Houston, we have lift off...

It was like a scene from Bushcraft. I was hiding in the bushes, breathing heavily and thinking in hushed tones but she still heard me and 'fliggied off'. I recall that was an expression we used as children and not one that Ray Mears uses regularly.

What seemed to be a smallish bird sprang into the air in VTO style then spread her wings and whooshed away. Not a lot of grace but a whole load of power, more ~ Chinook than Harrier. I've never seen a pic of these in action before so here are two. I'm quite amazed by the size and beauty of this bird.