Standlake Pit 60: 7th January

Standlake Pit 60
Marsh Harrier: 'cream crown'. Unsure is this Cream Crown is a new individual or one from late autumn more faded/progressed in moult. I'm now unsure if post-juv Marsh Harriers can be aged or sexed on plumage alone owing to a paper in BB by Blanc et al (I forgot to mention to JD t'other day). Blanc et al's study concluded plumage variability was independent of sex and age. They advocate the recognition of this species as polymorphic, at least in some parts of its range. They include the UK in this range. In this French study hardly any adult males were classic grey birds. Interestingly, they suggest (more migratory?) MHs in "Northern Climes" are less variable, with plumage like field guide descriptions. Today's bird seen in flight or poor light looked 'female', but poss a bit slim: v pale under secs and inner prims and blackish under wing-tip (old 'fems' can have this though). Tail base worn chestnut, but dusky tip and (?) 2 new darker central tail feathers. Iris looked dull. Need better views. 18:35.
Cetti's Warbler: singing. 18:35.
Great White Egret 18:35.
12 Pintail: 7 m 5 f. 12 duck species if I include the Ring-Necked Ducks (M+F) and Red-crested Pochards on nearby waters. 18:35.

Mick Cunningham