Hi everyone.
Whilst out surveying woodland birds for my uni dissertation at the Kings Copse Inclosure, in the new Forest, near Fawley, I saw a Black Kite. This was on the 18th July this year. I assumed it was some species of Buzzard at first, but upon checking it in a reference guide I am certain it was a Black Kite. I couldnt believe it. Wish i could have told someone.
Also, on the 16th July, whilst surveying Parkhurst forest on the Isle of Wight, I think I saw a middle spotted woodpecker. I had a great view of it, perched on a dead tree on the edge of the forest, and was able to check the book whilst watching it through binoculars. It was too small to be a Great Spotted, yet the white markings on the back were better defined than those on the Lesser Spotted. Im just not sure how often this species arrives on our shores, which is why I dont feel too confident about my identification skills!
Don't want to be a kill-joy....
But Middle Spot isn't on the UK list, so you saw a Lesser Spot / Great Spot....
[QUOTE=Tranquility Base]Don't want to be a kill-joy....
But Middle Spot isn't on the UK list, so you saw a Lesser Spot / Great Spot....[/QUOTE]
So a species has to be on "the UK list" before someone is allowed to see it? Interesting concept ... which clairvoyant gets to make this list, Russell Grant?
J Moss, welcome to BF - a Black Kite (and a possible Black/Red hybrid or a very dark Red Kite), has been infrequently seen/claimed for a year or so in the Hampshire area.
It is most unlikely that you saw a Middle Spot, did you make any field notes/sketches?
Cheers,
Andy.