Hen harrier chicks named by children
Jun 24 2008 by Graeme Whitfield, The Journal
THE five young hen harriers being reared in Northumberland have been adopted by a local school. Pupils at West Woodburn First School have named the harriers, which are all females, Rainbow Dancer, Blue Sky, Harriet, Speedy and Glider.
More than 30 volunteers are helping the RSPB and Forestry Commission protect the harrier family from any illegal human interference and the West Woodburn children will be following their progress over the coming months.
Headteacher Susan Beavers said: “The children and staff are thrilled and delighted to be able to adopt these rare young birds. The harrier adoption scheme is a brilliant way to teach youngsters more about these magnificent birds and the importance of looking after the environment.
“The children are excited about getting involved with the harrier family, and it’s fantastic that they have the opportunity to find out more about our local wildlife.”
RSPB education officer Emma Reed said: “It’s great news that West Woodburn First School is going to be following the fortunes of our young harriers and we’ll be keeping the children posted with all the latest news from the nest.
“They had great fun choosing the names for the harriers and have come up with some brilliant ideas.
“The names they selected really sum up everything that is special about these graceful birds.”
Hen harriers are one of England’s rarest birds and the project team is delighted that the Northumberland harriers are rearing five healthy chicks.
Although it is estimated that there should be more than 200 hen harriers nests in England, only 13 active nests are known in the whole of England this year.
