31/05/2015 Red-footed Falcon in Sussex

Sunday 31st May 2015
Barcombe, East Sussex

I never expected to see a rare bird today with such dreadful weather about.  However, as conditions improved in the afternoon, I was prompted by a text from Paul to go and see the female Red-footed Falcon that had been spotted by the River Ouse at Barcombe.
 

• Thankfully the falcon was showing well at the top of a dead tree as I arrived and I was able to get some excellent views before it flew off. 

female Red-footed Falcon
Library picture

• About 30 minutes later we saw it again being chased by a Hobby. 

• It then returned to the same tree where the gathered birders again enjoyed outstanding views.

• The red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus), formerly western red-footed falcon, is a bird of prey. It belongs to the family Falconidae, the falcons.

• This bird is found in eastern Europe and Asia although its numbers are dwindling rapidly due to habitat loss and hunting.

• It is migratory, wintering in Africa. It is a regular wanderer to western Europe,

Addition to BUBO 2015 UK Bird List:
Red-footed Falcon   (222)

A nice surprise!