10:21am Thursday 23rd April 2009
The RSPB is asking Craven folk to report any sightings of one of England’s rarest birds of prey, the hen harrier.
The 2009 appeal for sightings of hen harriers has been launched in a bid to find out where these birds are trying to nest in northern England.
Hen harriers are one of the least familiar but most spectacular of the UK’s birds of prey.
The male bird performs a magnificent aerobatic display or “sky dance” in spring and provides food to his mate in spectacular food passes.
Peter Robertson, the RSPB’s conservation manager in Northern England said: “It’s great to enjoy watching and listening to birds such as curlews and skylarks while you’re outdoors, but we are again asking outdoor enthusiasts to look out for hen harriers.
“There have been sightings of hen harriers this year in some parts of the Peak District, but we have little information from the Yorkshire Dales or the North York Moors. Sightings from members of the public are vital to help us find new birds and new nesting areas.
“In 2008, reports of hen harriers received via the hotline contributed information that helped us monitor and protect these rare birds.”
It is estimated that the heather moors of England should have around 200 pairs of nesting hen harriers, but in 2008 there were only 10 successful nests in England. Most of these were in the Forest of Bowland.
Mr Robertson said: “Sadly, hen harriers are all too often the victims of illegal killing or their nests are illegally destroyed. If we receive information about the location of birds, we can monitor their progress and help to protect nests. People can also report suspected incidents of killing or disturbance, which we will investigate.”
Harriers are smaller than a buzzard and larger than a crow. They have long wings and long tails. They are often seen hunting low over the ground.
Male and female harriers have strikingly different plumage. The male has silver-grey upper-parts, white under-parts and black wing-tips. The female is larger and is dark brown with buff markings on the wings and a long grey-brown tail with a white band at the base.
Reports of hen harriers can be made to the Harrier Hotline on 0845 4600121 (charged at local rate). Details can be e-mailed to henharriers@rspb.org.uk. Reports should include the date and location, with a grid reference where possible.
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