May 20th,
I had just sat down in my car to have lunch at work, and one bite into my delicious cheese and pickle sandwich, my phone burst into life. Swiping to answer, I saw it was my good friend George Green and instantly thought, “What’s he seen now?” I answered with, “Hello, George,” and he replied, “Red-footed Falcon on the heath!” My first thought was, “Oh bugger, I’m at work.” George explained where the bird was and told me to give him a ring if I came up later so he could meet me. My mind raced would it still be there at 5 p.m., or should I go now? “Sod it,” I said to myself, “I’ve got to go now while I’m on lunch break.” Off I went, racing to the location but driving carefully.
After parking the car, I ran down the track, past the house and gate. I paused when I heard a Curlew calling, spotting it in the sky as it chased a Buzzard out of the area. Picking up my pace again, I rounded the corner and saw George, who signaled for me to slow down. “The bird still here?” I asked. “Right in front of you, in the dead tree,” came the reply. Lifting my binoculars, I saw him ; a magnificent male Red-footed Falcon, in full view. I wished I had my camera. I’ve seen RF Falcons before, but never a male, and what a stunner he was, with shades of blue-grey. After soaking in the sight and chatting with George, I figured it was time to get back to work.
Unfortunately, on May 21st,
# 143 Red-footed Falcon
