10/06/2020 A Red-footed Falcon on the South Downs

Wednesday 10 June 2010
near Beeding Hill on the South Downs

This afternoon I made the short trip by car to Beeding Hill to check out the red-legged falcon that had been reported on Rare Bird Alert.  After a 15 minute walk SE along Monarchs Way I joined other Sussex birders, at the bottom of the hill, who were already watching this lovely bird.

• Initially it was perched on a fence, 50 metres or so from us with its back to us - irritatingly!  It dropped to the ground, giving better views, before jumping back on to the fence.

courtesy of Ian Barnard and Twitter

• Soon it took flight and we were able to enjoy excellent flight views.

courtesy of Ian Barnard and Twitter

• It then landed on a fence, actually on Monarchs Way, on the opposite side of the hill to us.  The views were still very good.
• Things really got better when it was disturbed by a couple of walkers who were coming down the hill towards us.  The bird took flight and headed towards us, landing on a  fence post just 25 metres away.  We really were spoiled by the stunning close views.
• It then took flight again, this time flying up the hill on our side before landing on a fence post once again.

With clouds gathering and looking ominous, I headed back to the car park, arriving just in time as the heavens opened.

What a terrific birding experience - 45 minutes of pure bliss!