Courting Marsh Harriers (Birds of Prey)

During a visit to Holkham Hall, we decided to take a quick look around the wildlife area by the coast (Holkham Beach.) The nature reserve is on the opposite side of the country road from Holkham village and the grounds to Holkham Hall. It had been a pleasant morning drive along the coastal road. The day was fine but blustery.

We entered Holkham village and turned towards the direction of the beach. This was through a gateway and along a rough road towards a line of trees where we found a parking spot and paid £3 for two hours. 

Leaving the car, we ambled along a bridal path with woodland obscuring the vast stretch of sandy beach. This was fortunate because it was a barrier against the wind. The trees on the rise sheltered us well. On the other side of the path was a marshy fen. This separated us from the country road we had turned off of. Gradually the walkway pulled further away from the distant country road from where we had driven to Holkham. It was these lake scattered marshlands towards Holkham that were of particular interest to me. I had my camera with me and was searching for birds of prey. I would not be disappointed. The blue sky was, by and large, clear with odd scattered clouds and the Marsh Harriers were out in numbers. It was a Marsh Harrier’s paradise.

I saw four in two pairs and think they were going through some sort of courtship. I took many shots as the birds twisted and circled in the thermals. They were still at a distance but the sight of them was grand.