With news breaking last week that an adult male Pallid Harrier had been seen in the Forest of Bowland, I decided that I would go and try and see it today.
It only took me an hour and a half to get to the site after some quick stops off's to take in the idyllic countryside.
ForestOf Bowland
Parking the car at Dunsop Bridge, which is apparently the most central village in the United Kingdom, I started the long walk up the Dunsop valley.
Common Sandpiper
There were also good numbers of Willow warblers and a Ring ouzel put in a brief appearance before flying over a ridge.
Willow Warbler
After an hour, I eventually arrived at the Pallid harrier site, but the bird wasn't showing as it had gone missing for about half an hour. I had to wait a further forty minutes before the bird showed, and what a sight it was. The Pallid harrier appeared from the heather and did a few passes along the valley before flying right over me.
Pallid Harrier
What a magnificent bird and well worth the walk to see it. After great views of the bird, I started the long walk back to the car and finished a fantastic day off by having a pint by the river.
Another great day birding
