Welcome To The Kingfisher Wildlife Diaries – John Bailey
March 30th 2010
Hawks in Norfolk
Over the last few months, I've become increasingly aware just how varied the hawk population is now within the Norfolk boundaries, often up and down the Wensum valley itself. Consulting my diary gives me a better memory of just how many different birds I've actually picked out.
Of course, kestrels always have been and remain our most common hawk. They appear to be doing well and I've counted scores since this time last year. 
However, there was a time when sparrow hawks were comparatively thin on the ground but I've seen a good number recently, the most vivid sighting taking place only a few weeks ago when a sparrow hawk shot down a dyke and took out a clucking moorhen. It was dramatic and it was deadly and the prey stood absolutely no chance. I now know a clutch of places where I can go with the reasonable certainty of seeing a marsh harrier or two. Wonderful birds, a wonderful experience watching them.
A bird increasingly common in Norfolk today is the buzzard. Not long ago, a sighting was incredibly rare but now I see them or hear them mewing on very many of my walks. And, just a few days ago, I even spotted a honey buzzard soaring high. What a great thrill that was.
Around Kingfisher, when the weather warms up, there's always the possibility of seeing that tiny hawk, the hobby, hunting in the meadows around. Last June I think it was I saw a particularly beautiful-looking bird picking off damselflies in the heat of a late afternoon.
Yet another reason to stay at Kingfishers.