A buzzard in a tree - to which I called "Hello Mr Buzzard" - then a minute later it swooped low over our heads as we cycled down a quiet lane, and kept descending until it was using ground effect, less than a metre off the tarmac. It carried on gliding close to the ground for what seemed like ages - checking up over its left shoulder to make sure we were not getting too close (I purposefully slowed to prolong the experience), every few seconds, just for a moment, then went back to looking where it was going (probably also looking for small birds, rodents, and oncoming cars). I also saw other buzzards and kestrels (one with a rodent) and a marsh harrier. All on the Dengie Peninsula.
