Hoopoe - page 2.

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HOOPOE at Seacroft Golf Course on June 22nd 2002 by BRYAN TEW.

Seacroft Golf Course, Skegness photographed on October 3rd, 2001.

Apparently the bird was first seen there on September 24th 2001 and seemed to prefer feeding on the fairway of the second hole. Its presence there, however, was not without its hazards. Although it was generally tolerant of the passing golfers, many of whom were seen to pause during their rounds to admire the bird, I did see it being almost taken by a Sparrowhawk whilst I was trying to photograph it. The Hoopoe's reaction to the accipiter was to crouch with its wings partially open flat on the ground and its crest fully extended. This sudden flash of black-and-white in the plumage seemed to un-nerve the Sparrowhawk, which veered off to one side allowing the Hoopoe to make an escape. In a further attack by the Sparrowhawk in the air, the raising of the Hoopoe's crest in flight seemed to deter any further attacks and the Hoopoe was thus able to make a successful escape. On several occasions, the bouncing golf balls came within just a few feet of the bird, whilst it fed on the plentiful supply of worms and leather-jackets in the short turf. It is not known whether the golfers were deliberately trying to hit the bird to claim it as a trophy for the clubhouse!

Other Lincolnshire Hoopoe Photos.

Hoopoe at Seacroft, Sept 2001 © Mike Tarrant

Hoopoe at Seacroft, Sept 2001 © Iain H. Leach

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