gore Down - looking west (below) in the direction the likely Pallid ringtail went off in:
Fox Moth caterpillar and common lizard - Luccombe Down
Back on Sept 6th a calling common Ringed Plover went over Luccombe Down:
