Harrier task force takes up bird protection duty

Apr 30 2008 by Liz Hands, The Journal

A PAIR of England’s rarest birds has returned to nest in Northumberland. More than 30 enthusiastic volunteers are helping to watch over the nesting hen harriers and are working day and night alongside RSPB officers and Forestry Commission rangers.

The harrier “task force”, led by former Royal Navy man Phil Curtis, is equipped with high-powered optics, cameras and night vision equipment. Other security measures are also in place in the area.

Only 15 successful hen harrier nests were recorded by the RSPB last year, including the birds who successfully raised five chicks at a nest in Tynedale, thanks to a 24-hour guard.

The RSPB and Forestry Commission believe it is the same pair who have now returned to the area.

Mr Curtis said: “The English hen harrier population is perilously low, so every one of these rare birds is precious and it’s wonderful news that a pair of these magnificent birds of prey is nesting in Northumberland.

“I am delighted that the adult harriers survived the winter and have returned to Tynedale. The male hen harrier’s spectacular courtship skydance this year has attracted a female.”

The nest watch is a partnership between the RSPB and the Forestry Commission with support from the Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club. Tom Dearnley, Forestry Commission ecologist, said: “It’s terrific news that the birds are back in Northumberland. Now the hard work starts in earnest to protect them and do all we can to allow chicks to fledge successfully. This is such a rare bird that every time a youngster leaves the nest, it’s great news for the harrier population and everyone involved.”

The RSPB and Forestry Commission fear that without intensive protection, the harriers would be at risk of being shot or their nest and eggs destroyed.

Research has shown that the uplands of England could support up to 200 pairs of nesting harriers, but only around a dozen pairs are usually successful in raising chicks – with the majority in one area of Lancashire.

Illegal killing or deliberate disturbance is the main reason that hen harriers are absent from almost all areas of suitable moorland in northern England.

The RSPB has launched a new campaign calling for an end to the illegal killing of birds of prey and asking members of the public to support their work to protect the species. For more information, click on www.rspb.org.uk/birdsofprey. A Hen Harrier Hotline has also been launched for people to report any sightings of harriers. The number is 0845 4600121 and reports of harrier sightings should include the date and location of sightings, with a six-figure grid reference where possible.