Last autumn, while I was on my annual holiday in Shetland, I missed an incredible bird sighting on the Wirral: a Pallid Harrier! I was working night shifts and had left my phone on silent. When I woke up around 1:30 PM, I picked up my phone to find numerous missed calls and messages. I couldn't believe it—another Pallid Harrier had been spotted at Parkgate!
I quickly got ready and headed out. On the way, I called Steve Williams, who was already watching the Harrier from the Old Banks car park. He told me that the bird had gone down into the marsh.
When I arrived on site, I could see the bird flying around, but it was difficult to make out any details due to the heat haze. After about an hour, the Pallid Harrier finally put on a good show right in front of the car park. What a bird! I never thought I would get another chance to see this bird.
Not the best photos due to distance and heat haze, but it's on the list! The Pallid Harrier is still around today, so I am going back for second helpings. Thanks, Mark Garner, for an excellent find, and it just goes to show anything can turn up!
Birders enjoying the views of the Pallid Harrier