Marsh Harrier feeding the kids

The last pair of Marsh harrier chicks at Ham Wall (that I am aware of at least) fledged a few days ago.  The fledglings are much darker in colour than the adult with a light buff cap and dark mask over their eyes which makes them look like bandits.

At this stage the juveniles spend their days sitting in a bush, with a small cloud of flies buzzing around them, while their parents bring them food.  When the parent approaches their perch there's a fair bit of calling from the juveniles who then fly up to the parent and the food is transferred.  Once they have it secured they flap back to their perch in the bush.  

I was lucky enough to catch this process this morning.  Mum is top right in the shot and brought what looks to have been either a moor hen chick or coot chick to the youngsters in her claws, only dropping it for them when they were in range.  The first juvenile initially caught the food in its beak before letting it go and having to chase after it, while its sibling competed to get there first.  

I was absolutely delighted to have been patient enough to have caught this, even though it was further away than I would have wanted, but it made all the waiting very worthwhile.