Wheatears, Rutland, 25th April

Red Grouse

A smart male.

Black Grouse

You could quite happily sit in a darkened room, listening to the sound of displaying Blackcock until your ears bled. An early morning sit with these birds is a very special privelage - at least it is until a farmer arrives to check his bloody sheep.

Hen Harrier Display

A contender for best displaying raptor in the world. The amazing roll overs, twists and vertical dives are simply breathtaking and are probably best appreciated with a camera because at least then, you can see how the bugger is doing it. He's actually flying on his back for much of the time but with his head in the normal position. I guess you could liken the display to one of those stunt biplanes except without the smoke.This unpaired male was doing its very best to attract a passing female, including building several nests in between display flights. 

Merlin Treatment

A Buzzard wishing that it hadn't flown over the Merlins nest area.

Dippers